required alternator amperage

Hey! This is my first post on this forum. I have spent a lot of time perusing your forums, and the fact that your search function works especially well has helped me more than once; great website all around. Ah, I digress. I have been looking into buying a new H/O alternator, and I would appreciate the recommendations as to the output I require. My maximum amp draw from my two amplifiers is 180. I drive a 1995 Ford Explorer 4.0L SOHC. I have upgraded my Big 3 with 1/0 AWG wire. This is my daily driver. My system- (1) HK401SX (MA Audio) running at 1200 watts @ 1 ohm. Max @ 120 amps (i.e. three 40 amps fuses) (1) P450.4 (Rockford Fosgate) both channels bridged @ 225 watts @ 4 ohms. Max @ 60 amps. Is a 250 amp alternator in order?

I think so. That's 70 amps left over. Since the Big3 is done I think 70 is enough to support your vehicles' electrical system.2013 Kia Rio -90a alternator

DDX470HD GTO14001 GTO1014D (x3)

Big3 in 1/0G

1/0G to GTO14001

  i'd say o.k.  but, the bigger, the better (in some cases).  you can never have too big of an alternator, as far as i'm concerned.  they are all regulated (most internally nowadays), so it's not like you will have too many amps. (4)g5-1244, (4)gtr12, (2)ppipcx2400, (1)pcx4125, (1)pc4800.2, (3) pair mb quart 6.5"Q, (4)optimas, alumapro (1)5 and(1)15 farad cap, premier deh-p860mp, pioneer xm -dual H.O. alternators

I think you guys are right. I found a 250A alternator from AlterStart for $300, I think I am going to do it.

Please fill the forum in, via this thread, on how the upgrade goes.  We don't get much commentary on alt upgrades.  It's mostly like, "yes, you need to upgrade", but we don't hear the details from the other end about how the procedure went, the purchase, the installation, or the results.  You're a good writer, so please consider it.Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.

I would say a question should be "will it make full output at 2000 RPM, and what will it make at idle?"Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.

Nope.  They'll show you the reading when they run the load test....whoever installs / tests it.Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.