I am interested in adding a second alternator to my Civic. My vehicle is not equipped with power steering or AC so I have a large space available for a custom bracket and a free space on the pulley for another belt. I will have up to 5 batteries in the car when I take it to stereo competition events, so I'm looking at dual 135 - 160 amp alternators.

My question is this... can I just add a plug to the second alternator and run the wires in parallel that come from the wiring harness to the factory plug? Are these just used to monitor voltage for code throwing reasons?

Thats is really my only concern... I am, of course, running a 1/0 power wire from each alternator to the battery bank in the back of the car along with a 1/0 ground from each alternator case ground point. I am completely removing the under-hood battery and will also be re-working the whole ground and power system under the hood so that is all taken care of.

 

Bump to the top.

Just need to know if I can wire two alternators to the factory "alt plug" wires.

Thanks in advance.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sundownz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">My question is this... can I just add a plug to the second alternator and run the wires in parallel that come from the wiring harness to the factory plug? Are these just used to monitor voltage for code throwing reasons?</TD></TR></TABLE>

The answer is maybe. They are not used for code throwing. The difference between a an alternator and a generator is how its made. A generator requires no external voltage to produce current. An alternator requires an external voltage to charge the outer windings. Thats what those wires are for. Wether or not if you can tap into them depends on if the wires can handle the extra load.

 

Thanks. I called up Ohio Generator and figured it out. The second alternator is going to be fully externally regulated with a unit that mounts to the alternator so it will only need an output wire according to them.

Looking at a 160 amp idle / 180 amp peak model in the factory spot, they tell me a small GM case unit will bolt right in with some washers. The second unit will be 260 amps at idle and over 300 amps peak That should take care of business nicely!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sundownz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks. I called up Ohio Generator and figured it out. The second alternator is going to be fully externally regulated with a unit that mounts to the alternator so it will only need an output wire according to them.

Looking at a 160 amp idle / 180 amp peak model in the factory spot, they tell me a small GM case unit will bolt right in with some washers. The second unit will be 260 amps at idle and over 300 amps peak That should take care of business nicely!</TD></TR></TABLE>

you got the answer before I seen the post,lol. The second alt will be a external regutalor so it will sence when it needs to stop charging. Good luck on your new build. I wish I could hear it Please post pics.