Bigger Alternator Needed

AcetyleneDreams · July 10, 2007

Hi All,

After having added those two Infinity subs, I noticed the other night that my headlights and gauge cluster lights dim a good bit every thime those subs hit. Rolling up the windows at night also had the same effect, and that was something I noticed before the stero install. Isn't there an alternator that is bigger that I can use instead of this whimpy stock one? If so, does anyone have a part number?

Thanks!

saltwater_addict · July 10, 2007

search the "big 3" in the audio section, its about upgrading grounds and power wire from alternator to battery, supposedly works wonders with dimming lights and slowdown of windows etc

July 10, 2007

What kind of wattage are your amps pulling? If you don't have one, buy a capacitor!

AcetyleneDreams · July 10, 2007

The amp is only a 600 watt amp, so I should not ned a cap. Also, I don't want to jimmy rig anything on my ride. I would really just rather swap out the alternator with a larger one.

Does anyone know what letter of the VIN specifies this?

Thanks.

GRB60 · July 10, 2007

The VIN isn't going to tell you anything about the alternator. I don't know how many amps your alternator makes, but my Suburban LT is 160 amp. I would imagine that an Escalade might even have a higher capacity one. Check with a parts guy at the dealership.

pm26 · July 10, 2007

If anyone is interested, I have a Delco 140 amp alternator which I bought from gmpartsdirect.com. It was never used. This one fits an '06 5.3 liter engine and probably a lot of others.

It is the same alternator you buy from a GM dealer as the replacement for your original alternator ($220 retail). It may be a remanufactured unit, but looks new. In the original box. Will take $ 100 for it plus shipping.

I will post the part number is anybody is interested.

ken1mod · July 10, 2007

Your problem is in voltage drop in the wiring and a larger alternator will not help. You could install heavier wires from the battery or the capacitor as suggested earlier.

Ken

99blackz · July 10, 2007

Your problem is in voltage drop in the wiring and a larger alternator will not help. You could install heavier wires from the battery or the capacitor as suggested earlier.

Ken

Ken is very right

AcetyleneDreams · July 11, 2007

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the input! I should metion, however, that i do not have a cap in my system. Do you think I need one? My setup is an Infinity 600 watt amp pushing 2 10" Infinity subs.

The voltage drop is not a big one, and I can deal with it. So, is it really worth it to go swapping wires or adding a cap? I am cramped for space and I don't really see a good place to put a cap. What are your thoughts?

Thanks!

Tucson_02Silverado · July 11, 2007

Doesn't the 2005 1500's have electric cooling fans? You should already have the 145amp alternator.

As other's have already stated, verify your ground points. 4awg power cables. Verify connectors fully crimped or soldered on.

Also, how is your battery. If it's on the going bad side, it could be drawing excessive amperage from the alternator.

Does the amp have plenty of cooling air space?

AcetyleneDreams · July 11, 2007

Well, all the connection, wire gauges, etc. are good. I am sure of that. The weak link could be the battery, and I've kinda known that all along. It's the factory battery and my truck is an 05, so I should probably go ahead and replace it.

Halen5150 · July 11, 2007

Do the "Big 3" upgrade and get an Optima battery. My power windows have always dimmed the headlights at night on my '05, and on my '00 I had before it. 600 watts isn't much, and I wouldn't bother with a larger alternator. I would use at least 4 gauge power wire to the amp. Don't waste your money on a capacitor.

AcetyleneDreams · July 12, 2007

Thanks Halen! YOu have confirmed what i thought. I did use 4 ga. for the amp install, so everything is cool in that department. I think I am going to go ahead and replace the battery though. Every one I have had before (Toyota, GMC, Chevy, Ford) the factory battery dies at EXACTLY 3 years. To the month, guranteed, every time. I'm not there yet, but better safe than sorry.

Thanks for all the input everyone.

Halen5150 · July 12, 2007

Thanks Halen! YOu have confirmed what i thought. I did use 4 ga. for the amp install, so everything is cool in that department. I think I am going to go ahead and replace the battery though. Every one I have had before (Toyota, GMC, Chevy, Ford) the factory battery dies at EXACTLY 3 years. To the month, guranteed, every time. I'm not there yet, but better safe than sorry.

Thanks for all the input everyone.

You're welcome, bro. Yeah, the stock battery is pretty weak. I bought an Optima red top awhile back, and it helped a lot when I actually had subs and a sub amp. Lights still dimmed just a bit, but that was with a 1200 watt sub amp and an 800 watt 4-channel for my mids and highs. After the Optima and the big 3 upgrade, you should be alright.