Chevy Sonic Electrical Upgrades

[slhendey 0]

So I have a delima. I have a Chevy Sonic and the stock alternator is only 100 amps. I cannot find an upgrade for it nor can I find anyone that can rebuild it to have higher output. My question is, what can I do to upgrade it? I have already done the big 3 and upgraded the stock battery. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[altoncustomtech 773]

Hey there fellow Hoosier!

 

Who have you talked to so far about it?  I would imagine if you've talked to the likes of Mechman or DC Power and there's nothing they can do for/with the alternator then you're just SOL until which time they or someone does have something available for it.  Most people who've had this dilemma add at least a second battery depending on the power they're running and rely on the banked battery reserve.

[jcarter1885 994]

As far as what you have installed in the vehicle car audio wise would work wonders in us answering your question?

[Sencheezy 689]

You can take it to a local mechanical shop whom would "rebuild" it. I'm sure you can send the alternator itself to someone like Iraggi Alternator or Singer Alternator and they could do the same.

[slhendey 0]

I've tried half a dozen local shops and they all have told me that the particlar can't be rebuilt. I currently have an Alpine MRP-M1000 powering a Sundown X-15 but I would like to upgrade my amp to maybe something around 1500 watts. I considered adding a second battery but not sure if my puny alternator can keep up.

[Sencheezy 689]

Ok, a few of my recommendations

 

First, buy a volt meter, that way you can see what state you're currently in.

Next, upgrade all your wiring and their contact points (sand down to shiny silver lol)

I would suggest something like 2/0 welding. Local price should be around 3$/foot picked up.

Use that to do your big 3 upgrade.

Fit the largest AGM battery you can under your head. And fit the largest AGM battery you can in the rear. I would suggest something like the Sears Platinum if you're on a budget. 

 

After those upgrades, and 1500 watts, you should be ok. also, you're not going to hear a difference in 500 watts. If you do, it's because the ratings of the amps are incorrect. 

Yes your alt will be able to "keep up".