Conflicting alternator info
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Mahomet Illinois
Conflicting alternator info
02 C5Z, have stock alternator which I assume is 110A. I am running a red top optima also. What I'm reading is that this combo should be able to handle the extra load a stereo amplifier would put on it but it's not keeping up with the 8ga wire and Alpine 600.1 @4ohm on an JL 10w3v3 and the lights dim. I am not using an extra battery or capacitor.I plan on upgrading the entire stereo because this is what came with the car and the bose system sucks.
I will be upgrading to a Soundstream TA5.1250 amp. It's a 5 channel amp with a 100A fuse with 4 gauge wire. The JL is staying and replacing all the door speakers with two component sets.
From what I'm reading is that the alternator can't be upgraded because the computer can't regulate the extra power? Is that correct?
So I guess my question is, can I upgrade my alternator to a 240A or do I just toss in another dry cell in the rear and be done with it?
I will be upgrading to a Soundstream TA5.1250 amp. It's a 5 channel amp with a 100A fuse with 4 gauge wire. The JL is staying and replacing all the door speakers with two component sets.
From what I'm reading is that the alternator can't be upgraded because the computer can't regulate the extra power? Is that correct?
So I guess my question is, can I upgrade my alternator to a 240A or do I just toss in another dry cell in the rear and be done with it?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 5
From: Loveland CO
If your lights are dimming when the bass his, they just add a 1 farad Capacitor and call it a day.. the Cap is a "Buffer" for the charging system to keep the lights from flickering when the bass hits. no since in wasting more money on the alternator and battery.
S
S
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
Try a couple of things.
Install a capacitor and try that first. It should help with the light flicker.
Upgrade the charging wiring or at least clean the connections of the stock wiring.
Crank the stereo and all other loads in the car. Hold the rpm around the range where you expect to normally be when driving. Then, monitor the battery voltage and make sure the alternator is keeping up. Best to monitor with a meter right at the battery.
I did a bunch of reading on the alternator and PCM. Apparently, you can use HPTuners and turn-off the monitoring of the alternator terminals in the PCM to get rid of the charging fault messages.
The alternator interface really isn't anything magical. In fact, there are many other alternators with the same 2 interface terminals. The problem appears to be that the PCM was programmed to be too damn picky when monitoring those terminals.
Install a capacitor and try that first. It should help with the light flicker.
Upgrade the charging wiring or at least clean the connections of the stock wiring.
Crank the stereo and all other loads in the car. Hold the rpm around the range where you expect to normally be when driving. Then, monitor the battery voltage and make sure the alternator is keeping up. Best to monitor with a meter right at the battery.
I did a bunch of reading on the alternator and PCM. Apparently, you can use HPTuners and turn-off the monitoring of the alternator terminals in the PCM to get rid of the charging fault messages.
The alternator interface really isn't anything magical. In fact, there are many other alternators with the same 2 interface terminals. The problem appears to be that the PCM was programmed to be too damn picky when monitoring those terminals.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 27
From: Torrance Calif
I spoke with MECHMAN and they offer a replacement that will work without throwing the warning light on.
It is for the C6, but works in the C5.
http://www.mechman.com/alternators/c...tte/1997-2004/
there is also:
http://nationsautoelectric.com/highamp-corvette.html
It is for the C6, but works in the C5.
http://www.mechman.com/alternators/c...tte/1997-2004/
there is also:
http://nationsautoelectric.com/highamp-corvette.html
Last edited by heavymetals; Jan 13, 2015 at 01:55 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
From the Mechman site
"NOTE: the use of this alternator will cause the "check battery" DTC code to stay activated, but this can be turned off with proper engine tuning software. Ask a sales rep for more details! "
Being a 1-wire alternator it certainly will throw charging system fault codes and messages.
Doesn't look like much of a deal unless they have an advertised, unlisted 4-wire version with the same wire connections that will work in the car properly.
"NOTE: the use of this alternator will cause the "check battery" DTC code to stay activated, but this can be turned off with proper engine tuning software. Ask a sales rep for more details! "
Being a 1-wire alternator it certainly will throw charging system fault codes and messages.
Doesn't look like much of a deal unless they have an advertised, unlisted 4-wire version with the same wire connections that will work in the car properly.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 27
From: Torrance Calif
From the Mechman site
"NOTE: the use of this alternator will cause the "check battery" DTC code to stay activated, but this can be turned off with proper engine tuning software. Ask a sales rep for more details! "
Being a 1-wire alternator it certainly will throw charging system fault codes and messages.
Doesn't look like much of a deal unless they have an advertised, unlisted 4-wire version with the same wire connections that will work in the car properly.
"NOTE: the use of this alternator will cause the "check battery" DTC code to stay activated, but this can be turned off with proper engine tuning software. Ask a sales rep for more details! "
Being a 1-wire alternator it certainly will throw charging system fault codes and messages.
Doesn't look like much of a deal unless they have an advertised, unlisted 4-wire version with the same wire connections that will work in the car properly.
I called them and spoke to applications.
They should put the info on their website.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 66
From: SoCal
https://www.dcpowerinc.com/fit/Chevr...21-180-hp.html
On description it says is does not throw a code. Direct replacement.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 27
From: Torrance Calif
I am in the same situation as you. I am looking at this one
https://www.dcpowerinc.com/fit/Chevr...21-180-hp.html
On description it says is does not throw a code. Direct replacement.
https://www.dcpowerinc.com/fit/Chevr...21-180-hp.html
On description it says is does not throw a code. Direct replacement.
On these high output alternators they do recommend you run redundant cables to the battery, I used 0 gauge on mine.
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