High Output Alternator 200A - Fusible Link 120A?

[steveceleste]

Just reading about the fusible link for the alternator and several thoughts started to come into my mind....

1. If I just installed a 200A alternator shouldn't I change the fusible link to be 200a?

2. Since the fusible link has not blown, does this mean I am not exceeding the 120a draw (or bass hits don't count since they are not constant). Maybe if I run a bass test tone at full volume, I'll burn out the fusible link? My amperage gauge for my stereo on full volume w/bass hits draws between 50-90amps.

3. What are folks using to re-run a power wire from the alternator to the battery. If you use 0-4 gauge wire, are you bypassing the fusible link completely and running a seperate high amp fuse (like stereo equipment fuses?).

Thanks everyone!

4.

[GMo]

Originally Posted by steveceleste

1. If I just installed a 200A alternator shouldn't I change the fusible link to be 200a?

Yea, but I think most manufacturers will recommend replacing the fusible link with an inline fuse, like your #3 asks as well.
Regardless you'll want to replace all wiring which is suffering from too much Vdrop due to high current, Included is the batt. to alt, batt to chassis, alt to chassis, batt to amp(s), amp(s) to chassis.

Originally Posted by steveceleste

2. Since the fusible link has not blown, does this mean I am not exceeding the 120a draw (or bass hits don't count since they are not constant). Maybe if I run a bass test tone at full volume, I'll burn out the fusible link? My amperage gauge for my stereo on full volume w/bass hits draws between 50-90amps.

It means you're not exceeding the link's limits at X-current at Y-length of time
Once you do you'll burn out that link.

[steveceleste]

Thanks for the information, that was exactly what I'm looking for. I already have a couple of 120a fuses under the hood for audio/video equipment and stuff. I guess adding another one won't be crazy. I take a look to see if I can find a 200Amp ANS fuse or something and run some 4 gauge power wire. I am getting into the group buy for the ground wire kit here, which is all 4 gauge, so I think I'm covered on the grounds that way.

Any other HO alternator folks want to share what they did with their alternator wiring?

[Shizane10]

Which alternator did you buy? I am interested in upgrading mine as well.

[vailvette]

Originally Posted by Shizane10

Which alternator did you buy? I am interested in upgrading mine as well.

yeah, what he said!

any idea how much more an alternator this big draws on the engine?
are we talking an extra 2-4 HP or more like 10-15

[vailvette]

Steve, who all makes hi output alternators for our cars? I'm sure you did some shopping prior to your purchase... please advise

[GMo]

Look under group buy for some H/O alternator choices.

Every 20 amp increase in output by an alternator will be about a 2hp reduction. That's actual amperage output, not rated.

[pyun]

Originally Posted by GMo

Look under group buy for some H/O alternator choices.

Every 20 amp increase in output by an alternator will be about a 2hp reduction. That's actual amperage output, not rated.

wait, I'm gonna lose 2hp every 20 amps? What does that mean if I'm getting 200 amp / 110 amp idle HO alternator?

[GMo]

Well, 20A is just an estimate, maybe it's closer to 25A.
We have to remeber that music has a very low duty cycle.
If your draw is 110 amps, you'll probably be using 4-5hp to achieve this output from the alternator. 110 amps is a lot or current. And since music has such a low duty cycle, I'd be very surprised if the draw is noticeable.
If someone's system even can draw over 100 amps for any continous period of time, I would think it's very doubtful that someone would actually feel a loss in HP..
Unless you're running WOT with your music blasting full tilt.

[pyun]

Originally Posted by GMo

Unless you're running WOT with your music blasting full tilt.

is there any other way honestly.