Notices
GMT 800 & Older GM General Discussion 2006 & Older Trucks | General Discussion

do I need a high amp alternator?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 12-18-2011, 05:35 PM
  #1  
TECH Resident
Thread Starter
 
ayousef's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Dubai
Posts: 927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Question do I need a high amp alternator?

Well throwing in a few things that would draw current from the alt, those include:

- dual bosch 044 pumps in a surge tank which means stock pump will stay running

- Flyaudio radio/nav

- Edge CTS

Trying to figure out if ill run out of amps before I find out the hard way lol
Old 12-20-2011, 08:28 PM
  #2  
TECH Resident
Thread Starter
 
ayousef's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Dubai
Posts: 927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

bump....
Old 12-21-2011, 08:22 PM
  #3  
TECH Fanatic
 
Suburbazine's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Stock will either be 105A or 135A, the bigger one is part of the towing package. Add up the rated amperage of your devices and compare. If you don't have specs for something, run it at maximum capacity and put an ammeter tool over the power wire. Add 10% to readings for safe margin.

The fusible link (short skinny power cable) on the alternator will blow somewhere in the 90-100A range. This cable is known to have resistance issues and some people will just ditch the short circuit protection and use a 4 gauge battery cable.

The battery will supply power to make up for the alternator's lack thereof- so you don't necessarily need a bigger alt unless continuous load draws the battery down.
Old 12-22-2011, 06:22 AM
  #4  
TECH Resident
 
Sc00by's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 813
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

I would upgrade the fueable link like mentioned above. Maybe add a good 4ga ground as well. with thoughs mods alone you should be fine. How much power do you have in your audio system?
Old 12-22-2011, 03:26 PM
  #5  
TECH Resident
Thread Starter
 
ayousef's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Dubai
Posts: 927
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Sc00by
I would upgrade the fueable link like mentioned above. Maybe add a good 4ga ground as well. with thoughs mods alone you should be fine. How much power do you have in your audio system?
stock audio system, I am just going to put it a flyaudio screen/nav and replace the front speakers with some good stuff, but the purpose of this truck is to stay light so no sound systems for me

In total:

stock pump

dual Bosch 044 pumps

Flyaudio

Edge CTS diagnostics monitor
Old 12-23-2011, 06:26 PM
  #6  
TECH Fanatic
 
Suburbazine's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by ayousef
stock audio system, I am just going to put it a flyaudio screen/nav and replace the front speakers with some good stuff, but the purpose of this truck is to stay light so no sound systems for me

In total:

stock pump

dual Bosch 044 pumps

Flyaudio

Edge CTS diagnostics monitor
Stock alt won't have difficulties with any of that until you install a really underdrive crank pulley.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
madmann26
FORCED INDUCTION
10
04-29-2020 09:17 AM
CD82
STEREO & ELECTRONICS
2
10-23-2015 07:32 AM
smok'nZ
GM Drivetrain & Suspension
6
10-06-2015 01:14 PM
carid
Sponsor's Announcements, Sales, and Specials
0
10-01-2015 09:22 AM
Slammed silverado
GM Engine & Exhaust Performance
3
09-28-2015 06:14 PM



Quick Reply: do I need a high amp alternator?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:06 PM.