Alternator upgrade ???'s

[MMKelly]

Am running some serious audio equipment, and want to investigate the possibility of upgrading the charging capacity of the alternator. Does anybody have any prior experience in this type of job? Any ideas on where to look for the alternator? Has anybody ever installed a second alternator? Any info would be appreciated.



Mike Kelly

2000 Ram 2500 4x2 long bed

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I have installed bigger alternators on cars, as big as 260amp's on a friends Camaro. Most stereo suppliers sell them but they are kind of pricey, mainly because you are paying for a name and appearence. I usually have the local Alternator rebuild shop just wire me a high amp version. Check you local yellow pages for automotive electric shops and call them and ask what they can build for you. They dont charge much since you dont need all chrome and stuff like the ones you get from Stereo stores. I have seen dual alternator setups but they always had custom brackets and therefore become more complicated and of course, you will need to figure out what size belt to get and if they make one for how you set it up. I would definatley try to use one higher output alternator then to try and rig 2 of them, save that for a last resort. Plus, where the hell would you fit a second one. Good luck

 

[SLang]

I've had several high output altenators. They are great for about 1. 5-2 years. Then they crap out. If it was me, I would go to the scrap yard and find a fully junk core and have it built. Keep the other for when you are five states over showing off your stereo and the lights go dim.



Also if you do run some power (amps) in this truck. . keep the stereo off until the grid heater is done. The heater is enough load with out the stereo. Also the 11-14V cycle may damage your amps.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

"Earthroamer" has a Powerline Alternator in his Truck



http://www.earthroamer.com/main_truck/truck_batteries.html

 

[GeneH]

Greg Whale has a 160 amp dual output alternator in his 1st gen.

The alternator is made by Lestek, Ft. Worth Texas (817) 284-0821

I don't know how much it cost.



Gene

92 350 4x4

 

[MMKelly]

Thanks for all the info, guys.



Mike Kelly

 

[The patriot]

Just thinking out loud.....

Mike, you might want to ask around to see if you can put an alternator on the PTO.

I've seen this done on big trucks. The key is getting the PTO in the proper gearing, to maintain an efficient alternator speed.

I wouldnt use it driving down the road, but it would whoopass standing still.

Eric

PS I've also seen alternators that ran off the driveshaft!

 

[SLVRBLT]

More Amps?

Mike-



I picked up a copy of Trailer Life magazine yesterday ( July issue) that has a quite extensive article concerning after market alternators, voltage regulators, battery isolators, correct wiring, etc. At the end of the article they list about 10 suppliers for this equipment.



You should be able to find this now on the newstands and at most RV dealers. If you can't find it, email me and I'll copy it for you and mail it. Hope this helps.



Dave