HO Alternator

[MuTaLiZeD]

I have a 2004 Pontiac GT1 Grand Prix. Does anyone know of any companys that make 2004 HO alternators? Ive looked everywhere and cannot find one. The stock one cannot re-charge fast enough to power my two 12"s and kenwood 1800 watt monoblock amp.

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

I suggest you forget the high output alternator and simply purchase a 2 farad capacitor and place it in the line before the amp. This will allow the amp to work correctly since it will hold plenty of voltage without needing to recharge and you won't need to worry about draining the battery. It will be a lot cheaper too.

[tblake]

Also, not sure if you posted this over in the "car audio" secion of AF, but those guys know their stuff. I dont want to speak for all of us here, but, I for one really know nothing about audio systems except to hook them up. I (we) know more about auto repairs/mods.

[doctorhrdware]

GTP DAD is correct, the 2 farad cap is definately the way to go.

[grandprixgtx00]

another thing you can do is just buy a dry cell. IE Optima battery. this will take alot of stress off the alternator.

[jcurry05]

I would suggest upgrading the big three. thats the wir from your alternater to the battery, the wire from the negitibe battery terminal ro the chassis ground and the negative terminal to the engine ground. i have a 1200 watt system and I was having that problem too so I switched out those wire will larger gauge 1/0 wire and I have had no problems since. No headlight dim or anything.

[MuTaLiZeD]

Hey I REALLY appreciate all the info! I will give the wireing a shot, if it don't fix it I will try the optima, and the capacitor. My biggest focus is because within the next month I will be adding componets probably and might have to runner a littler amp too. BUT in the mean time I really appreciate it!

[MuTaLiZeD]

Can I purchase Pre-Made wireing for the alternator or do I have to make them?

[doctorhrdware]

You might be able to get the cables at the auto parts store. Or check out crutchfield.

[MuTaLiZeD]

Cool I appreciate it!

[grandprixgtx00]

i wouldnt recommend doing the wire swap on the alternator. never seen it done before, but it sounds like it'll just make the alternator work harder and eventually overheat it...or cause more problems.

idk, lets see what the experts say

[tblake]

Originally Posted by grandprixgtx00

i wouldnt recommend doing the wire swap on the alternator. never seen it done before, but it sounds like it'll just make the alternator work harder and eventually overheat it...or cause more problems.

idk, lets see what the experts say

Actually it will put less stress on the alternator if you upgrade the "big three"....

[grandprixgtx00]

hmm...guess i dont know what you guys are talking about when you say the "big three" haha

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by grandprixgtx00

hmm...guess i dont know what you guys are talking about when you say the "big three" haha

Specialized knowledge is required when you want a successful juke box on wheels or at least a reliable one. Probably more than what we probably offer as tech advice although there are good points here. I normally don't weigh-in on these type posts because I would probably kill the idiot that drives by my house with his 2000 watt juke box on wheels. ..... See link below for the basics.

Click here

However, unless you want to reduce the life of or kill the alternator in addition to adding the caps which equates to 1 farad per 1000 watts as suggested the wiring should be upgraded. A H.O. alternator is recommended but optional. The key is finding one made for your platform. Normally around 200 watts. I believe the stock alternator for the '04 is 125 watts. Some people install the yellow top batteries which helps.

The battery positive and negative cables can be upgraded or should be. Especially the cable going from the battery positive to the alternator. I recall stock is around 8 awg but should be upgraded to around 4 awg. This will reduce or eliminate the headlight dimming or flickering effect you may get and reduce the load on the alternator.

[tblake]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

..... I normally don't weigh-in on these type posts because I would probably kill the idiot that drives by my house with his 2000 watt juke box on wheels. .....

NICE!

Never got into it really myself either. I've put different speakers in and things, but cant justify spending that kind of cash.

I just loved high school seeing them stupid guys buying a car worth 500 bucks and sticking a $2000.00 sound system in it.

I just laugh a week later when all their stuff gets stolen....

Poetic Justice I suppose