2000 Corvette alternator upgrade
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
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2000 Corvette alternator upgrade
Hey y'all!
I just did a subwoofer install on my 2000 FRC and whenever the bass hits, the volts from the DIC drop from 13.x to 11.x then back to 13.x. I still have the original 110amp alternator and I figure it's not enough. I saw some posts of alternator upgrades but none of them say any upgrades that wont throw the "charge system fault" code. I also saw that the 02-04 C5s have the 145 amp alternator but it could throw the charging system fault. What would be a good upgrade that wont throw that charging system fault code?
I just did a subwoofer install on my 2000 FRC and whenever the bass hits, the volts from the DIC drop from 13.x to 11.x then back to 13.x. I still have the original 110amp alternator and I figure it's not enough. I saw some posts of alternator upgrades but none of them say any upgrades that wont throw the "charge system fault" code. I also saw that the 02-04 C5s have the 145 amp alternator but it could throw the charging system fault. What would be a good upgrade that wont throw that charging system fault code?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Dyer, IN
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
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It happened at around 65-70mph in 6th gear so maybe 1400-1700rpm?
Today it the volt meter in the DIC was reading 12.6Volts. that tells me that the battery wasn't charging. Also when it starts, the car stays a steady 13.7 then it drops to about a 12.8/12.9 with the AC on.
I wasn't the one who installed it so that I honestly can't tell you. I have the kicker 1200.1 amp.
Today it the volt meter in the DIC was reading 12.6Volts. that tells me that the battery wasn't charging. Also when it starts, the car stays a steady 13.7 then it drops to about a 12.8/12.9 with the AC on.
I wasn't the one who installed it so that I honestly can't tell you. I have the kicker 1200.1 amp.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,131
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From: Espanola New Mexico
Let me begin by saying that I am by no means an expert on car audio systems. A upgraded alternator by itself will not provide enough power to correct the voltage drop when the bass hits. You have to have heavier gauge wire for the amplifier power, my previous advice to add some audio system capacitors is still valid, some people even add a small secound battery. The cars power system has to have enough capacity for the amplifier.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
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Good morning
You're correct, I installed the 150amp alternator from a 2002-2004 corvette and it maintaining 13v+ with the audio off. I'm going to install a capacitor and see if that helps. Also looking at the wire they used, it looks like 0 gauge.
You're correct, I installed the 150amp alternator from a 2002-2004 corvette and it maintaining 13v+ with the audio off. I'm going to install a capacitor and see if that helps. Also looking at the wire they used, it looks like 0 gauge.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2013
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As an update y'all, the O'Reilly Ultima 150amp alternator from the newer C5 corvettes do not throw the "DIC fault" code. However their "Factory replacement" 110amp alternator throws the DIC charging fault lol. Also, using a healthy 78 AGM battery I do not have any issues with the lights dimming or charging even when the sub is bumping. I would recommend the upgrade for those who need more amps.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Dyer, IN
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