Thread: Upgrades

There's definitely some options to upgrade the electrical system. Better distributor, hotter coil, etc

No you'll be fine with a higher amp alternator. This is why there are fuses for everything. The fuse only allows the device to pull a certain amount of amps and when is try's for more the fuse pops and severs the electrical connection.
Some vehicles with heavy load circumstances (tons of lights, big stereos, etc) run two alternators and in a lot of instances multiple batteries in a series to power everything without running out of "juice"

Originally Posted by BFEB

No you'll be fine with a higher amp alternator. This is why there are fuses for everything. The fuse only allows the device to pull a certain amount of amps and when is try's for more the fuse pops and severs the electrical connection.
Some vehicles with heavy load circumstances (tons of lights, big stereos, etc) run two alternators and in a lot of instances multiple batteries in a series to power everything without running out of "juice"

Well that makes plenty sense, thanks. I don't think I'm going to need two alternators, but I didn't even know you can run them in series. Multiple batteries make sense, too.

Originally Posted by lee reece

It shouldn't blow anything if system is running good that I no of. You adding some stuff to the truck? Why you want bigger alt?

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Sometimes you can get some interference with radio but not usually bad Most don't ever notice.

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I am going to be getting a better sound system and a few cab lights, nothing too fancy. I've just heard how great of an experience it was when someone I knew changed his alternator and received a bunch of power. Radio was louder, gauges were brighter, even brighter headlights.

That wasn't because his new one was more powerful, it was because his old one probably had a faulty voltage regulator. If he bought a new one, same amperage, it would have the same effect. Most trucks come stock with a 95A and you can upgrade to a 130A (I have done so last week). However, alternators RARELY ever get anywhere near their max output. After starting the vehicle, they may jump up to 20, maybe 30A to charge the battery back up. With a stock radio and lights, you'll be lucky to pull over 15A on everyday driving. I have over 10,000 lumens of light coming off my truck and my stock 95A handled it for 15 years. Even if you got a sub with some 15's new speakers, tweeters, etc. A stock alternator is fine enough for that too. What you want to change is the big 3 wires to 00 gauge (battery to ground, alternator to battery, and battery to radio) or maybe upgrade to a Yellow or Red top Optima dry-cell.