Need more power capt.! (Dual alt question)

[AceX]

Some time in 2009, I'll be swapping out amps from the entry level parts that I'm using, the the Signature Edition amps which are basically the best of the best out there.

The problem with this (besides the fact that each of these amps is >$1000) is that when these things go full tilt, they will draw as much power as a 4 bedroom house... Looking at somehwere around 350 amps of draw...

I'm talking with the guys from Powermaster Motorsports about getting ahold of twin 200a alternators, but then again, a problem arises: Where to mount the other unit?

I've thought about it and I believe that I can make a bracket to fit the second alt. where the smog pump is currently. I'm not sure if there would be any problems with this setup, so I wanted to gather some opinions, maybe see what others have done. I realize that not too many people have the issues/demands that I do, but I'm clinging to hope...

[James McClure]

Ace: Before you go off half cocked, is there a way you can test the actual draw of these amps before you go to lengths to adapt 2 alternators into your truck? If in fact you do find the measurement to get near 400 amps you may find using an alternator from a 18 wheeler. The wireing isn't difficult either. Check with Freightliner around you and see what they have to offer. It might be cheaper also and eliminate any problems with using 2 alternators because your going to have to regulate both alternators with 1 regulator to avoid great fluctuations in output with 2 independant units working seperately. jim

[AceX]

I'm not sure if it will work... I'll talk with some friends and see what they can do for me as far as an alternator from a Cummins.

The problem also arises with the size of one of those bad boys. I grew up literally playing in a truck repair shop and I can tell you that those things are not small...

And to answer the original query, yes, these amps WILL draw that much power... The SE4200 can draw up to 222a at full tilt. Spec sheet says somewhere around 190a for each amp.

[James McClure]

I too have a background in heavy trucks and your right about the size of these alternators, but, the size and weight of 2 seperate units I think would be greater, not to mention wireing and mounting difficulties. You did understand what I said about regulating 2 alternators from 1 point right? They would have to be phased so you didn't have 1 unit fighting the other trying to keep voltage and amerage stable enough for electronics gear to function without being dameged in any way by spikes in voltage or amperage that are sure to happen. Now I'm not sure that the regulator could handle the current draw from 2 seperate alternators. Call me if you like and we'll talk about it. jim, 518 581 1622.

[Dooley]

Here's the dual alternator setup on a CUCV Blazer with 6.2 diesel. The drivers side charges the front battery while the passenger side charges the rear, but you could wire what you need for a non-military diesel.

[AceX]

James, I understood about regulating the alternators. Powermater also makes an external and adjustable regulator for this type of application.

Mounting these actually won't be THAT hard. One will basically bolt into the stock location, and the other would replace the smog pump. Each would be on its own belt.

[73chevyman]

this is a friend of mines truck. he does CB radios key competition this is what they do on the suburbans with 3 liaison neville alternators

[73chevyman]

Hey if ya want i can talk to the tech to see if i can get better pictures for ya lol this is my territory lol. I'm going to do a suburban like this in the future

[73chevyman]

actually theres 4 alternators in that pic above

[Stitch]

that last suburban also has a serpentine belt to help with belt slippage...I know that on my 6.2 diesel my alt v-belt slips like a bandit sometimes and they say that if you switch over to serpentine from a 6.5 that it'll never slip...just something to think of when you switch over...when the alternators kick on to charge the batteries, they may slip real bad with all the draw...

Chuck.

[Dooley]

Originally Posted by 73chevyman

this is a friend of mines truck. he does CB radios key competition this is what they do on the suburbans with 3 liaison neville alternators
Attachment 414070

Now that is an impressive voltage maker!

[AZGrower]

Cant you get a single alternator (high output) that will give you the 400 amps you need? Why use 2 x 200 amp ones?
Check out...
Iraggi Alternators
Mean Grean Alts
Exessive Amperage Alts.
These units are designed to give 75% or more of their production at idle.

Also, make sure to upgrade your wiring to something beefy like 2 or 0 gauge wire. In my late great truck (sold her off a few months ago) I had a modest system in it and it would dim the lights. I merely upgraded whats known as the Big 3 upgrade (alt to battery, battery to ground, ground to engine block) with 2 gauge power wire and it worked fine. I had a pair of Image Dynamic IDQ10s as subs running off of a DLS Ultimate A3 amp, and the front stage consisted of Dynaudio 340GT component speakers (6.5" mid and a 1" tweeter) running off of a second DLS A3 amp. All in all it only pulled a few hundred amps if that. I had it all running active off of my Alpine 9813 head unit.

[Pyrotechnic]

Originally Posted by 73chevyman

this is a friend of mines truck. he does CB radios key competition this is what they do on the suburbans with 3 liaison neville alternators
Attachment 414070

Now that is wild ! And one really long serpentine belt.

[73chevyman]

after they put it all together they had to take a string to measure the lenth of the new belt

[73chevyman]

also you should hear it going down the road sounds like it has turbo or something it sounds sick as hell

[AceX]

Lots of suggestions...

I just emailed Nathan @ excessiveamperage.com to see what eh can do for me.

I've ruled out using an 18 wheeler unit.

Also, good to see you on here AZ Grower.

[Tony@AirRideTech]

Couple of things I would consider too..... when you are talking about the current draw @ 350amps... you are talking at max output. Now what I think you really need to ask yourself is how often you are going to really be running those dudes at max output. What I would look at doing would be to go to a single high output alt. and a good dual battery set up with adequate wire size. If you are looking at large semi alternators you need to consider that most of those are also 24 volt.

[AceX]

Some people may think I'm crazy, but I run my system at full tilt almost every day.

I also tend to build things a bit on the overkill side. I want it to be able to stand up to a worst case scenario and not even flinch.

EDIT: Talked to Brad @ Arc Audio just now. He thinks I can get away with what I have now. I'm still going to swap out to a 200a unit though.

Thanks for all your help guys.

EDIT2: I'll be doing the "Big 3" at the same time as the alt. upgrade and also adding a second Kinetik 1800HC. I'll post a how-to on it when I do. It will be all 1/0g wiring.

[James McClure]

I tend to do the same thing when I build things. I also try to have more tool than I need for a job. I also do the same thing with guns. Better to have more than I need than less. jim

[MylilBowTie]

YouTube - 4 350+ Amp Alternators in Chevy Tahoe...

Reminded me of this video.. lol

[AceX]

I love Steve. His antics make me laugh every time.