Alternator upgrade

[phatdaddymackc]

Looked on a couple sites but cant find anything, but read few places about when installing larger sound systems about putting in a battery in the trunk and a higher amp alternator. Where would I find one for a 99 bonnie? Or what could be used as a substitute?

[crash93ssei]

What kind of system are you planning on running and what is the amperage demands it will have? That is what you need to know before you even start to think about upgrading anything. Building a good powerful sound system is just like building an engine, a well laid out plan with parts that fit and work together will always end up more reliable and more powerful even if less expensive then one that is just put together with random parts without thinking about if they will work right together.

[phatdaddymackc]

Ahh yeah see this is why I post things on here, I told you guys I am a total noob lol. I have no idea no plans what so ever. I had a 92 cadillac deville with 2 12's in the trunk and 800 watts pushing it on two amps. I plan on possibly throwing 4 12's in the back of this thing as well as upgrading the speakers and installing speakers to go on the panels where the windows are in the front and back. I will have to take pictures and photo shop my ideas and post them up for advise. Will put them up sometime later. Thanks.

[redzmonte]

Look for a 1997+ Grand prix High output alternator.. iirc Mr Alternator makes a high out put one. the GP alt should be interchangable with the bonnie. 1998 Bonnies should have the same series II 3800 as the GP..

170Amp option:
http://www.maniacelectricmotors.com/rm1 ... Mgod6RAADA

Dunno if its any good but here is a 200amp Alt on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/GRAND-PRIX-HIGH-O ... B008R23ABY

same company with a 220amp:
http://www.dbelectrical.com/p-5237-gran ... 243-5.aspx

[yourgrandma]

The pic on the 170 amp is wrong. Im interested though. I could probably use a little more juice with all my electrical junk.

OP, i think given your stated goals, youll be fine with the stock alternator which I believe is 140A. I run a Memphis 1000d at 1 ohm and a Diamond 340w 4 channel on my fronts (albeit with the gain turned way down) and even with all my lighting, I didnt have any real issues unless both heated seats were running and I had the high beams on with the stereo at full tilt boogie.

Now I have an intercooler pump and eventually an electric water pump on the engine, so Im sure once its running Ill want to upgrade. Plus I have more system upgrades in mind.

[00Beast]

He could have either a 105, 125 or 140 amp alternator.

[phatdaddymackc]

Has anyone tried the alts that redzmonte suggested? Because I was hoping to run sorta what yourgrandma has with a intercooler pump and electric water pump as well as I plan on having 4 12's in the back 2 in the back seat and two in the front seats. Mostly for shows, not to run with it (dont want to break someones back lol). But I would be interested in a 200 volt alt if they have them.

[yourgrandma]

I cant really envision what you mean with subs in the seats, but for a really big system (sounds like youre talking about 8 subs) you need battery and charging upgrades to really run the stuff. A high amp alternator only benefits you over a certain engine speed and wont make any difference at all if the car isnt running.

Simply put, if its for a show setting, get more batteries instead.

[phatdaddymackc]

Yeah didnt think about that, good idea. No point in spending the money for the higher alternator if I wont have them on. And subs in the seat is an idea I have been passing around some time now about finding a way to install the sub in the seat so that at meets with friends I can have them sit in there and lets just say tickle the goodies.

[ytd1861]

I've had three great experiences using PowerMaster alternators on a 05 Monte Carlo, and 2 mid 90's GMC trucks. They are not the cheapest alterators but they are WAYYYY better than the AutoZone mess. I'd rather pay a little more for quality than get the cheapest of anything. Too much Chinese crap out there that's straight junk and headaches. I always try to buy USA, even if it costs a few dollars more. Why send the money overseas when Americans are starving? Maybe it doesn't help, but if a few 10's of thousands of people do it, it adds up. No, I'm far from rich and can't always buy the best. I'd love some great Snap On tools, but I can't see paying what they want, especially for their boxes and wrenches. Sorry for the speech....hydrocodone kicked in! ha ha