Who's upgraded their alternator and for what purpose?

MiamiSilverado1500 · June 9, 2017

I'm planning on upgrading my truck with a simple audio system, maybe 2 LED light bars, plus accessories.

1.For the audio system

Simply replace all the stock speakers with higher quality plus an amp. For the head unit, I'm looking into the 10in screen models. Also I found some bed storage bins that come with speakers as well which are perfect for tailgating.

2. LEDs

A light bar, maybe 2, and some other lighting that I haven't decided on yet.

3. Accessories...

Train horn+air hose kit that comes with certain models.

I have a solar panel that I got on ebay that I use to maintain the battery since I'm always stopping and going due to my work. But I'm planning on upgrading the alternator, big 3 ground kit, and a second battery.

What do you guys think??

TheBlackPearl · June 9, 2017

It looks like the newer alternators are 170 amp?

I don't think you'd need an aftermarket alternator for what you want to do.

Older GM alternators were 70 or 90 amp, IIRC, I always used power capacitors for audio because of my subs and never had a problem.

I'd calculate the total amp draw of all accessories you want to add and see where you're at.

Ichie123 · June 10, 2017

I have a 300 amp alternator from nations alternators. I have it more for future upgrades. Right now I have 2000 watt sundown audio amp which is the bulk of what it's used for. Amp was too much for the stock alternator.

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MiamiSilverado1500 · June 12, 2017

All sounds good. I was planning in the 200+ range, definitely think that 300 will be far beyond my needs. I will be running 2 batteries for sure because I love to tailgate on game day and want to be able to continue using power from my truck so I don't have to lug a generator around. I saw these bed speakers and figured that I could replace them with marine grade speakers since I live in South Florida and the salty air is corrosive down here.

Nasty · June 12, 2017

I use usalternators. Daniel builds great alts

And do not use capacitors. Those actually hurt your electrical. Start off with running an xs power battery. If you need more then grab an alt. The battery helps a lot xs is all I use and they last forever

MiamiSilverado1500 · June 12, 2017

I use usalternators. Daniel builds great alts

And do not use capacitors. Those actually hurt your electrical. Start off with running an xs power battery. If you need more then grab an alt. The battery helps a lot xs is all I use and they last forever

Just wrote to them so I'll wait for their response. Thank you.

MiamiSilverado1500 · August 29, 2017

Still no response....the search continues.....

Nasty · August 29, 2017

That's strange he's usually good at answering. Only other alt I'd use is DC power. But they are a little more pricey

SouthernSilveradoGuy85 · August 29, 2017

I'm no electrical expert so I guess take my opinion with a grain of salt. Getting a bigger alternator wouldn't hurt, but I would think you'd also want a 2nd battery or a deep cycle battery like from Optima or Odyssey. So I would think an alternator that can handle a single deep cycle or 2 regular batteries should do fine. You might can even get away with a stock setup if you don't intend on using the LED bars for too long at a time. A buddy has a small system in his Mustang (really his wife's car) and I don't remember them upgrading the alternator or battery. It's nothing major, but just a couple subs and a single amp I think.

MiamiSilverado1500 · August 30, 2017

I'm no electrical expert so I guess take my opinion with a grain of salt. Getting a bigger alternator wouldn't hurt, but I would think you'd also want a 2nd battery or a deep cycle battery like from Optima or Odyssey. So I would think an alternator that can handle a single deep cycle or 2 regular batteries should do fine. You might can even get away with a stock setup if you don't intend on using the LED bars for too long at a time. A buddy has a small system in his Mustang (really his wife's car) and I don't remember them upgrading the alternator or battery. It's nothing major, but just a couple subs and a single amp I think.

I had to get a new battery recently due to my factory battery giving out just after 50,000 miles. I went to Advance Auto parts near my job and they set me up with stock size but higher cranking power. It's not an optima battery. So I think I'll get a 2nd battery identical to what I have already. I definitely will be upgrading the alternator because of the LEDs, audio system etc. Thanks.

SouthernSilveradoGuy85 · August 31, 2017

I had to get a new battery recently due to my factory battery giving out just after 50,000 miles. I went to Advance Auto parts new my job and they set me up with stock size but higher cranking power. It's not an optima battery. So I think I'll get a 2nd battery identical to what I have already. I definitely will be upgrading the alternator because of the LEDs, audio system etc. Thanks.

I've had pretty good luck with Duralast batteries from Autozone. The highest one, the Platinum, I was told that it's like a hybrid between a normal battery and an Optima. I'm not exactly sure why, but it's what the current manager told me.

Nasty · August 31, 2017

I've had pretty good luck with Duralast batteries from Autozone. The highest one, the Platinum, I was told that it's like a hybrid between a normal battery and an Optima. I'm not exactly sure why, but it's what the current manager told me.

Just so you know optima isn't what it used to be I'd rather have an interstate or a cheap Wal-Mart. Battery over an optima

SouthernSilveradoGuy85 · August 31, 2017

Just so you know optima isn't what it used to be I'd rather have an interstate or a cheap Wal-Mart. Battery over an optima

I've just read on here that their performance is the same, but they just don't last long anymore. Think I've read on here that they're only good for about 3 years then they're done. So I started reading about Odyssey batteries. Luckily I've only needed normal batteries and I hope if one day I get a winch that the normal battery is good enough since I won't really have any other accessories.

MiamiSilverado1500 · August 31, 2017

I'll go under the hood today and get back with the exact info on the battery that I purchased. All in all I've had no hiccups whatsoever by any means. My radio doesn't act funny anymore, my lights obviously aren't dimming anymore, starts up hard and strong.