Does anyone know of a company they could reccommend to order a high power alternator from? I'm looking for something in the 150 amp range (stock was 80 I believe). Also, I know a few of you have had particularly good experiences with certain batteries. Mind if I ask which batteries those were and where to buy em? I was leaning towards an Optima red top. Any NICO sponsors carry either of these items?
Both are intended for the older BMW 5 series I'll be driving back now. I'm having a "system" installed in it, so I don't want to go killing the battery on the ride home. Besides, both are nearing replacement.
Corey
Electrics
Q45Tech has said before that with our high beams on, stock stereo cranked up and AC running in our Q45s they use virtually all of the power the stock alternator puts out (where after the begin draining the battery). Assuming both that the beamer's alternator has a power output that is equally matched by it's stock electrical system and the complete upgraded stereo uses about 1500 peak watts (two subs, two 6x9s, upgraded tweeters and front door speakers); I'd imagine the battery could be drained if you're using the stock alternator running such a system with the AC running. Best I have an alternator with too much power vs. one with too little power.
Watts = Volts x AmpsAmps = (1500w) / (12v)Amps = 125a
That's 125 amps (at peak), just for the stereo. During consistant usage this would probably average the stock alternators power output. That's my reasoning anywho... if I'm off here, speak out and save me the money!
Corey
Watts = Volts x AmpsAmps = (1500w) / (12v)Amps = 125a
That's 125 amps (at peak), just for the stereo. During consistant usage this would probably average the stock alternators power output. That's my reasoning anywho... if I'm off here, speak out and save me the money!
Corey
Bummer 
I had a great (personal opinion) reply posted before we had to restore due to the hacker.
Check a few forums, like carsound.com and Phoenix Gold's forum section. They talk about having alt's re-wound and who makes off the shelf high output models, but those a re mainly made for Acura/Hondas.
Optima Red Top should suit you fine.
I had a great (personal opinion) reply posted before we had to restore due to the hacker.Check a few forums, like carsound.com and Phoenix Gold's forum section. They talk about having alt's re-wound and who makes off the shelf high output models, but those a re mainly made for Acura/Hondas.
Optima Red Top should suit you fine.
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Q45tech
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The critical area is what is the ampere output at idle. The Q's 110 amps is only 34 amps at 650 engine rpm [1300 alternator rpm].
Most 80 amp units are luclky to create 21-23 amps.
Then there is the max rpm of the alternator which keeps you from using overdrive pullies on high reving engines.......2 x is pretty near the limit maybe a 2.2x pulley.
Most 80 amp units are luclky to create 21-23 amps.
Then there is the max rpm of the alternator which keeps you from using overdrive pullies on high reving engines.......2 x is pretty near the limit maybe a 2.2x pulley.
Rex, would you be able to post up a quick summary of what you wrote? Sorry to hassle you.
Q45Tech, I've been taking idle amps into consideration in my searches. I've found one 160a unit which provides 100a at 800 engine RPMs. Maybe something around 80-90a at 650rpms? Either way, it's WAY above the stock ratings, which is what I'm going for.
We'll have to see how mounting the unit I chose goes... keep your fingers crossed it won't be a big hassle.
Corey
Q45Tech, I've been taking idle amps into consideration in my searches. I've found one 160a unit which provides 100a at 800 engine RPMs. Maybe something around 80-90a at 650rpms? Either way, it's WAY above the stock ratings, which is what I'm going for.
We'll have to see how mounting the unit I chose goes... keep your fingers crossed it won't be a big hassle.
Corey
I did some searches and reading on the Car Audio forum (nothing against the NICO Audio forum, but we're small and have little traffic) and found some good info. (The search is somewhat hidden as a drop down on the top right)
MSD Ignitions appears to make a nice billet unit.
I also did a few searches and some reading on the Car Sound forum (it appears to be down today) and it had a forum moderated by Car Audio legend Richard Clark.
In summary, most say running an Optima Yellow top battery (or 2) will keep your system powered, but will shorten (not substantially) the life of your alt. (NOTE: When a Yellow top does get low, it muct be brought back to normal levels with a trickle charger)
In your searching/reading don't confuse alt/amp capabilities to voltage. Most competition systems run at 14.4 or even 16+ and that requires some serious re-doing of your whole eletrical system to do that all the time.
MSD Ignitions appears to make a nice billet unit.
I also did a few searches and some reading on the Car Sound forum (it appears to be down today) and it had a forum moderated by Car Audio legend Richard Clark.
In summary, most say running an Optima Yellow top battery (or 2) will keep your system powered, but will shorten (not substantially) the life of your alt. (NOTE: When a Yellow top does get low, it muct be brought back to normal levels with a trickle charger)
In your searching/reading don't confuse alt/amp capabilities to voltage. Most competition systems run at 14.4 or even 16+ and that requires some serious re-doing of your whole eletrical system to do that all the time.
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texasoil
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'94 Infiniti Q45A
'94 Mercedes-Benz SL600
Well, I say for last time 1500w music system average power consumption is a small fraction of that. With all the lights on, the A/C on max, at idle the stock alternator willnot keep up. That is what the batery is for--and why down here in Houston we go through batteries in 2 years--very high power draw from A/C and aux fans in the summer in stop and go driving.
Personally--I would install a voltmeter and check out the system performance before spending the big bucks on an aftermarket alternator.
Personally--I would install a voltmeter and check out the system performance before spending the big bucks on an aftermarket alternator.
well if you just want some bass to your system.
What kind of head unit do you have?
You can just add two 10" speakers in a nice box with a 600 watt amp. Just put on a capacitor to not kill your electrical system as bad. If you want to go even better, depending on what speaker you have in the doors and deck you could add a 45Watt x 4 amp and then you will be even better.
This coupled with a good quality battery and proper wiring ie: proper gauge, and you will sound real nice.
What kind of head unit do you have?
You can just add two 10" speakers in a nice box with a 600 watt amp. Just put on a capacitor to not kill your electrical system as bad. If you want to go even better, depending on what speaker you have in the doors and deck you could add a 45Watt x 4 amp and then you will be even better.
This coupled with a good quality battery and proper wiring ie: proper gauge, and you will sound real nice.