Stan Voth

I'm seriously considering it for my 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3V8......but dont want burnt wiring or other troubles down the road. Having now read everything available online about additional amperage alternators vs OEM (mine is a 150amp), the general consensus seems to be that switching from a 150 amp to a 170 amp alt will not hurt a stock vehicle with stock accessories/equipment. If anything, the switch would/could prolong the life of the vehicles battery due to the availability of voltage rather than the battery needing to draw from its built-in reserve to cover any increased demand. I'm also considering upgrading my headlights, taillights, and interior dome-courtesy lights to LED's. An Alternator upgrade may help with this as well.......but then I read how an LED bulbs actually draws LESS power than stock bulbs ! Arghh!...will do more research on this topic before melting my light housings. If ANYONE reads this and has some input, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks Leatherneck... I'll scope out the utube videos. Can I ask ya another non-charging related question about the same truck?

HELP !! I've got a stock 2014 GMC 1500 / 5.3V8 / Loaded. Intermittent remote start.....sometimes would only "click". One time only, would not start with ignition key either. After it would start, all radio presets were goofy. Weird. Replaced key fob battery--no change. Had been noticing that the volt meter seemed to be reading higher than usual (14v-14.3v). Had the charging system checked: "Alternator is showing a HIGH output & Battery is showing a LOW state. (reading across batt terminals was 15-15.2v) (Vehicle has VERY low miles & battery appears to be the original) Replaced the battery with a very good one. Now it charges @ 13.8-14.2v on factory gauge......but while driving, it will drop to 9-9.5v & stay there untill shut off & restarted....then reads 13.8-14.2v again. Remote start seems to work just fine now. Does this sound like a ALTERNATOR issue ? Someone suggested it may be the "SMART-CHARGE" system ???? I dont know if my truck has that option. When did that come out & how does it work....supply & demand amps/volts? I'd rather not just keep throwing parts at it, especially at the cost of them now !! ($200 for the battery....$335 for an alternator!) OUCH! Any recommendations would be appreciated !! God Bless- Stan