Down side to High Output Alternators

[Carl D.]

Hey, I'm thinking about buying a 200 AMP Alternator and have heard all the Pro's about them, but what are the Con's about them.

I have a stock 4.0 with a Altima Yellow Top Battery, 4 off road lights and a regular stereo system. I will be adding a winch somewhere down the road and a little nicer stereo.

I was told that a 200 Amp Alternator on a 4.0 with average power draw will kill the battery fast and may damage other electrical parts. I've only heard this from one person, but thought I would check with the experts.

I was aslo told by several people that the 4.0 runs better with a 200 amp alternator. True or False.

Thanks, Carl

 

[Toy_to_Force]

I was thinking of doing the same, so it will be nice to see the response.

 

[Alec]

The higher the peak output, usually the lower the idle output. With the Yellow Top you should be fine, but if you ever use a winch try to shut off other accessories and/or rev up the engine while you run it. I'd also install a good voltmeter.

 

[typhoon43]

I've had a 220 Amp unit from Powermaster in my 97 SOHC 4.0 for 4 years now. I love it. The extra juice is always a great thing. Idle output is a little lower, but if you really wanted to, play with the IAC or the throttle valve and raise the idel to around 750. My Ex idles at 500 and when I goose it to 750, my digital voltmeter reads 14.0 to 14.2

I also have a yellow top and 2 SVR 12-100 batteries in the back. But I also have almost 6000 watts of stereo and 100 watt Headlights beating the snot out of them

Go high output, they rock.

 

[AlaskanJack]

So if you wanted to run a ready welder and winch would you guys suggest running dual optimas??

 

[Alec]

Very good idea.

 

[AlaskanJack]

Originally posted by Alec
Very good idea.

Well a lot of things are a very good idea but are they necessary?

 

[410Fortune]

with that alt its also a "very good idea" to replace your alternator wiring and pigtails.

I have the crappy 90 amp Autozone special for its lifetime warranty (3rd one in 3 years) so I will be following this thread

 

[Ak LTD Xplorer]

what is a good alt for HIGH idle output..i need more power at idle then other times?

96,4.0ohv

 

[Alec]

stock

 

[Carl D.]

I'm getting rid of my auto zone special for the 200 amp alt. It should be arriving next week.

 

[Ak LTD Xplorer]

so stock is the best for HIGH idle output?..it sure seem's like it struggles with my headlight's/55wfog's and heater on and defroster

 

[Alec]

you need a better battery, probably a yellow top.

Like I said above, the higher peak output, the lower the idle output. Therefore, stock is best for idle output.

If you also have audio equipment, you should probably get a capacitor.

 

[Ak LTD Xplorer]

no im very happy with stock audio

i prolly need a new battery..i currently have the stock battery that came with it new