Do I need a higher amp rated alternator?

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Do I need a higher amp rated alternator?

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Mustang >> Ford Mustang Tech >> Audio/Visual Electronics >> Do I need a higher amp rated alternator?

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Do I need a higher amp rated alternator? - 5/5/2008 1:24:47 AM

94gtbuilder

Posts: 130
Joined: 1/24/2008
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I have a modest stereo in my 94 GT, two 12'' RF stage 1 punch's, and two infinity 6x9's. I have two amps and everything is powered to its rms rating. When I'm crusing, everything is generally fine, but at stop lights, and other momentary stops, my voltage gauge makes a serious jump to the left (lower voltage). My car doesn't stall or anything, but it probably would if i didnt pump the acellerator a lil. It's just really annoying having to turn down the volume and having to constantly watch my voltage gauge everytime i stop, takes away from the enjoyment ya know. Soo, my question is, if I upgrade to a 200 amp alternator, will it get rid of the problem. I don't really have much of a system tho, and i'm pretty positive the stock alternator is rated at 130 amps, which I thought would be suffient. Could it be something else perhaps? I wanted to do some upgrades to my stereo like some component speakers, and maybe some beefier subs, soo I figured 200 would work for that too, along with a dual cycle battery (read up on it) and a cap (no idea). Admist all the unnessacary stuff I added would a better alternator fix my current problem? haha "current" problem, good one lol. sorry....

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RE: Do I need a higher amp rated alternator? - 5/5/2008 2:00:32 AM

JTE_502

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Joined: 3/23/2008
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I can tell you one thing that you are about to be told many times...forget about getting a cap, they are useless paper weights. And the first thing you should upgrade should be the big three wires.

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RE: Do I need a higher amp rated alternator? - 5/5/2008 4:40:51 AM

excelerater

Posts: 45
Joined: 4/30/2008
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Nah........Big 3 upgrade is in your future ...Cap's are usless junk........
I run 1800 watts in my silverado with stock ALT and just a big 3 upgrade,I get very little voltage drop now
PLUS the volt gauge now reads about .5 volts higher (14.9)

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RE: Do I need a higher amp rated alternator? - 5/5/2008 7:02:24 AM

rob3980

Posts: 220
Joined: 8/22/2007
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Even if you get your current alternator beefed up by a local alternator shop when you stop at the lights it will still drop quite a bit your best bet is to get a Stinger or Ohio Generator alternator, they r expensive but well worth it.

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RE: Do I need a higher amp rated alternator? - 5/5/2008 7:04:11 AM

rob3980

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Joined: 8/22/2007
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Oh ya one more thing DONT GET A CAP! Order goes like this ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, CAP

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RE: Do I need a higher amp rated alternator? - 5/5/2008 7:34:45 AM

disturbed471985

Posts: 1116
Joined: 7/11/2006
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big 3 and have a good day.

no cap no need for larger alt no need for deep cycles u just need better connections. problem solved

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RE: Do I need a higher amp rated alternator? - 5/5/2008 7:48:25 AM

ttocs

Posts: 4342
Joined: 2/27/2006
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are you running under drive pullies? You can bump your idle up just a hair to correct this problem.

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RE: Do I need a higher amp rated alternator? - 5/5/2008 9:45:15 AM

joeybutts

Posts: 1473
Joined: 6/28/2006
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big 3 and check all connections. Never a cap. you should have no problem with that system on a stock alt.

What size is your power wire?

< Message edited by joeybutts -- 5/5/2008 9:47:36 AM >

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RE: Do I need a higher amp rated alternator? - 5/5/2008 11:14:16 AM

94gtbuilder

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What are the big 3?

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RE: Do I need a higher amp rated alternator? - 5/5/2008 11:47:25 AM

mattlowe01

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quote:

What are these Big 3?

1. The (+) Altenator to the Battery

2. The Battery (-) to the Chasis

3. The Engine (-) to the Chasis

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RE: Do I need a higher amp rated alternator? - 5/5/2008 7:30:30 PM

94gtbuilder

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What gauge wire does it need to be upgraded to?

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RE: Do I need a higher amp rated alternator? - 5/5/2008 8:12:34 PM

mattlowe01

Posts: 396
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Well... cant have too much, can you? Id say 4ga.

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RE: Do I need a higher amp rated alternator? - 5/5/2008 8:14:17 PM

mattlowe01

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http://www.edesignaudio.com/index.php?cPath=1_76_28_56

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RE: Do I need a higher amp rated alternator? - 5/5/2008 9:22:31 PM

94gtbuilder

Posts: 130
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Thanks man, I'll get that on order.

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RE: Do I need a higher amp rated alternator? - 5/5/2008 9:25:08 PM

JTE_502

Posts: 97
Joined: 3/23/2008
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quote:

ORIGINAL: JTE_502

I can tell you one thing that you are about to be told many times...forget about getting a cap, they are useless paper weights. And the first thing you should upgrade should be the big three wires.

(in reply to JTE_502)

Post #: 15

RE: Do I need a higher amp rated alternator? - 5/6/2008 8:14:27 AM

ttocs

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Joined: 2/27/2006
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it is not a kit per say that you can order. You will need 4 awg power and ground wire and half a dozen ring terminals to make it.

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RE: Do I need a higher amp rated alternator? - 5/6/2008 10:24:24 AM

disturbed471985

Posts: 1116
Joined: 7/11/2006
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ttoc ed sells complete kits now.

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1988 Ford Mustang CHP Streetfighter Pro block Forged everything. ARP Bolts. TF Box-R Series intake.AFR 205 heads (o-ringed)(HD) Vortech V-1 T-Trim charger, Aeromotive fuel. PA Super Comp C4 Eaton + Superior 33 Spline axles 9.726@141

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RE: Do I need a higher amp rated alternator? - 5/6/2008 8:40:30 PM

94gtbuilder

Posts: 130
Joined: 1/24/2008
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I guess I already have 4 gauge wire except for the wire running to the alternator, soo i really dont need that kit. I will however, take care of that pretty soon.

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