How big of an alternator?
Thread Starter
vtec ownz j00
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,511
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From: Burlington, NC
How big of an alternator?
I want to get a new alternator in my 5th gen accord but am not sure how big i should go. Would a 150 amp alternator be good if i want to run a JBL 1200 x 1 amp? Thanks
Thread Starter
vtec ownz j00
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 0
From: Burlington, NC
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 81
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From: Newville PA
I would say that you don't need a new alternator unless or untill you are experiencing charging problems. Why replace a perfectly good alt if you don't have to. If you do have problems, you probably will not experience alternator failure without noticable signs beforehand. Additionally, if you are not playing your system for long periods of time or at all times when you drive, your stock alternator will probably hold up fine.
Additionally, if you are concerned, you may want to start by getting a deep cycle battery first.
However, if you insist on a new alternator, I would say to take the current from your stock alternator and add the currents from all the fuses from your audio equipment and any other power consuming add ons. This will give you more than enough juice to keep the battery charged.
One more thing. When I linked to your amp site, it seems to me that the power output stated was max output rather than rms. This may or may not be of concern to you.
Additionally, if you are concerned, you may want to start by getting a deep cycle battery first.
However, if you insist on a new alternator, I would say to take the current from your stock alternator and add the currents from all the fuses from your audio equipment and any other power consuming add ons. This will give you more than enough juice to keep the battery charged.
One more thing. When I linked to your amp site, it seems to me that the power output stated was max output rather than rms. This may or may not be of concern to you.
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 76
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From: Okemos, MI
You need an alternator for sure, don't be fooled unless you want your old one to die on you and then you are screwed. You can get a 130 Amp from Alterstart online http://www.4alterstart.com/highoutputalternators/ and they are only 200 bucks. Since a stock civic alternator is only 65 Amps 130 is a serious upgrade. Try that and let me know.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 264
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From: NC
i would check into a bass capacitor. here again, if it aint broke dont fix it(alt), i work for a class 8 truck manufacturer and they come stock with 135 amp alt, but these trucks have everything from a tv, fridge, flourecent lighting, and not to mention all the chicken lights for the truck and trailer. i've got an teg in which i've murdered with an alpine 500 watt amp, and a 75x4 hu, not to mention fog lights and the like, and have had "0" problems. Unless there is a big power spike, i.e. head lights dimming when bass hits i wouldn't worry about it. my lights dim a little bit but i'm only running a 1/4 farad cap. and have been doing so for 5 years, if it's failed and your replacing any way and the higher output one is relatively the same price wise, why not but other wise i say no.