can you buy an alternator with too much amps?
10-15-2011, 06:30 PM
#1
can you buy an alternator with too much amps? im thinking about replacing my alt to help with the lights issues......i know people just get junkyard ones with 140 amps, but im goona get one from advance while they have the special running.......now i know someone who got a 105 amp from them and his lights dont flicker anymore, but from what i read we need like 140 amps for our cars.......will it hurt to get the amp over the 105 amp? thanks
10-16-2011, 09:00 AM
#3
This is the stock alternator: http://store.alternatorparts.com/par...ester8242.aspx
A sock car "needs" 102 amps. If you've customized things, then you may "need" more. (Probably not unless you have a thumping audio system.)
Higher amps means more power. More power means the engine needs to work harder to turn the alternator. The engine working harder means less gas mileage. So, installing a bigger alternator when you don't need it is a total and complete waste. If your mileage takes a 1 mpg hit with the 145 amp alternator, you'll be paying over a $0.15 penalty for every mile you drive with that dingleberry hanging off your engine.
That's like a case of beer or a lapdance (maybe 2, depending on your standards) every 100 miles.
A sock car "needs" 102 amps. If you've customized things, then you may "need" more. (Probably not unless you have a thumping audio system.)
Higher amps means more power. More power means the engine needs to work harder to turn the alternator. The engine working harder means less gas mileage. So, installing a bigger alternator when you don't need it is a total and complete waste. If your mileage takes a 1 mpg hit with the 145 amp alternator, you'll be paying over a $0.15 penalty for every mile you drive with that dingleberry hanging off your engine.
That's like a case of beer or a lapdance (maybe 2, depending on your standards) every 100 miles.
10-16-2011, 02:48 PM
#4
i think GM really under alt'ed f bods.........the stocker is just not up to the job......a 145 amp truck alt really helped out......but when i put in a a 200 amp monster.........it really woke up.........and have not noticed a drop in gas milage
10-16-2011, 08:57 PM
#6
yea id like to know too....i mean i think 140-150 amps are good for 95% of fbodies............ i mean we def need bigger alts when running aftermarket pumps, and bigger speakers....id say more than 150 amps is only necessary with a big amp and like 2 12" subs and an xbox lol
10-16-2011, 09:20 PM
#7
I've been running a 200 amp alternator in mine for a while now - I have an electric water pump, a Racetronix pump, and two amps in the back (500 x 1 for a sub, 50 x 4 for the other speakers). It hasn't missed a beat...no more lights flickering when the bass hits, and the volt meter stays steady all the time. That just wasn't the case with the stock alternator.
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10-16-2011, 09:33 PM
#8
I've been running a 200 amp alternator in mine for a while now - I have an electric water pump, a Racetronix pump, and two amps in the back (500 x 1 for a sub, 50 x 4 for the other speakers). It hasn't missed a beat...no more lights flickering when the bass hits, and the volt meter stays steady all the time. That just wasn't the case with the stock alternator.
