Hello...a mod I want to do when I get a max is to install a high output alternator (to help with my amps and high wattage bulbs). Anyhow, is it true that to install one (say 200amp), would actually hurt engine tq/hp?? Anyone with experience with this, please reply.
Thanks

 

No, it's not a myth. An alternator will take power away from the engine if it has to make electrical power to run electrical equipment like fans, stereos, lights, etc. That's what an alternator does - it converts engine power into electrical power. If you are in a situation where you need all the power you can get from the engine, just turn all your electrical equipment and air conditioner off. Might want to leave your lights on, depending on how dark it is.

 

Damn...it makes sense now...that is why I hardly use my A/C. I guess I will not be getting a high output alternator afterall..and just stick to bumpin my system at a lower volume.

 

you dont need a higher watt alternator, if your aftermarket stereo system is suckin too much juice when its turned up high, you need to get a CAPACITOR for your subs to keep your lights from dimming...go to best buy or circuit city for one of those that way you can keep your music up as loud as it goes with no worries.

 

you dont need a higher watt alternator, if your aftermarket stereo system is suckin too much juice when its turned up high, you need to get a CAPACITOR for your subs to keep your lights from dimming...go to best buy or circuit city for one of those that way you can keep your music up as loud as it goes with no worries.

 

Yeah I was interested in them a while ago...but many voltage tests have proven they dont do much....I think the only way for me is to get a second battery...most likely a yellow top.

 

why not a yellow top, and a 1.5 farad cap, then u can get a pulley set and have no worrie

 

here is what you do..

change your ground wire out for a 0 gauge wire.. run 0 gauge from the trunk to the front.. double up your 4 gauge Altenator wire so you can have two 4 gauge wires.. clean up your ground terminals ..

 

lol actually I was planning to change everything to 0 awg...but yes this is an excellent idea...helps the charging system greatly from what I hear.

 

my cousin just did this to his 97 SE.. thats why i suggested it.. he has a PG 1200 watt and PG 600 watt amp.. so the wiring was a neccesary upgrade.. he also has a CAP.. that wasn't really helping ither..

he is lookign at a 15 farad cap now.. but the upgraded wiring did help big time

 

Wow a 15 farad is a lot of cash. Makes sense however...especially because those phoneix gold amps draw a lot of power.

 

nah .. they are only about $450 .. Alumapro has one.. and i think PG has one too.. the prices are dropping.. $450 is pretty good when you think a 1 farad is about $80

 

Definition: 1 horsepower = 746 watts.

Electric power use dowsn't really cost a lot of horsepower. You notice it at idle because the motor is only making enough power to keep turning.

 

Not quit. If he adds up the amount of electricity needed with all his accesories added up and it exceeds the amount provided by his alternator, a stiffening cap isn't going to help him much. A stiffening cap is used to provide short bursts of energy to the amps during high energy transitions such as when bass hits hard at loud levels. Being as the amps are drawing its much needed electricty during these transitions from the cap(s) instead of the charging system, the lights don't dim and the cap slowly repleneshes it's store of electricity in wait on the next peak transition. The best way to answer this question would be to tell him to add up the draw required by all his accesories including his stereo and see if it exceeds what the stock alternator puts out. If it does, then it's new alternator time. If not, it's always cheap insurance to go with low guage wire and at least a 1 Farad Cap to allow for growth in the system and assure that power isn't the weak point in the system.He never stated why he wanted the alternator.

 

so if i turn off my 250 watt amp when racing, will it be a notcible difference?

 

no

 

Elaborate a little more. I already have 0awg power and ground on the stereo stuff. I also have a 1.0 farad cap. You're saying to double up on the 4 gauge output leads off the back of the alternator?

 

yeah another 4 gauge from the battery back to the altenator

 

That is incorrect. The alternator does turn mechanical power into electrical, but only does so via the pulley. If the new alternator retains the same pulley size as the stock, it will drain no more power from the engine than a stocker will. The only "power" either will take from the engine is due to parasitic or additional drag it places on the engine.

A true higher output alternator will make it's additional electrical power from better internal construction, stouter diodes, better wound stator, better contacts, and brushes. If an alternator makes more output by simply changing the pulley size, it is not constructed well and will probably burn itself up quickly.

The suggestion to use bigger wiring, cleaner connections, and good grounds is substantially better than trying to resolve drain problems by putting a high output alternator. It is also substantially cheaper. 4th gen max's use 100 amp alternators already (if you have a lot power acc from factory). This should be good enough for a moderate stereo system. Unless you are running like 1500 watts RMS, you won't need one. Caps and good wiring will get you where you wanna go and makes your system sound much cleaner too.

 

jsut a little FYI if you guys were wondering..

the SE/GXE comes with a 110 alernator
the GLE comes with a 120

some shops can rebuild for higher output but you will only get about 10 - 20 more..

the Ohio Generator works for the maxima but it requires Major.. Major customization..

Custommaxima.com can get you deals on them..

 

Hey...I was close . Thanks for the re-wire info.