I’m open to all suggestions and different brands! Just looking to hear what others have to say to make the best choice.
First thing … are you planning to get everything installed by a pro, or are you tackling it yourself?
I’m working on it with a friend … he’s got a lot of experience with car audio installs.
I’m actually starting with some electrical upgrades … I ordered a 320-amp alternator and am looking to add an Xsmax 90ah lithium battery in the back and do a big 3 wiring upgrade.
Nyx said:
I’m actually starting with some electrical upgrades … I ordered a 320-amp alternator and am looking to add an Xsmax 90ah lithium battery in the back and do a big 3 wiring upgrade.
A 320-amp alternator might be too much and could strain your engine … maybe consider a 220/280. If you’re charging at 15V, look into LTO, Scibs, or Plannano; for 14.8V, try Lishen cells.
With a $1,500 budget, maybe think about one sub and a strong amp … a 4,500-watt Korean amp paired with a 15" sub could work.
@Tallis
The 320-amp isn’t too big, actually. Just might need a smaller belt. As a mechanic, I’d say it’s doable … just don’t push it too hard.
Scout said:
@Tallis
The 320-amp isn’t too big, actually. Just might need a smaller belt. As a mechanic, I’d say it’s doable … just don’t push it too hard.
What kind of engine do you have, and what’s the alternator size?
@Tallis
I’ve got a 250-amp alternator on a 6.0L engine and a 400-amp on another setup, but I’ve installed the same alternator that this person’s going for on a similar vehicle.
Scout said:
@Tallis
I’ve got a 250-amp alternator on a 6.0L engine and a 400-amp on another setup, but I’ve installed the same alternator that this person’s going for on a similar vehicle.
I’m running a 280-amp alternator on a 90hp engine, and it can sometimes feel like a lot. I get what you’re saying though … these bigger alternators aren’t always necessary at lower power levels.
@Tallis
You really just need the right belt size for extra alternators. It’ll take a bit more horsepower, but not a huge difference … more amps will keep things safe too, so having extra power isn’t a bad thing.
@Scout
Even with 300 amps, it takes more than 5hp. Adding more amps puts stress on smaller engines. That’s why people with high-power setups use higher idle speeds … it can even stall a V8 at times.
Tallis said:
@Scout
Even with 300 amps, it takes more than 5hp. Adding more amps puts stress on smaller engines. That’s why people with high-power setups use higher idle speeds … it can even stall a V8 at times.
Amp size doesn’t change the alternator’s physical size necessarily. You can even turn a 95-amp alternator into a 200-amp by changing some internal parts.
@Scout
Higher amps mean more load and power required. The more load, the more horsepower needed to turn it. This does matter and affects performance.
Tallis said:
@Scout
Higher amps mean more load and power required. The more load, the more horsepower needed to turn it. This does matter and affects performance.
I think it’s worth mentioning that every car setup will handle alternators a bit differently based on its size, engine, and tuning.
Tallis said:
@Scout
Even with 300 amps, it takes more than 5hp. Adding more amps puts stress on smaller engines. That’s why people with high-power setups use higher idle speeds … it can even stall a V8 at times.
You can actually modify a stock alternator by changing diodes and pulleys to increase its amps without upgrading the size.
@Scout
So, with all this info … should I be looking at returning the alternator, or is it good to go?
Nyx said:
@Scout
So, with all this info … should I be looking at returning the alternator, or is it good to go?
I’d say try it first … the 320-amp might work just fine, especially if you’re not maxing out the rest of your system just yet.
Tallis said:
@Scout
Even with 300 amps, it takes more than 5hp. Adding more amps puts stress on smaller engines. That’s why people with high-power setups use higher idle speeds … it can even stall a V8 at times.
And honestly, it sounds like he has a solid setup already, with those 3 8-inch subs and horns in the doors. The alternator should handle it.
@Tallis
Why not go for a Stereo Integrity HT 18 v3 in a sealed box? It’s what I did with a Kicker cxa800.1 amp, and it works well … all stock alternator, too, on my old Avalon with a JBL system. Think it’ll be enough?
@Frey
Not sure about SI stuff, but if you’re running under 2k RMS, stock should be okay. I prefer ported setups for more volume.