High output alternators
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Indiana
High output alternators
I'd like to put in a high output alternator for my 1994 F150. I know next to nothing about doing this. If any one has any tips for doing this, please tell me, I have a extra lights and soon to be stereo system on my truck. It also has the original alternator on it, which I'm sure is about to die soon. Any help would be appreciated.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
First, upgrade your battery to the biggest one (highest CCA) you can fit in your bracket. At least 650-850 CCA. Then, get the amp rating off the alternator case or your window sticker.
Depending on engine and options, you probably have a 75 or 95 amp alternator. You probably can fit the stock 130 amp in. It probably will require a heavier wire from the alternator to the battery and replacement of the voltage regulator (I would use at least 6 gauge). Some of the 130 amp alt. come with internal regulators and require a plug change. Plugs are sold at Autozone and Advance Auto.
Depending on engine and options, you probably have a 75 or 95 amp alternator. You probably can fit the stock 130 amp in. It probably will require a heavier wire from the alternator to the battery and replacement of the voltage regulator (I would use at least 6 gauge). Some of the 130 amp alt. come with internal regulators and require a plug change. Plugs are sold at Autozone and Advance Auto.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 23,667
Likes: 301
From: Easton,Ks
Unless you have starting problems there is no need for a bigger battery. The Battery is for starting your engine only and is not made to be discharged and recharged. That is the job of a Deep Cycle Battery and if you repeatedly charge and discharge a stock type battery it will go bad in a short time.
The Alternator is made to run the load of the truck and maintain the charge of the battery and this is from the Alternator Makers.
Look on the box of a new Alternator, it says to be used with a fully charged battery only. When I first seen this I said WHAT? Then I went and did some checking on what they were talking about. I found out that a new Alternators Life expectancy on a discharged battery is 3 minutes, it will get hot and burn up.
Why? There is no current limiter in the Regulator, it is just a voltage regulator and it will go all out until the voltage comes up.
That said you wiring from your alternator to the battery is now matched for the load of the truck and to maintain the battery charge.
The 130 Amp Alternator plug will be the same and no need for a change.
Now, where the big Black 8GA wire is now hooked to your Alternator, when you put in the new Alternator put one 14GA fuse link on there and have it feed two new 10GA wires, one to your extra lights and one to your sound system. Use the proper fuses for the lights and sound system to the 10GA wires.
If you would happen to run your battery all the way down your Alternator would still be protected by the 12GA Fuse Link you now have from the 8GA to the starter relay.
If you want to set and run the sound system with out running the engine then you need to install a Deep Cycle battery some place. Have charge limiter on it and use it to power the system.
The Alternator is made to run the load of the truck and maintain the charge of the battery and this is from the Alternator Makers.
Look on the box of a new Alternator, it says to be used with a fully charged battery only. When I first seen this I said WHAT? Then I went and did some checking on what they were talking about. I found out that a new Alternators Life expectancy on a discharged battery is 3 minutes, it will get hot and burn up.
Why? There is no current limiter in the Regulator, it is just a voltage regulator and it will go all out until the voltage comes up.
That said you wiring from your alternator to the battery is now matched for the load of the truck and to maintain the battery charge.
The 130 Amp Alternator plug will be the same and no need for a change.
Now, where the big Black 8GA wire is now hooked to your Alternator, when you put in the new Alternator put one 14GA fuse link on there and have it feed two new 10GA wires, one to your extra lights and one to your sound system. Use the proper fuses for the lights and sound system to the 10GA wires.
If you would happen to run your battery all the way down your Alternator would still be protected by the 12GA Fuse Link you now have from the 8GA to the starter relay.
If you want to set and run the sound system with out running the engine then you need to install a Deep Cycle battery some place. Have charge limiter on it and use it to power the system.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 33
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From: Indiana
I'm not much of an electrical person. Would everything still work if say I upgraded to a 130 amp alternator and left all the stock wiring? And what happens to all the unused power when I am not using the alternator to its full capacity?
