I'm gathering components for my new car stereo and wondered if I need to upgrade my ford alternator to a high amperage model.

How can I determine what the alternator was at least designed to supply? I assume its stock, but it wouldn't surprise me if it wasn't.

Thanks!

 

The one in the photo is a 95amp alternator.
It has four holes.

 

Thanks.. Would I better off upgrading to a higher amp? Or add a second DieHard Platinum ?

 

I would think a 95amp alternator would work with most if not all car stereo system.
You would only need a bigger battery if you use the car stereo without the engine running and then the battery will not last that long if you have a high amp draw.

First off you need to find out how many amps the car stereo draws.

 

Any normal, factory alternator will handle a normal, run of the mill, or mildly upgraded stereo system. Remember, these alternators aren't designed to put out the max rating all the time, but only for short periods after the engine is started.

Output tapers off as the battery is recharged after cranking.

If your new system will be a few hundred watts RMS, you will be fine....but if the audio system will be cranking out a few thousand watts...that 95 amp alternator and single battery will not be suitable.

 

Thanks!

My subwoofer amp will run around 500w @ 2.5 ohm

And my mid/high amp is 200w @ 4 ohm load..

Both less efficient class A/B amps.. Not the normal class D

So its approaching 1000w and I planned on adding a second Diehard Platinum AMG battery.

 

I would also budget for a 3 to 5 Farad thumper capacitor, and an upgraded alternator and belt when that one fails....and it probably will.

Good luck.