Vehicles amperage draw?

[Lurius 10+ year member]

Well I am looking into upgrading my alternator sometime after I finish off this current project, but have a question or two.

Alright, my stock alternator is putting out 105A max, there is a HO model that came with some similar trucks, and the alternator is interchangable. I can get this HO model for about 80-120$, it puts out around 145A peak. My headunit and amps have a combined fuse rating of 130A, but I am trying to go a little overboard with the alt upgrade incase I have any future upgrades to audio, etc. Will 145A be enough to keep my battery charged with all accessories on(ac/heater, lights, etc) while playing my music at a decent volume, or do I need to go a little higher, like 200A?

-Lurius

PS: I hope the way I have worded this isnt too confusing lol.

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[DiamondFanatic 10+ year member]

I would probably step it up to the 200amp version while you were putting your time into changing it out. What kind of truck is this? Ford F-series? Last I checked into it the going rate for having your alt rewound to 200amps for that truck in my neck of the woods was just over $200. That would be the better option in my opinion for a system of your size, assuming your budget allows.

 

[Lurius 10+ year member]

Its a Silverado. Where would I call locally to find about having my alt rewound?

-Lurius

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

145A should provide a LOT of headroom over the stock electronics.

Bigger of course wouldn't hurt, but I really doubt 145A wouldn't cover it. 130A of amp fuses doesn't equate to THAT big of a system. I have a similar sized set up with a 110A alt and my dimming is very slight.

 

[Johnny Drama 5,000+ posts]

Its a Silverado. Where would I call locally to find about having my alt rewound?
-Lurius

This guy does good work.

Alternators Unlimited

Address: 904 S Mill St, Lewisville, TX 75057 Phone:(972) 221-4270

So do these guys, but they are pricey...

Auto Electric Systems Inc

Address: 11361 Emerald St, Dallas, TX 75229 Phone:(972) 241-2077

By the way...$200 will get you a 200a HO lt from excessive amperage. Just a thought.

Have you done the "big 3" upgrade? I have ran 1kw off my stock chevy 105a alt. Just some other ideas.