C4 Alternator question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Las Vegas Nevada
C4 Alternator question
Wondering what size(amp) alternator I should look at using in my 87. Also what size the stock one is.
I have electric pumps (12v) that are claimed to draw 24-55amps. I also have a Kenwood HU and a 120x4 amp, and probably put a 100-200x1/2 in at some point, no idea what any of that draws. Also all the normal stuff in the car, minus climate control and smog.
My guess would be to add ~60amps over whatever a stock Alt puts out, but I dont know what stock puts out... Also, is if feasible to run dual alternators to a single battery if I were not able to get one alternator thats high enough amp?
You can probably tell I know little about electric systems... So any help is appreciated.
Matt
I have electric pumps (12v) that are claimed to draw 24-55amps. I also have a Kenwood HU and a 120x4 amp, and probably put a 100-200x1/2 in at some point, no idea what any of that draws. Also all the normal stuff in the car, minus climate control and smog.
My guess would be to add ~60amps over whatever a stock Alt puts out, but I dont know what stock puts out... Also, is if feasible to run dual alternators to a single battery if I were not able to get one alternator thats high enough amp?
You can probably tell I know little about electric systems... So any help is appreciated.
Matt
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Re: C4 Alternator question (VetteRacer282)
Your stock alt is 105 amp. With what you have listed as being in the car you will be fine with about 140 to 160 amp alt. You certainly don't need two alts. They make high output alts that put out much more power than you will need. You can look here for some high output GM alts for your car.
http://www.alternatorparts.com/
http://www.alternatorparts.com/
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Las Vegas Nevada
Re: C4 Alternator question (The^Nomad)
Any idea of that 105amps the car uses stock?
Any way to measure?
Whats a normal HU and what range do Amps draw?
Can the alternator be overdone? Like if I were to just get a 200amp, would it cause problems?
BTW, I have an Optima red top if that matters..
Matt
Any way to measure?
Whats a normal HU and what range do Amps draw?
Can the alternator be overdone? Like if I were to just get a 200amp, would it cause problems?
BTW, I have an Optima red top if that matters..
Matt
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From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: C4 Alternator question (VetteRacer282)
You cannot overdo the alternator rating if the output wire and fusible link are changed to handle the alternator output. The alternator rating merely tells what the alternator can deliver continuously.
Safety Car
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From: San Jose CA
Re: C4 Alternator question (VetteRacer282)
I am running with a stock alternator, and have an Alpine 7894 HU(60wx4) driving 2 dash 4x6 plates, an Alpine 75wx4 amp, driving 5 1/4's in the door and 6 x 9's in the rear. I can run the heater full blast, at night with the headlights and fog lamps, plus the rear defroster with no problem at all That include sitting in traffic at idle, in the rain for 20 minutes waiting for an accident to clear. I did eventually turn down the heater fan, since it did warm up.
I monitored the alternator output becasue I was concerned, and it stayed pretty solid at 14.2, 14.3 volts, which is very normal for my car.
How long it will last under these conditions may be another story. Time will tell.
[Modified by Grzldvt, 10:15 AM 2/17/2003]
I monitored the alternator output becasue I was concerned, and it stayed pretty solid at 14.2, 14.3 volts, which is very normal for my car.
How long it will last under these conditions may be another story. Time will tell.
[Modified by Grzldvt, 10:15 AM 2/17/2003]
