I decided to change out my alternator to a high output. After researching I've decided to go with a DC Power...I'm planning more lights and a power inverter. Any recommendation on which one? I don't care what it cost just don't want to over do it, can too many amps hurt anything?

Also, on my previous EX I did the big 3 upgrade. Is it the same on a 2 battery setup?

Thanks, Michael

 

If all you want us extra lights and an inverter, assuming it's nothing too large the 185 should be enough for your needs. I run a 1000 watt sub amp, 400 watt speakers amp, 600 watt inverter, halogen off-road lights and it supplies enough power to keep my betteries charged well. I can see drops to low 13s in voltage for a second on major bass songs. It recovers quickly I just need a capacitor or auxiliary battery. I'm thinking one step up in the future wouldn't hurt but I plan on a winch and more lights and air compressor.

Big three is the same just more wires. Upgrade your battery grounds to frame and engine, replace the stock inter-battery wire with something larger, and add a much larger alternator output wire.
I personally routed my alternator wire to the driver side and left the stock wire feeding the passengers side because my accessories are off of my driver battery.
I *believe* that you don't need to upgrade your engine to chassis ground cable since I didn't find one and one battery grounds to Engine one to frame.

 

Thanks Joe, keep in mind I have, twin air compressors additional rear lighting and power steps already? I may do a roof rack, if I do I will be adding full length rigid lighting front and back.

My question to you is can I run there new 320 amp?

 

I forgot about those, could you post a picture of them for my curiosity?

You can run any of their alternators, having more amperage than needed will just put your alternator into a lower output mode until you start drawing more amperage. Then it will supply as much as required. If you knew how many amps you draw on a Normal basis you could size it accordingly bit bigger won't hurt.

I do believe there high output alternators require some more significant wiring changes no plug and play on the harness. I would guess that running extra (more than the two stock 2/0) ground wires would be necessary. I have 3 2/0 grounds

It's common practice for every ground wire you add to the frame/body/chassis for your accessories you should add equal gauge wire from the frame to your batteries. Having insufficient grounding capability can have some VERY unusual and in cases extreme results.

 

I wasn't going to post because you stated you already decided on the DC power alt, but I gotta ask: How did you decide on that company?

What others did you consider?

Stewart

 

Go big or go home. LOL

Seriously, though, I run the DC power 270 amp

 

Ah, ah, I don't know...maybe cause they look good

Just really been searching the internet, wanted something in blue, new and with plenty of amps.

I don't worry about a 2 week turnaround on warranty as I'll be keeping my 110 amp as spare.

Overall this is about giving my engine compartment a new look too.

I am open to suggestions.

 

I have one of their prototype xp390 alts from a couple years ago. When I bought it, Dave told me that the reason it was called the xp390 was because their test machine would only go up to 390 amps. He said that this alt will have no trouble putting out about 500 amps at 14.8 volts. I can consistently pull over 300 amps just from my stereo. I have about 6000watts rms. I do however have 5 batteries in my truck. Absolutely no troubles at all. Even when pulling 300 amps, my voltage has never dropped below 13.7 volts. The price was almost $1000 but they don't make it anymore.

 

Before my xp390, I was running dual 175 amp alts from them. My system outgrew the need for the duals. I would like to put dual xp390's but that will require a custom mount.

 

Was thinking of this one....In Blue finish...320 Amp SPX-i High Output Alternator - 6.0L V8 Powerstroke Diesel - Excursion - Ford - 2005 - SPX-i Series Alternators - High Output Alternators

 

Look at the hot amps at idle. Most won't come close to that even with all their stuff on at max power. That's a GREAT alternator. I would never deal with anyone else besides dc.

 

Thanks Rob, I appreciate your feedback

 

Do it once, do it right, and never look back. MAKE SURE YOU UPGRADE YOUR WIRING. Talk to them and they will tell you what gauge you should use.

 

That's some serious power, you could weld with that! I agree if you plan on possible upgrades in he future its easier to go big and do it once. I should have considering I knew I could outgrow the 185.

 

Yeah, I never thought I'd outgrow my dual 175 amp alts. But then again, I never thought I'd have a 4500 watt Phoenix gold elite 1 running 12- 12" subs either. Plus all the amps for all my mids and highs. Usually I just have my 2-JL audio 13w6's in a ported box. Not to mention all the rest of the stuff I added in the truck.