alternator upgrade..have ?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,186
Likes: 45
From: detroit area
alternator upgrade..have ?
i have a 85? amp alternator and want to upgrade to a 140amp to help power up my audio system...... do i have to upgrade any other wiring to the fuse panel or anything else?.......
b
b
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Augusta GA
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,921
Likes: 2
From: York PA
run a 8 gauge or larger wire from the battery post on the alternator to the battery post on the starter. Keep the stock wire connected that runs from the alternator to the battery. This is the easiest way. 
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Do not go with the one wire alternators. I did and regret it. I have a 150 amp truck alternator and a number 6 wire going directly to the positive lead on the starter solenoid.
A one wire reads the voltage off the alternator and if you have a heavy draw under the dash this type of sensor doesn't repond properly.
If you go with a remote sensor it boosts the alternator output to maintain about 14 volts under the dash by upping the alternator output even as high as 16 volts. If you run a remote sensor and a direct line to the battery it overcharges the battery because now the dash sees 14 volts, the alternator sees 16 volts and you battery sees alternator voltage and overcharges.
I would stick with the 3 wire and larger alternator.
A one wire reads the voltage off the alternator and if you have a heavy draw under the dash this type of sensor doesn't repond properly.
If you go with a remote sensor it boosts the alternator output to maintain about 14 volts under the dash by upping the alternator output even as high as 16 volts. If you run a remote sensor and a direct line to the battery it overcharges the battery because now the dash sees 14 volts, the alternator sees 16 volts and you battery sees alternator voltage and overcharges.
I would stick with the 3 wire and larger alternator.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,375
Likes: 788
From: Redondo Beach, California
Originally Posted by bs82vette
A year ago, Mark was having some health problems. Wonder if he's OK. Anyone know????
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 7,186
Likes: 45
From: detroit area
so, what's the difference in the number of wires for alternators...i.e. 1 wire/4 wire etc....... i was gonna run 4 gauge from the alternator to the battery..... since i have new digital gauges that i tapped into a wire 12volt at the battery then would i have any issues with over charging (does that sound right?)... so i guess if i go with a 3 wire then what wires go to what.....cause i have a 4 wire right now....... 1 ground/1hott/1 sensor?....not really sure..... educate me right quick.....
thanks
b
thanks
b
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by onaqwst
so, what's the difference in the number of wires for alternators...i.e. 1 wire/4 wire etc....... i was gonna run 4 gauge from the alternator to the battery..... since i have new digital gauges that i tapped into a wire 12volt at the battery then would i have any issues with over charging (does that sound right?)... so i guess if i go with a 3 wire then what wires go to what.....cause i have a 4 wire right now....... 1 ground/1hott/1 sensor?....not really sure..... educate me right quick.....
thanks
b
thanks
b
http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...hreewire.shtml
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
