I was on my way to work the other day and my alternator went, i got a rebuilt one for about 60$ and then put it in ... works fine and all but my question is ... since i have a system wired up to my car the amp is wired to the battery ... would that cause me to lose power to my car (or @!#$ the alternator)
Only if the demands of the audio system are greater than what the alt can put out max. Keep in mind that the charging system in your car was designed to met the demands of slightly more than the minimum needed under full-load (all factory installed things on while the engine is idling), so anything that asks for more than that will cause trouble. Also, that battery acts like a capacitor... It builds up & stores energy to be drawn from on demand. The duty the charging system is to replenish & maintain the battery's charge level as as the engine runs, so if it's output isn't up to snuff you'll see a lower than average (13.1-14.9v @ idle) voltage reading on any voltage gauge you may have. If so, look at a higher output alt from the aftermaket to install. And when you do, increase the gauge of the battery output wire & in-line fusible-link running from the alternator (The big,lone red wire attached to a stud on the back of the alt) to handle the increased current flow without burnin'-up.
Go beyond the "bolt-on".
do a search for the BIG 3 upgrade see if that helps first if not see if you can find a biggler alt like i know the 3800s have a 105A but the 3800 cop cars had a 125A or 150A can't remember which one exactly
JBO since July 30, 2001
Lord knows I've seen super-duty alts offered for the LN2 S-truck in one of my aftermarket catalogs (One of the more reputable ones: LMC Truck), so it's possible. Heck, I've even seen ultra-duty ones made for the off-road market that crank-out 220A & have a built-on arc-welder box attachment.
Go beyond the "bolt-on".
with an arc welder attachment? wow. never seen that, though, don't think that could happen. . . considering the ridiculous power needed.
I'm currently running the 220A max output alt with the big 3 upgrade. and I'm not even a big stereo guy.
the larger alts can be a great thing to have, but A) depends on where you get it from, and what they guarantee it for. the ones I build, are guaranteed for 100A at idle with a 3" pulley.
Oh they're real, alright. There are even 240A unit or greater. But like I said, they're sold to the off-roading aftermarket. Seeing how in wheelin' that if anything can break, and it most likely it will, this makes perfect sense for trailside repairs to axle-hubs, suspension & steering, chassis & even transfer-cases. It's been done, and this lil' baby is a life saver.
Go beyond the "bolt-on".
