Should i upgrade my alternatlr

[ENDER_XVICM 10+ year member]

is there any way that I can check the current draw from an alternator while I have all my electrical stuff on, not including the stereo?

 

[ENDER_XVICM 10+ year member]

another thing i have seen is people with two alternators. I could go to the junkyard and get one for 20 bucks. How difficult is this to get working. I know I would have to make a custom mounting bracket for it but that wouldent be a problem for me. it is the electrical side I am not as good at.

 

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

Generally the hardest part of a dual alt setup is finding room for it, making the brackets, and getting the belt right. Another option you have is checking with your local alternator shop to find out how much a respin would cost. Usually less output than a true H.O. unit, but also less money (if available for your vehicle). Its a good in-between choice.

I have an amprobe that will tell the amount of current passing thru a wire when placed between the leads. I got it from my old man. Its made for 120 volt I think, I haven't played with it yet. I need to find out if it will work on lower voltage.

 

[lyttleviet 10+ year member]

everyone is saying add a 2nd battery.. That just adds more to your electrical system for the alternator to charge.... If you are keeping that on for a prolonged period of time, I'd suggest getting a H/O alternator anyway.

 

[ENDER_XVICM 10+ year member]

Would a free 3F cap be of any benefit to this situation?

 

[lyttleviet 10+ year member]

Would a free 3F cap be of any benefit to this situation?

It wouldn't.... In the end, its just something else the alternator has to charge.. PM sent //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

everyone is saying add a 2nd battery.. That just adds more to your electrical system for the alternator to charge.... If you are keeping that on for a prolonged period of time, I'd suggest getting a H/O alternator anyway.

I have never liked this reasoning. The second battery will only be drained the amount required to support the current draws needs applied to it. If your alt can't keep up with charging the second battery, the problem is not too much storage capacity, its too little supply from the alt. The only real disadvantage you get when adding more batts is you add the internal resistance of the batt to the circuit. That will equate to a slightly higher circuit resistance, but Ive found most times that is far out weighed by the benefits of having a power storage device very near the amplifiers, which eliminates the needs for those large current draw spikes from transient bass notes to be supplied solely through the long run of wire from your front battery.

 

[jco1385 5,000+ posts]

i had a stock alt. hella dimming

added the YT in the back. never EVER dimmed even a little. so i don't believe that either.