well im in need of a new alternator and im sure it is do to my upgrade in the stereo system.
i have done some research on the ALTERSTART alternators , and because i stay about 30min away from the shop here in dallas,tx it was a first choice.
my question is if anyone has had one or is currently running one. I seen on a website that in order to use this alternator you have to up the idle to about 800rpm or 1000rpm just so it can charge the battery properly…
so if any one has one and can input some info to me that would be great… and if it helps my system only consist of a rockford p850.2 ( 850rms) at 14.0 volts and some pioneer subs that combine 800rms. so kind of a perfect match just want to keep my voltage up in the 13’s or even 14’s if i can. With the stock alternator on the hard hitting bass songs my volt’s would drop in the low 12’s and upper 11’s so kidda low. thanks in advance
Use a capacitor?
Seems easier than changing out to a ‘high performance’ alternator if its still currently working.
Most factory alts have a voltage drop at idle, for example turn on all your accessories, lights, heater, fogs, and see the voltage at idle, I’m sure it’s around 12, then crack the throttle, it should jump to about 14.
So this Alterstart wants you to crank up the idle to do the same thing your factory alt was doing. If you want big volts at idle you have to spend some money, such as DC Audio, Mechman, etc ect.
What condition is your battery in? Have you done the big three? Are all cables secure and in good condition? I can go on and on.
Rockford amps pull some power, I"m running two in my ride and an upgraded alt is in the future.
As far as a cap goes, it will ever so slightly even out the voltage, but not enough to make up for a battery on it’s last leg or twenty year old cables.
I hope this helps.
Please visit the12volt.com loads of info there.
i do have a cap. that is how i am able to see the volts drop when i have my radio up loud.
and yes even with the amp off and just the radio, lights,and heater, and fogs it does drop to about 12.5 or 12.8 the only reason i wanted to upgrade the alternator is because i listen to my radio more parked then driving. and those alterstart alternators say they put out about 80amps at IDLE . the battery is new the big three i have done just the ground not the power wire to alternator. The rockford amp is a lil better then my orion 250hcca cause that amp is just power hungry.