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Thread: Alternator Recommendation

  1. #1
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    Brooklyn Park, MD.
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    Alternator Recommendation

    Hi everyone,

    The alternator in my 93 Cadillac STS Seville died, and I am looking to get it replaced, and I could use some recommendations.

    I currently have 3 12" subs and 1 amplifier, though not yet a carputer.

    The car came with a 140 amp alternator.

    Basically, I need an alternator that can not only power my speakers, but also a future carputer. Any recommendations? I found a shop around here with a 350amp alternator - is this enough for a carputer, as well as my speakers?

    Thank you,

  2. #2
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    Join Date
    Mar 2004
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    Little Elm, Texas
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    PowerMaster
    Ohio Generator
    Stinger

    There are a few others as well.

    Look em up and price them out.
    Jan Bennett
    FS: VW MKIV Bezel for 8" Lilliput - 95% Finished

    Please post on the forums! Chances are, someone else has or will have the same questions as you!

  3. #3
    Newbie
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    What about amperage? Will 350 cut it?

  4. #4
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    just get the biggest that you can afford. 350 should be more than enough.

    always want to leave room for future upgrades you will make to the system.
    Jan Bennett
    FS: VW MKIV Bezel for 8" Lilliput - 95% Finished

    Please post on the forums! Chances are, someone else has or will have the same questions as you!

  5. #5
    Maximum Bitrate XxAndyxX's Avatar
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    Dec 2003
    Location
    Edmond, Oklahoma
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    609
    I bought my HO alt from www.excessiveamperage.com The guy is pretty fair. I had a problem with mine, but he helped me out no problem...even after my warranty was up.

  6. #6
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    Coal City (Chicago), Illinois
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    Your factory alternator is usually only good enough to power the factory components. Aftermarket alternators that are high amperage are usually very expensive and un-needed. I would add all the fuse ratings of your aftermarket equipment and add that to your current alternator rating (+30 or so depending what you might add in the future). Usually a 200A is fine for your vehicle and a high current audio setup. Cadillac offers a factory replacement that is higher amperage (available at Napa or any other auto retailer). Also, don't forget to replace your battery with a good quality one that handles high discharge rates (Optima yellow/red top). The battery will add a cusion preventing excessive demand on your alternator.

  7. #7
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    The factory alti is good enough to power factory comonents, or small aftermarket systems.

    It's important to read about the big-3 upgrades when considering a new alternator.
    Jan Bennett
    FS: VW MKIV Bezel for 8" Lilliput - 95% Finished

    Please post on the forums! Chances are, someone else has or will have the same questions as you!

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