I own a 2003 sunfire which currently has a 105amp alternator. I was looking to run about 1300rms off it, but I know the alternator isn't big enough. The problem I'm having is that I can't find anyone who builds a high output alternator for my car, and I looked into getting it rebuilt, but I can't do that either. I don't know what to do. Are there any specialists for problems like this, or am I screwed?

Edited May 7, 201015 yr by Ginobli07

I already have an Optima battery, not sure if a second one for reserve would help enough.

I am kind of in the same boat as you. So far, for my car at least (2000 Volvo S40), only Ohio Generator and Irragi carry alternators that fit my car. Have you contacted them yet? They seem to have quite an expansive collection of alternators. I am yet to call DC power, but they are worth a try as well.

I am kind of in the same boat as you. So far, for my car at least (2000 Volvo S40), only Ohio Generator and Irragi carry alternators that fit my car. Have you contacted them yet? They seem to have quite an expansive collection of alternators. I am yet to call DC power, but they are worth a try as well.

I looked online at there sites. No dice

More info:

I currently have the 500/1v2 and the 300/4v2, as you can tell by my signature. I'm thinking of going to a 1000/1v2 or a RF T1500-1CP. If I add all the fuse ratings for the amps, 1000/1 and 300/4, it is 140amps, otherwise I don't know how to calculate. I can tell I need a little bit more power by the current output of my sub. It's still fairly new but it can take more power, up to 1000rms, so I wanted to give it all 1000. With my amp's, 500/1, gain set the way it is now I get voltage drops from 14.1 to about 12.5 (capacitor display) at idle (lights and blower motor on) on big notes. I have an 8 farad cap, 4awg power wire, an Optima yellow top battery, and the Big 3 done.

You might try contacting them. They might be able to make you one.

how do you know the alt isn't big enough? i would say it is for only ~1400 watts, epically with two batteries. get a volt meter and see what your voltage does with the two batteries, you should do this with just the one battery to see if you even need the second. take it one step at a time, should save you money in the long run. Dont forget to do the Big three as well!

Hope That Helps

Edit: damn, you guys are too quick, see next post lol

i would say take the cap out. upgrade to 1/0 gauge wire. get a new volt meter, and do the big 3 in the 1/0 as well, see what that does for you.

how do you know the alt isn't big enough? i would say it is for only ~1400 watts, epically with two batteries. get a volt meter and see what your voltage does with the two batteries, you should do this with just the one battery to see if you even need the second. take it one step at a time, should save you money in the long run. Dont forget to do the Big three as well!

Hope That Helps

Dumb question alert, where do you recommend testing with the DMM? At the amp, battery, etc...

testing voltage? i have my volt meter set up to my amp, so i can see exactly what it it receiving. when i say volt meter i mean something like this wire that to the amp

Have you contacted Excessive Amperage for a H/O ALT? He may be able to take care of you.

Edited May 7, 201015 yr by C3 Customs

testing voltage? i have my volt meter set up to my amp, so i can see exactly what it it receiving. when i say volt meter i mean something like this wire that to the amp

So I see Okay. I'm also thinking of a second battery.

like i said before. i would upgrade the power wire and big 3 in 1/0 and remove the cap. install the new voltage meter and see how bad your voltage is then. if needed go for a second battery (wouldn't hurt anyways, but no reason to get it if you dont need it, eh'?)

like i said before. i would upgrade the power wire and big 3 in 1/0 and remove the cap. install the new voltage meter and see how bad your voltage is then. if needed go for a second battery (wouldn't hurt anyways, but no reason to get it if you dont need it, eh'?)

No it wouldn't hurt. Lol. Why should I take the cap out?

like i said before. i would upgrade the power wire and big 3 in 1/0 and remove the cap. install the new voltage meter and see how bad your voltage is then. if needed go for a second battery (wouldn't hurt anyways, but no reason to get it if you dont need it, eh'?)

No it wouldn't hurt. Lol. Why should I take the cap out?

The Alt is the power source for your car, the more batteries, caps you have in your car the more work the alt has to do as it has to charge all parts in the system. The usual reasoning for removing a cap is because you have enough power from your alt and enough reserve power in your battery to bridge most amperage draws.

If upgrading your alt is not possible, then a bigger battery would be an alternative as it can deliver more amperage over a longer period of time versus a capacitor.

like i said before. i would upgrade the power wire and big 3 in 1/0 and remove the cap. install the new voltage meter and see how bad your voltage is then. if needed go for a second battery (wouldn't hurt anyways, but no reason to get it if you dont need it, eh'?)

No it wouldn't hurt. Lol. Why should I take the cap out?

The Alt is the power source for your car, the more batteries, caps you have in your car the more work the alt has to do as it has to charge all parts in the system. The usual reasoning for removing a cap is because you have enough power from your alt and enough reserve power in your battery to bridge most amperage draws.

If upgrading your alt is not possible, then a bigger battery would be an alternative as it can deliver more amperage over a longer period of time versus a capacitor.

Will transients or quality suffer if I took the cap out?

Transients and Quality usually do not suffer -again if you have enough reserve power. If you are pulling enough amperage to cause a strain on your system now, I will say that you will have some minor transient inconveniences, with removal of the cap if no changes are made in your charging system. My suggestion would be to try and upgrade your alt first. Along with doing the big 3 in 1/0 ga wire.

Okay. I have dual wires running off my alternator now (8awg stock (goes to the starter than to the battery) and 4awg (straight to the battery)). I would think that would be more than enough with a 105 amp alternator. The grounds are redone too. Wouldn't 1/0awg be complete overkill?

1/0 may appear to be overkill but when your systems needs power, you have less resistance. And when it comes to your charging system there is no such thing as overkill, better to have too much power on tap then not enough.

Edit: grammer

Edited May 7, 201015 yr by C3 Customs

1/0 may appear to be overkill but when your systems needs power, you have less resistance. And it comes to your charging system there is no such thing as overkill, better to have too much power on tap then not enough.

Okay I'll check it out

less resistance=higher voltage=easier on the amps if you are going to upgrade your amp power wire to 1/0 there is no reason not to do it to your b 3 as well.

Why you don't need a capacitor - Realm of Excursion

^^ reason for taking the cap out^^

Adding another battery will help. Not as effective as a HO alt, but it does help.

Why you don't need a capacitor - Realm of Excursion

^^ reason for taking the cap out^^

Long explanation, but really helpful

I am kind of in the same boat as you. So far, for my car at least (2000 Volvo S40), only Ohio Generator and Irragi carry alternators that fit my car. Have you contacted them yet? They seem to have quite an expansive collection of alternators. I am yet to call DC power, but they are worth a try as well.

I looked online at there sites. No dice

I have found one now, but it's $500 (275 amps; wayyy overkill). The original part number for my alternator is 334-1468 (AC Delco). If anyone is feeling ambitious would you mind helping me look please?

The site I found was this: HO Alternator