higher amperage alternator questions and concerns

[bnichols04]

I have a 93 explorer and I have 2 amps and a lot of other stuff on my battery and my lights dim, battery guage drops off and engine stalls!! :fire: I want to know if anyone has installed a 200 amp alt and been happy with it. Alos do I have to put bigger cables on it will the stock ones melt?? I have a 93 if that helps. Where could I get one from?? Thanks All

 

[bnichols04]

also what one should I get (130 AMP $179.00) (180 AMP $200.00) (200 AMP $225.00)??????????

 

[Wagonized]

for those prices id go with the 200 amp to be safe

upgrade your magic three wires under the hood and you should be happy.

ive got a 280 amp that ill be putting in the explorer...its a GM alt that so it puts out more amps at idle. im gunna have to fab up some mounting hardware but it should workout well.

you'l notice a definite difference in sound output with a healthy electrical system

 

[old mechanic]

There are some threads here about having the Alt manufacture put a smaller pully on the Alt so you will get more amps at idle. You will have to search for it here if no one else posts here.

 

[bnichols04]

well if it comes with a smaller pully then the belt won't work right??

 

[bnichols04]

If I was to get the 200 amp alt then would I need bigger battery cables?? What gauage would I need if I do??

 

[davesexplorer]

just remember to check the idle output, the alternator could be 200 amp @ 6,000 rpm, and 35 amp @ 1,000 rpm's. Maybe a little exaggerated but still applicable. Not unlike the rms and peak rating's on amplifiers.

 

[RFR2212]

I've always run alternators from The Mechanical Man www.mechman.com They're very expensive, top quality and their service is top notch. When running a 200amp alternator, you will need to run 1/0 power and ground cable between the alternator and the battery.

 

[bnichols04]

Do I need the battery cables that go under the engine too???

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

I ran my 200 amp alternator and 4 amps. I also had another battery installed in the back. If you want it, it's for sell. Practically brand new and powder coated red. Will sell it allot cheaper than you can get one somewhere else for. Let me know.

 

[mcG]

i don't think it's required to upgrade the cables that run under the engine, but it's definately worth using the same gauged wire throughout (like he said, 1/0 is best). you don't want to have any electrical bottlenecks, that will hurt your sound.

 

[CDW6212R]

The OHV V6's use a different alternator than the SOHC V6's, and V8's(there are two 2nd gen alternators).
You don't need to remove any old wiring. Just add another power wire to the alternator, and another ground wire from the battery to the frame would be smart. LOL,
DonW

 

[RFR2212]

i don't think it's required to upgrade the cables that run under the engine

A 200 amp alternator will eat the stock cables alive. Replace them and be done with it.

 

[ExplorerSportNu]

Never mind found it somewhere else

 

[bnichols04]

where could I get the cables from then? Where do all the battery cables run to??

 

[Wagonized]

welding supply stores will have it the cheapest

 

[aldive]

You may purchase bulk cable from a marine supply store also.

Good luck .....