flashgordon

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

DrRick

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?

flashgordon

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.

CSHFLW

umm...Im running 2000 watts and three tv's all the time and my lights don't even dim

bichkikr

iTrader: (5)

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.

Mean Gene

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.

flashgordon

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

sirsomo

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.