Do I need a new alternator?

97Sportrac · 07-16-2003, 02:38 AM

My stock alternator is 95A and my battery is 650CCA from Ford (97 Explorer Sport)... would I need to replace any of these. Currently I don't see any dimming in the system when I am giving the system (the gains are about 1/2 on the amp)... maybe a slight dim on the overhead light but when I look straight at it it's not dimming it's just moving that it might give the impression that it's dimming.

The amp is in the sig below and I'm probably only givin' it about 1/2 gain). So I'm wondering if should upgrade the alt and how much a better alt from Ford cost (options and prices). I just want to have a reliable solution for long term bumping.

Also I don't run the system unless the vehicle is on so the majority of the load is on the alt.

Also the voltage gauge on the right - Does that say how much load is on the elec system or the battery level or what. It is constantly in slightly lower than half-way maybe about 0.5mm. No bouncing or anything.

Thanks for the help.

zedsdead · 07-16-2003, 02:44 AM

i think the ford system is strong enough to handle your load req. ive got a bit more than you do and i dont see anything wrong with my stock elec. system. if you do want to upgrade something tho, you should look at a battery, try optima yellow tops, or something on par with those....my uncle was telling me once that if you got a system make sure you feed it with a good battery and the alt. should be fine.......

if you want an alt, this guy his highly recommended:

http://mralternator.com/

Alec · 07-16-2003, 06:06 AM

You should be fine with the system listed in your sig. However, if you listed to the system with the truck off you'll at least want to upgrade the battery.

EliteConcept · 07-16-2003, 06:18 AM

i'd say get an optima and you'lll probably be fine

*X~FACTOR* · 07-16-2003, 08:42 AM

Factory Alternator has plenty of power for your system. You did say you hardly notice any dimming. Like Alec said, if you plan to play your stereo with the engine off, you need a bigger battery with more reserve power.

07-16-2003, 02:38 AM	#1
97Sportrac Wannabe Elite Explorer Edmonton, Alberta, Canada '97 Sport Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 64 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Do I need a new alternator? My stock alternator is 95A and my battery is 650CCA from Ford (97 Explorer Sport)... would I need to replace any of these. Currently I don't see any dimming in the system when I am giving the system (the gains are about 1/2 on the amp)... maybe a slight dim on the overhead light but when I look straight at it it's not dimming it's just moving that it might give the impression that it's dimming. The amp is in the sig below and I'm probably only givin' it about 1/2 gain). So I'm wondering if should upgrade the alt and how much a better alt from Ford cost (options and prices). I just want to have a reliable solution for long term bumping. Also I don't run the system unless the vehicle is on so the majority of the load is on the alt. Also the voltage gauge on the right - Does that say how much load is on the elec system or the battery level or what. It is constantly in slightly lower than half-way maybe about 0.5mm. No bouncing or anything. Thanks for the help. __________________ 1997 2DR Explorer Sport /w Controltrac - 5 Speed Manual - K&N Filtercharger - Headunit: Panasonic DFX150U (40W*4) - Amplifier: Crossfire BMF1000d - Subwoofer: Kove Audio 15" Armageddon M-Series DVC

07-16-2003, 02:44 AM	#2
zedsdead Wannabe Elite Explorer vancouver, BC, CANADA '98 XLT Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 123 Vehicle Specs	i think the ford system is strong enough to handle your load req. ive got a bit more than you do and i dont see anything wrong with my stock elec. system. if you do want to upgrade something tho, you should look at a battery, try optima yellow tops, or something on par with those....my uncle was telling me once that if you got a system make sure you feed it with a good battery and the alt. should be fine....... if you want an alt, this guy his highly recommended: http://mralternator.com/ __________________ horsepower.........yes!

07-16-2003, 06:06 AM	#3
Alec Elite Moderator Houston, Texas 2008 JK Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 16,061 Vehicle Specs	You should be fine with the system listed in your sig. However, if you listed to the system with the truck off you'll at least want to upgrade the battery. __________________ Alec "Dr. Candlepower" Rosenbaum Daily: 2008 JK Gone: EE "Splat", 2003 VW GTI VR6, 85 Bronco project

07-16-2003, 06:18 AM	#4
EliteConcept Wannabe Elite Explorer LaPorte, Indiana 04 Civic LX Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 4,112 Vehicle Specs	i'd say get an optima and you'lll probably be fine __________________ 04 civic owner getting 37 mpg Former owner of 2 xplorers

07-16-2003, 08:42 AM	#5
X~FACTOR Name is Ray Valley Stream, Long Island '97 XLT 4-dr SOHC Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 6,729 Vehicle Specs	Factory Alternator has plenty of power for your system. You did say you hardly notice any dimming. Like Alec said, if you plan to play your stereo with the engine off, you need a bigger battery with more reserve power.