Notices
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

Higher Amperage Alternator

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 24, 2002 | 06:22 PM
  #1  
flashgordon's Avatar
flashgordon
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Default Higher Amperage Alternator

Listen guys, I need some assistance. I've recently upgraded
my stereo to the point that I'm having voltage drop...so I've
decided to go with a higher amperage alternator.

These are 3 people that will upgrade the present lexus
alternator(GS400 - 1998, 100 amps) to 150 - 200 amps

Stinger Electronics Alternators COST : $300 - $500

KES High Output Alternators COST: $750


CHUY'S Auto Electric Shop COST : $300

Do any of you guys know anything about these guys' reputation?
Any help would be much appreciated.

.....yes I have a yellow top battery and yes I have caps installed
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2002 | 06:32 PM
  #2  
DrRick's Avatar
DrRick
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,395
Likes: 3
From: ATL
Default

you may need to install a 2nd battery. that would be the first option before i would install a bigger alternator. what kind of amps are you runnig and what is the power?
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2002 | 06:38 PM
  #3  
flashgordon's Avatar
flashgordon
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Default

I'm running a Kicker KX600.4(600watts) and a JL Audio 500/1(500watts). XM Satallite radio...soon to come -turbo timer and
electronic boost controller.
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2002 | 09:18 PM
  #4  
CSHFLW's Avatar
CSHFLW
Lexus Test Driver
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Default

umm...Im running 2000 watts and three tv's all the time and my lights don't even dim
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2002 | 11:03 AM
  #5  
bichkikr's Avatar
bichkikr
Pole Position
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 332
Likes: 0
From: CA
Default

yup yup, i'm running 2,200 watts with TV's and all that sheit too..never dimmed once. I do have my stock battery, with 2 yellow top's in the trunk and a stock alternator. I'd try an extra battery first if I were you.
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2002 | 01:17 PM
  #6  
Mean Gene's Avatar
Mean Gene
Lexus Test Driver
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 1
From: Alabama
Lightbulb Maybe Not!

Flash - I know we've been working via PM's but I gotta jump in here concerning a second or third battery. Yes, I know that I have a second Yellow Top in my trunk dedicated to the system ( over 3800 peak watts ) but all that does is buy U extra playing time with the car shut off. Once the engine's running the alternator takes over the electrical demands ( including charging any extra batteries that U place in the system ). If U have a dimming problem with the car running then another battery won't solve your problem & will actually increase the load on your current ( HA-HA! ) alternator & shorten it's lifespan!:eek: Car Audio & Electronics had a nice article on supplying your system with enough power recently. I don't recall the exact issue but U can check their archives: www.caraudiomag.com.
Might also want to check the gauge power & ground wires that U're using to see if they're large enough.
Of the 3 choices that U listed, I've used a Stinger 150 watt alternator with good success so I'll vouch for AAMP of America products. Just know that higher output alternators tend to introduce noise in systems but since they're used mostly in SPL vehicles, any ignition noise isn't a problem.
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2002 | 06:25 PM
  #7  
flashgordon's Avatar
flashgordon
Thread Starter
Driver
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Default

Thanx for the help guys. And yes I've been working w/Gene
(good looking out Gene), but I just wanted to get some more heads in on this thing.

I don't have a problem when I'm driving. It's when I stop and
I'm at idle awhile...with the AC on...and the volume cranking.
If it shuts off and I stand on the gas it comes back on at
about 2000 RPM's

So I don't know guys....Should the ground be zero gauge?
Maybe my alternator is going. Gene did recommend I get the
thing checked...just lazy I guess
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2002 | 08:29 PM
  #8  
sirsomo's Avatar
sirsomo
Pole Position
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 349
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Default

This might get better response in the electronics section. Your alternator is definately being strained. It would be helpful if you could describe the system. ( watts, how many caps, any other stuff running off the batt. such as lights). Your amps are probably drawing a large amount. One amp rated at XXX watts might draw 25 amps, while another amp with the same wattage would pull 50 amps. Look into this, see what kind of current your amps are using.
As mean gene said a 2nd yellow top probably wont help you all that much if the alternator cant keep up and recharge it. First, check the alternator and make sure the battery is also up to par. Its probably the alternator, in which case Id get it rewound or buy another. There are probably some local alternator shops around you. Stinger has a good reputation, sorry, dont know much about the other 2.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
NYGS300
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
15
Apr 29, 2015 01:20 PM
gsean400
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
12
May 26, 2014 06:11 PM
getindavan
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
45
Feb 17, 2009 06:27 AM
redlex15
CL of Southern California
6
Jul 11, 2008 07:36 AM
gdave
Lexus Audio, Video, Security & Electronics
1
May 5, 2008 06:21 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:20 AM.