Will this alternator be enough?

[twister 10+ year member]

I have a 2003 Dodge Neon SXT with, I think it's an 85 amp alternator. I'm installing an Audiobahn A12001DT which is rated at 1200RMS @ 1 Ohm. Will a 120 amp alternator be enough with the big 3 upgrade or will I need a higher amp alternator?

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[iceteebone 5,000+ posts]

it should. try it and see

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

120A in a car like that should be good for 2000w or more. I've got a 110A in a car with quite a bit of stock electrical demand running about 1200w and never get below 14v.

 

[PhatTonyDeMarco 5,000+ posts]

I think you would be allright with the stock altenator, but if you must upgrade, than 120 should be sufficient.

 

[chinny 5,000+ posts]

Hey, i have an Excessive Amperage alternator 170a h/o alt for sale if your interested. Its for all neons.

 

[PhatTonyDeMarco 5,000+ posts]

Hey, i have an Excessive Amperage alternator 170a h/o alt for sale if your interested. Its for all neons.

I just finally got around to putting in my 220A alt from Nathan in today //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[chinny 5,000+ posts]

I just finally got around to putting in my 220A alt from Nathan in today //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

Isnt it a big improvement?

 

[civicgirl]

Hi guys, i have a 12inch type r installed with an amp driving it along with some components sets driven by an amp as well and my lights are dimming. Its in a 2000 Honda Civic Coupe. What size alternator do you think I should get? Also if I take my car to a mechanic and tell him I want the "Big 3" done, will he now what the hell im talking about? What should I do first the Big 3 or alternator and what size alternator should I get?

 

[PhatTonyDeMarco 5,000+ posts]

Hi guys, i have a 12inch type r installed with an amp driving it along with some components sets driven by an amp as well and my lights are dimming. Its in a 2000 Honda Civic Coupe. What size alternator do you think I should get? Also if I take my car to a mechanic and tell him I want the "Big 3" done, will he now what the hell im talking about? What should I do first the Big 3 or alternator and what size alternator should I get?

The first thing you should do is the big three, it is simply three wires that you are adding to raise the stability of your electrical system. If you asked a mechanic to do it I doubt he would have a clue what you are talking about... Even a car audio shop might think you are crazy, they might know what it is but under a different name (the audio shop that is, not the mechanic.) The Big Three is really an easy upgrade that can be done yourself, which I reccomend.

If you still have dimming after the Big Three, then start thinking about an altenator.

 

[civicgirl]

Ok thanks and I should buy 0/1 awg power wire? Where would be a good place to get this from?

 

[Raven 10+ year member]

http://www.weldingsupply.com

1/0 will be plenty. I ran it in 4 guage (since I have lots of it) and it's kept my stock (90amp) charging system at 14.5v with around 1500 watts.

 

[chinny 5,000+ posts]

http://www.weldingsupply.com
1/0 will be plenty. I ran it in 4 guage (since I have lots of it) and it's kept my stock (90amp) charging system at 14.5v with around 1500 watts.

while in a bass note?

 

[twister 10+ year member]

Thanks, I ordered the alternator today. I'm going to be using 4 gauge wire to upgrade the big 3, would it be alright to use a 300A fuse for the atlernator to battery wire? The only reason I was planning on using a 300A was because in the future, I'm probably going to be redoing everything with 1/0 gauge so that'd just save me some time if I already have the correct size fuse. The battery cable that is already in place runs from the battery (+) to the starter and then from the starter to the alternator. Can I just run the new cable directly from the alternator to the battery or does it need to go to the starter?

Here is the alternator I ordered:

Where will I need to hook up the 4 gauge wire at? I'm thinking it's where the black piece of plastic is, but I'm not completely sure.

 

[xmax-1 10+ year member]

Thanks, I ordered the alternator today. I'm going to be using 4 gauge wire to upgrade the big 3, would it be alright to use a 300A fuse for the atlernator to battery wire? The only reason I was planning on using a 300A was because in the future, I'm probably going to be redoing everything with 1/0 gauge so that'd just save me some time if I already have the correct size fuse. The battery cable that is already in place runs from the battery (+) to the starter and then from the starter to the alternator. Can I just run the new cable directly from the alternator to the battery or does it need to go to the starter?
Here is the alternator I ordered:

Where will I need to hook up the 4 gauge wire at? I'm thinking it's where the black piece of plastic is, but I'm not completely sure.

Yes, you can go from the alternator straight to the + on the battery, and you are correct, the output post on the alternator is where that "BLACK" plastic housing is. Notice on the housing of the alt (where the black is) says "BAT".

 

[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

Thanks, I ordered the alternator today. I'm going to be using 4 gauge wire to upgrade the big 3, would it be alright to use a 300A fuse for the atlernator to battery wire? The only reason I was planning on using a 300A was because in the future, I'm probably going to be redoing everything with 1/0 gauge so that'd just save me some time if I already have the correct size fuse. The battery cable that is already in place runs from the battery (+) to the starter and then from the starter to the alternator. Can I just run the new cable directly from the alternator to the battery or does it need to go to the starter?

DO NOT use a larger fuse than the wire can handle. That's just ASKING for a fire. 4awg should be fused at a MAX of 150A.

Don't do something stupid that could jepordize your safety.