Alternator upgrade thoughts?

[brad2274]

So ive got a 95 ls and i plan on road tripping it a lot and doing some site camping out of it along with some trails, i plan on adding like 4 lights to my garvin rack and maybe 2 on a bumper, along with a winch. I also plan to run a lot of tech inside, tablet and gps off the outlets and probably a few phones, one 10" sub with amp, and possibly a small inverter as well.

Currently i have a group 27 AGM west marine 92ah battery in it, and factory alternator covered in oil(about to do valve cover seals, just changed the leaky cam seals). So id like to replace it before it goes and id like to upgrade the 85a unit.

Factory 6g72 Options

85a
90a
95a
100a
110a

The most being from the TT DOHC 3000GT/Stealth, i could simply buy the 110amp duralast re manufactured from auto-zone with lifetime warranty for $108 (after giving core) that way i can replace it easily if it goes.

Orrrr, theres several high output ones on ebay for the 3000gt or montero at decent prices, buuuutt only 1 year warranty

170A
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HIGH-OUTPUT-ALTERNATOR-Fits-MITSUBISHI-MONTERO-MONTERO-SPORT-3-0L-3-5L-V6-170A-/261131842028?autorefresh=true
200A
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mitsubishi-Montero-Alternator-Montero-Sport-94-03-200-Amp-New-High-Amp-/252182376926?hash=item3ab73db1de:m:mOmwJdKQK7dmQOqsHnWAY6A&vxp=mtr
220A
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ALTERNATOR-Fits-HIGH-OUTPUT-DODGE-STEALTH-MITSUBISHI-3000GT-SONATA-3-0L-V6-220A-/261093143680?fits=Model%3A3000GT&hash=item3cca5d3480:g:eioAAOSwQJ5USaif&vxp=mtr


So i feel like 110 would be adequate with my current battery and plans, but if i decide to add a second battery for powering things around camp(i may ad a roof solar panel as well) and work lights or running large inverter, would the 170/220a be smarter or overkill? alternators will only create what is demanded and i dont know much about how dual battery systems charge.

FYI i have a bunch of 00, 0, 1, 2 and basically all other sizes of marine-grade wire at my disposal, terminals too, shrink, some sla batteries, and a few good agm marine batteries laying around as well that i can use, my dads a marine mechanic. just trying to figure out if those things would be of use to me or necessary for my setup.

 

[ManfromSnowyRiver]

I got the 180 AMP off Ebay, and love it

 

[brad2274]

I got the 180 AMP off Ebay, and love it

how long have you had it and did you do any ground or cable upgrades? do you run alot of accessories with it or is it for future upgrades?

 

[ManfromSnowyRiver]

I have had it since last spring. I ran the recommended heavy gauge wire direct across the top of the engine to the battery. Its for winch first, Fridge second and some for driving lights, not to mention all the usual stuff. The concept starts that a regular alternator will not run a winch, and the winch will kill the engine with out more juice. You can add another battery, which I always have but they are heavy. So trying the alternator instead.

 

[brad2274]

hmm, ill probably go with the 200 then, as its only 15 more than 170. i was thinking of mounting a removable battery system in the rear and i already have power back there from the battery for an amp.

Could power from the battery charge a rear battery or would it have to come off the alternator? id run a cut off so it wouldnt drain from the starting battery when in use.

 

[JohnnyBfromPeoria]

You charge a second battery with an isolator. Do it right. It keeps the batteries separate and allows you to use a small battery for starting only and big deep cycle for everything else. Not sure, but I think "Painless" makes something. Always run heavy, heavy cables for long runs with low voltage (12 volt is low) in case you locate a second battery in the back somewhere. I've seen two batteries fit under the hood of a 95, just can't remember who or how it was done.

John B.

 

[brad2274]

What if i routed it like this? its a simple isolating setup, if i did it correct, only thing is its manual and you gotta pop the hood. i could route it inside the cab tho.



The black circle is a marine dual battery switch, so when driving itd be on ALL charging both, if winching switch to 2, when camping out switch to 2, after using up 2 switch to 1 when starting up and leaving. can be kept on 1 drive home as large cable runs from 200 amp alternator to battery 2.

Also factory cable for starter battery 1 would also be upgraded. probably would do fuses in between everything

 

[Mrknowitall]

Unless the higher power alternator is physically larger, going to the higher amp rating is not that useful IMHO. If you're rally running an alternator hard, it will get hot, and that will drop its output. The higher output being pushed through it makes it run hotter, which can shorten the life/reduce reliability. as long as you're not trying to do everything at once- stadium lighting, winching, recharging from camping, bumpin tunes LOUD, you should be fine w/ the highest stock rating (HO 3000GT). If those higher output alternators involve a (much) bigger case, then its a different story.
As for how to best run the main and house batteries, there are as many threads around here on the matter as you care to read.