waht to expect from a "smart alternator"

[BIGTOSH 10+ year member]

just got an 2011 sonata. it has a 110a altternator. the desription says its a smart alt. meaning it only charges when you decelerate not while accelerating. so how will this affect me when i install my gear? im only looking to ron around 8to900 wts rms. will that be a problem? any imfo would be great

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[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

Expect to need good batteries. The ECU controls the alt to keep from drawing power from the engine while the car is accelerating. It saves a few ponies and allows the car to get up to speed. Gotta love weak *** engines.

 

[norrizzle90 10+ year member]

it means youll get more DB'z when you're parked.

 

[BIGTOSH 10+ year member]

Funny thing about this is that I decided to take the car back to dealer! Now looking for another truck to add to the stable

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

As much as I liked my Nissan Frontier, it was not very friendly when it comes to adding amps. The factor battery terminal has fusing built in meaning that it can't really easily be replaced. Additionally, even doing the big 3 correctly in almost impossible since the factory battery ground has a current sensor on it that controls the alternator via the ECU. For ease of system install a domestic is the way to go.