alternator upgrade?

[033035]

hi i am going to be putting on 6 kc 130 watt off road lights on my truck and wanted to know if i should upgrade my alternator and if so where i would get one.
thanks michael

 

[OneLever]

Since nobody responded to you I will. Running 6 KC 130W lights at 14V (engine running voltage) will draw 55 Amps (Watts = Volts x Amps). I heard, but have not confirmed, that these vehicles draw about 80-90 A while running. If that were true you would need at least a 150A alternator. The highest I think is easily available is 130A. Which means you probably won't be able to run all six. Also given the very high current you are running through these things please use a relay wiring harness with a fuse so you don't fry the stock harness!

 

[tweakedlogic]

130w\12 volts = 10.333 amps. the 130 amp alternator will be enough even if you have a moderate stereo installed.

 

[OneLever]

It will draw 10A for one light at 12V. I thought he was asking if he could run six identical lights all at once.

 

[tweakedlogic]

Your right. My fault. i wasn't paying attention to the details.
6*10.33=62 amps. You will probably be okay as long as your fan is off and you turn off your headlights.
But, you have to ask yourself, is it too much? do I need all that wattage?

the answer is probably no unless you are battling vampires or zombies. But then all you need is a black light anyway.

I would say get two of the 130s, 2 of the 100s, and 2 55s. That way you can pick the perfect amount of light for your needs.

 

[OneLever]

the answer is probably no unless you are battling vampires or zombies. But then all you need is a black light anyway.

And use the money saved on a quality chainsaw.

If you are really serious about it you can do what this guy did: ZAPV

 

[diesel_s]

hi i am going to be putting on 6 kc 130 watt off road lights on my truck and wanted to know if i should upgrade my alternator and if so where i would get one.
thanks michael

summit racing sells a 200 amp alternator that is well worth the cost. The alternator is mad by tuffstuff, I put a few in vehicles that were pumping out serious sound and lighting such as mine is......For example, I'm running 3k HID foglights, 6k HID Headlights, an assortment of LED's, an custom tned engine puttin out way more than stock power, a 3000 watt amplifier powering 6 speakers, 2 of which are rockford fosgate subs, a double din pioneer touch screen navigation with 8 tweeters connected to it, my stock alternator died out quickly, I installed the 200 amp and hadnt had any issues since

 

[fedyfedz]

I'm running 3k HID foglights, 6k HID Headlights, an assortment of LED's

if there are 35w hids your actually using less power after the initial turn on unless u have the 55w with a relay than thats different, and the leds are more energy efficient than regular bulbs

 

[diesel_s]

if there are 35w hids your actually using less power after the initial turn on unless u have the 55w with a relay than thats different, and the leds are more energy efficient than regular bulbs

I run 55w HID's top and bottom. The amount of LED's assorted through my truck are not more efficient simply because of how many are there. Non are purchased and swapped LED bulbs, they are all custom setups, I use way more power than usual.

 

[IZwack]

The question is: when do you need six 130 watt lights?

 

[diesel_s]

The question is: when do you need six 130 watt lights?

LOL, thatz true, I guess you never need 6, 130W Lights haha...............but its nice to have... I'd want em if I had a raised truck, no idea why I would want them

 

[Paraphoe]

summit racing sells a 200 amp alternator that is well worth the cost.

Is this it? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFF-7787C/


Also, anyone know what alternator my 1997 XLT SOHC would've come with? I think the 130 amp, but I'm not certain.

 

[tgreene92]

Is this it? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFF-7787C/


Also, anyone know what alternator my 1997 XLT SOHC would've come with? I think the 130 amp, but I'm not certain.

almost certain the stock 97 alternator was a wimpy little 95 amp, if im recalling the haynes manual right thats what i saw. ill check when i get home in a little jay if no one else knows.

 

[FIND]

The question is: when do you need six 130 watt lights?

They are for when the noontime sun just isn't bright enough.

Just imagine the heat that must throw. Might be using it as a snowplow. Just drive slowly down the street with all 6 on and the snow will all melt off.

 

[Bill Kemp]

Is this it? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFF-7787C/


Also, anyone know what alternator my 1997 XLT SOHC would've come with? I think the 130 amp, but I'm not certain.

Sorta depends on the options. If you have all the options ( power windows, seats, rear window defrost, fog lights) you probably have a 130 amp.

 

[Paraphoe]

almost certain the stock 97 alternator was a wimpy little 95 amp, if im recalling the haynes manual right thats what i saw. ill check when i get home in a little jay if no one else knows.

Thanks Tom.

Sorta depends on the options. If you have all the options ( power windows, seats, rear window defrost, fog lights) you probably have a 130 amp.

I have all those options. From what I could find online, XLTs came with the 130, but I'm not 100% sure.

Bill, in your opinion would it be worth it to upgrade to the 200 amp? I have a lot of lights and a very powerful battery, and while I don't run them all the time, my battery gauge always seems to be a little on the low side.

 

[Bill Kemp]

Here is a good way to figure the draw on your system. http://www.rallylights.com/hella/SensibleWiring.aspx
Only you know how many lights you have on at one time. If you are real close to the 130 amp point then a higher amp Alt is needed.
Putting a strain/overload on your elect. system will wear down the Alt. & battery. A continuos strain will wear out the battery or Alt or both. Not sure how bad a temporary strain would effect the system.
There are a lot on high amp Alt. out there and some are good and some are not. If you are going to get one do some research.
Personally I think you are probably OK with what you have now and a 130 amp Alt. Lights may dim at idle but that would happen with a 200 amp also.

 

[Ageman]

Is this it? http://www.summitracing.com/parts/TFF-7787C/


Also, anyone know what alternator my 1997 XLT SOHC would've come with? I think the 130 amp, but I'm not certain.

I have been looking for a 200 amp alt. Now will this work on a 92 X. Thanks