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Help With Choosing Correct Alternator

Discussion in 'General Car Audio Discussions' started by mvargas08, Sep 18, 2006.

  1. mvargas08

    mvargas08 Full Member

    Good afternoon everyone, i am looking to buy a new alternator because i want more power going to my audio system. I do not understand what is considered by an HO Alternator. Is 160 amp considered an HO Alternator, or 200 amp or 300 amp? I have a Hifosonic 1200 watts D-Class Amp, pushing two 15inch Solarbarics. Im driving a 1998 honda accord coupe 3.0 v-tec and i was reserching the amps for the factory alternator but couldn't find it. Can someone help me on which alternator i should get in terms of amps because i do not want to speed more money then i have to. Thank you.
     
    mvargas08, Sep 18, 2006
    #1
  2. aznboi3644

    aznboi3644 Full Member

    I'd say get a 200 amp alternator...well basically get the fukin biggest alternator that you can afford...the bigger the better...but make sure to look at the amp output chart...like some may be rated at 200 max but only 40 at idle...so check the idle amperage ouput
     
    aznboi3644, Sep 18, 2006
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  3. TheViking

    TheViking Well-Known Member

    Another thing that is important, the HOT rating. alternator output diminishes with heat. so a 200 amp alt will do the full 200 amps at when it is cold, when it gets hot, the alt. will put out somewhat less, about 15% less.

    But yes, get the largest alterantor that you can afford, always better to have too much than not enough.


    There are seferal manufacturers out there, lestek is one of the best, if you can afford it. lots of alternators I have seen in the past that are claimed to be high output have been nothing more than a rebuilt alt. with a pretty painted case and chromed pulley and fan. So be careful and go with a good name brand unit. Laso, the hond probably does not have alot of room for a large cased unit, so you may be limited in what you can get, unless it is installed in a custom fabricated way.
     
    TheViking, Sep 18, 2006
    #3
  4. mvargas08

    mvargas08 Full Member

    Thank you guys, another question. I will get the biggest I can afford but what would you consider the smallest that I could go. I do not want to buy an alternator lets say 160amps or 200amps and find out its too small. What is the smallest alternator that I should get?

    Also on the side note, this sounds a little fishy so I will stay away from it but I wanted to know your opinion. I spoke to a friend about upgrading my alternator and he told me to just take it to one of the repair shops around here and they add extra coil's to the factor alternator and that is what makes it provide more amps. He said when you buy an HO alternator that is the difference more coils and for that reason just save some money and go to the local repair shop and have them modify the factory alt. What do you think about that?

    Thank you in advance.
     
    mvargas08, Sep 19, 2006
    #4
  5. TheViking

    TheViking Well-Known Member

    It's more than just "more coils". It also involves the air gap between the rotor and the stator (which CANNOT be changed on a rebuilt unit) Higher temp insulations on the windings, higher current diodes etc......
     
    TheViking, Sep 19, 2006
    #5
  6. aznboi3644

    aznboi3644 Full Member

    Haha....go up for your friend and smash his face with a hammer...then tell him to touch Viking's chicken
     
    aznboi3644, Sep 19, 2006
    #6
  7. TheViking

    TheViking Well-Known Member

    he cant touch my chicken, its reserved for all you numbnuts fr the next 3 years!!!!!!!


    I hate 12 volt electronics. they are so damnned innefcient!! If cars were un on 240 volts DC , EVERYTHING about amps would improve.....smaller, lighter, less heat, more balls....
    I hate 12 volt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAHHH!!!!!!!
     
    TheViking, Sep 19, 2006
    #7