Replacement Alternator Options for High HP?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas NV
St. Jude Donor '10
Replacement Alternator Options for High HP?
I've been starting to get the "Service Charging System" message on the DIC lately.
I've swapped the stock battery out and replaced w/ a red top Optima. (old Delco battery tested at less than 8V, so was definitely toast)
That helped of course, but it's become apparent that my alternator has been slowly giving up the ghost. It's finally to a point that something has to be done before I'm left on the side of the road. (Undervolting as low as 10A, overvolting as high as 15A)
I'm pretty positive it's because my cooling fans run almost constantly because of the added hp...which I understand and have no problem with.
So now, what are the options here? Seems I have two that I know of, but am open to suggestion....
#1 - stock replacement OEM alt. - 140A - but then I run into the same issue of burning it out b/c of the cooling fans.
BUT!!!....I do have an LG Motorsports radiator that I'm about to finally find time to install...so perhaps coupled with a cooling fan switch, would allow me to run the fans at lower speeds (or off) when possible without raising temps?
#2 - an aftermarket high-output unit (which is also DOUBLE the price) - 260A - Would definitely solve the problem, but I don't really NEED that much alternator as I don't ever intend to add a big ghetto sound system. ( LOL ) Though dual radiator fans could be a possibility in the future....which still wouldn't need THAT much juice.
So, what have I missed? Are there any other mod options here? (Say, a late model 2500-series truck alternator?) I'd love a little more capacity than stock, but just not so willing to drop $600 on an ALTERNATOR, AFTER any returned core charges.
What says C6 Tech? Thanks!
I've swapped the stock battery out and replaced w/ a red top Optima. (old Delco battery tested at less than 8V, so was definitely toast)
That helped of course, but it's become apparent that my alternator has been slowly giving up the ghost. It's finally to a point that something has to be done before I'm left on the side of the road. (Undervolting as low as 10A, overvolting as high as 15A)
I'm pretty positive it's because my cooling fans run almost constantly because of the added hp...which I understand and have no problem with.
So now, what are the options here? Seems I have two that I know of, but am open to suggestion....
#1 - stock replacement OEM alt. - 140A - but then I run into the same issue of burning it out b/c of the cooling fans.
BUT!!!....I do have an LG Motorsports radiator that I'm about to finally find time to install...so perhaps coupled with a cooling fan switch, would allow me to run the fans at lower speeds (or off) when possible without raising temps?
#2 - an aftermarket high-output unit (which is also DOUBLE the price) - 260A - Would definitely solve the problem, but I don't really NEED that much alternator as I don't ever intend to add a big ghetto sound system. ( LOL ) Though dual radiator fans could be a possibility in the future....which still wouldn't need THAT much juice.
So, what have I missed? Are there any other mod options here? (Say, a late model 2500-series truck alternator?) I'd love a little more capacity than stock, but just not so willing to drop $600 on an ALTERNATOR, AFTER any returned core charges.
What says C6 Tech? Thanks!
Last edited by filmjay; Nov 20, 2010 at 02:54 AM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 2
From: Portland OR
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12
dbelectric, I'll look for the link
I run one of the 200's. Works great 13.5 v all the time it seems no matter how much the stereo is pulling. The factory unit could not keep up at all when the music was loud, this one has no issues, cost was decent.
http://www.db-starter-alternator.com/
I run one of the 200's. Works great 13.5 v all the time it seems no matter how much the stereo is pulling. The factory unit could not keep up at all when the music was loud, this one has no issues, cost was decent.
http://www.db-starter-alternator.com/
Last edited by 99blancoss; Nov 24, 2010 at 09:56 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 25
From: Apache Junction AZ
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 2
From: Portland OR
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12
You have to call them, trust me. I've talked to the guy on the phone, there isnt anything he cant do. He might not have it listed, but he has 1,2 and 3 wires alts there. Call him give him the chance to let you now if he can help or not.
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