High Output Alternator
 

I purchased a Maniac high output alternator (with lifetime warranty) from www.maniacelectricmotors.com over a year ago and am now getting to the point of installing.

---little bit of background---

I had read on the forum the upgraded wiring configurations necessary to install this alternator and felt comfortable at the time of completing the task. I felt that a high output alternator would be needed b/c i have a custom audio system which includes a 12in sub and amp, figured the additional resources needed to supply this system would not be met with the stock alternator.

Having said that, my audio system has performed flawlessly for the past year with the stock alternator. No issues whatsoever. Which leads me to believe that a high out put alternator is not necessary.

Fast forward to two days ago. I spoke with Christian from Maniac alternators and they are unwilling to exchange my high output alternator with a stock rebuilt. Frustrating, but understandable. The alternator has sat in my closet, in the same box it was shipping in, for the past year never used. But it is over a year, so I get the place not willing to refund.

I explained my concerns to Christian and that I don't think a high output alternator is necessary given my circumstances. She assured me that I could use the high output alternator without doing any of the upgraded wiring configurations. That the car would run fine. She added that some people upgrade their wiring, however it is not necessary. Is this true?

Re: High Output Alternator
 

True.
The alternator ig going to deliver only what the systems ask for. High current wires installed in our SVX's are designed to comply this requisition. Normally a 1000w RMS amp takes only 40amp. There's a peak of 75amps but you can avoid this amp requisition variations with a 1 Farad capacitor installed in parallel right on the power input of your ampli.

Re: High Output Alternator
 

If your electrical system works fine using the 95A alternator, the 160A alternator can be used in place of that without wiring upgrades.

The stock alternator is designed to give you 35% of the rated output at idle; that's a little over 33A.

The 160A unit is designed to give you 55% of maximum output at idle. That's 88A at idle, but only if you need it.

In the winter, with simultaneous high-draw circuits in operation (headlights defrosters, wipers, heated mirrors, etc) the 160A alternator does not have to work as hard as the stock one.

The main reason for the upgraded wiring is to offset the electrical resistance of our aging, corroded wiring and bad grounds.


If you haven't already read this, see Alternator 101 in the How-To documents.

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Re: High Output Alternator
 

That's great info John, thanks. It also puts my mind at ease a bit.

Re: High Output Alternator
 

Isn't John terrific!!

Keith:cool:

Re: High Output Alternator
 

ill agree with what is said, except you should never need a cap!


my 87 f150 with a 60watt altrenator, drove 5k worth of sound, had a good battery, good wires, great grounds! never missed a beat, dimmed my headlights a little when the sub pounded, but hey, i was concered with sound

cool article btw