Greg_DonWindsor
Elite Explorer
- Joined
- February 25, 2007
- Messages
- 384
- Reaction score
- 77
- City, State
- Calgary, Alberta
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2008 Limited V8 4x4
Hi everyone,
I've been admittedly inactive around these parts for a little while, life can get hectic and work on my truck had taken a backseat to everything else. I've been experiencing electrical issues for some time now, not to mention an extemely annoying belt squeal upon initial startup. After replacing the belt tensioner and idler pulley, deductive reasoning pointed to a failing stock alternator as the cause of both problems aforementioned. Aside from less than satisfactory performance of my aftermarket stereo and sub, I noticed symptoms like low voltage when switched off, measured at 12.3V, and low voltage while running at about 13.0V.
I ordered a 200amp powermaster unit from Summit Racing. I opted for the black painted case, there's a polished version available as well.
Removal of the factory unit was not demanding. It required first removal of my K&N CAI tube, and took approximately 15 minutes with basic hand tools.
The new unit easily slid into place, although I wasn't able to free my overdrive alternator pulley from the stock unit and transfer it to the new one (I run the underdrive crank/harmonic balancer pulley, so the overdrive alternator pulley was originally added to the stock unit to prevent lower voltage output by having underdriven the whole system)
The serpentine belt was reattached, and determined to be of adequate length even with the provided pulley on he powermaster alternator. Measured voltage at idle was now 14.4V, indicating that the part solved my voltage issue. The stereo was notably louder, bass more impressive, and the awful squawk upon startup alleviated. I also run an electric fan and optima yellow top, and would recommend this alternator to anyone who has aftermarket upgrades that require additional amp draw.
I've been admittedly inactive around these parts for a little while, life can get hectic and work on my truck had taken a backseat to everything else. I've been experiencing electrical issues for some time now, not to mention an extemely annoying belt squeal upon initial startup. After replacing the belt tensioner and idler pulley, deductive reasoning pointed to a failing stock alternator as the cause of both problems aforementioned. Aside from less than satisfactory performance of my aftermarket stereo and sub, I noticed symptoms like low voltage when switched off, measured at 12.3V, and low voltage while running at about 13.0V.
I ordered a 200amp powermaster unit from Summit Racing. I opted for the black painted case, there's a polished version available as well.
Removal of the factory unit was not demanding. It required first removal of my K&N CAI tube, and took approximately 15 minutes with basic hand tools.
The new unit easily slid into place, although I wasn't able to free my overdrive alternator pulley from the stock unit and transfer it to the new one (I run the underdrive crank/harmonic balancer pulley, so the overdrive alternator pulley was originally added to the stock unit to prevent lower voltage output by having underdriven the whole system)
The serpentine belt was reattached, and determined to be of adequate length even with the provided pulley on he powermaster alternator. Measured voltage at idle was now 14.4V, indicating that the part solved my voltage issue. The stereo was notably louder, bass more impressive, and the awful squawk upon startup alleviated. I also run an electric fan and optima yellow top, and would recommend this alternator to anyone who has aftermarket upgrades that require additional amp draw.