Dual Alternators in a '98 Tahoe?

[bartlanz]

Does any one know of a web site that shows how to install dual alternators in a '98 Tahoe. OR has any one done it, and can you tell me how to/how easy is it?

[koogs67]

I have a 98 Tahoe, and I tinkered with the idea of dual alternators. I was told that the best way to do this is to find a heavy-truck dealership to install the alternators, or go to a place that works on ambulances. Here's what I did instead.

I contacted Alterstart out of Texas & had a brand-new 220 amp alternator sent to me. I then bought a battery isolator from Stinger audio & ran the connection line [zero gauge] from the alternator to the isolator. Using this, I was able to run 2 optima red-top batteries under the hood [stock & driver-side battery locations] and push well over 2000 watts of audio & electrical power.

The key is that you have to run the stock line from the alternator to the master battery, even though you are running power from the alternator to the isolator with the larger-gauge wiring at the same time. You see, the isolator accepts power into it's primary post, but will not return the power to the alternator ... so your truck will "think" there is no power & it will shut down. By running 2 lines from the hi-power alternator [one to the isolator & one to the battery], the alternator will get a return current from the battery, and at the same time give the needed power to the isolator.

Important tip: do not buy a "cheap" isolator. Spend the money for the stinger isolator [1 post input, 2 post output] and you will have power to spare for your needs.

If you want a picture of the set up, email me & I'll send them to you.

Koogs