When I bought my '94 Integra, the seller already had an upgraded 135 amp HO alternator installed. I am resinstalling my stereo, which will consist of two batteries (optima red and yellow tops), a 2500 watt RMS system, plus 1000 watt power inverter, and lots of neon. Is my alternator sufficient to for recharging both batteries, or do I need to upgrade to an even higher output unit? Also, I will have a 3 or 5 farad cap.
Thanks

 

Whats the downfalls to running a 135 amp alternator when you actually dont need the extra amps but it costed less then a darn oem one.

 

3500 watts is stretching it... If you like to be able to play loud, then I'd probably:

1). Upgrade to a bigger Alternator (somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 -250amps, talk to Dominic Iraggi for the best deals on custom alternators, Pay attention to the alt's output at engine idle (if that is important to you)). Rewinding alts generally isn't recommended. If you checkout the forums at Termpro.com, his name is "trafficjamz" ... There is also another guy on that forum who makes alternators, I don't know much about him though: "Rick's HO Alts" - alternator section. I do know that sometimes Iraggi can take a while if it's a custom alt; if it's one that he stocks then it's quick. There were some negative comments about him, but after investigating, it turns out that the main complaint was bogus. I only know of about 3 legit complaints, all involving the fact that "he's slow on custom jobs for import cars." - ok, fine...but he's still the best.

2). Upgrade engine grounds (Big 3) using no larger than 4awg wire for Alternator to +battery terminal connection. Use whatever size you want for other connections.

3). Ditch the capacitor idea; IMO all you need for a high power system = batteries, alt, adequate wiring. A capacitor will act as yet ANOTHER load on your alternator actually - don't buy into marketing.


--- This is only if you think you really are pushing 3.5kw. Maybe you're not...