I was talking to another local guy who does car audio and i was discussing my current electrical restrictions due to my altenator. He warned me about upgrading the alt in my 2000 Monte Carlo because of voltage regulators or somehting. Suposedly he put a H.O. alt in a 2002 grand am with the same 3.4l v6 and fried the kids electrical system. Has anyone heard of this? Im hoping that you guys can direct me to an ALT that will bring me years of audio enjoyment. Please help, my lights are dimming more and more by the minute! thanks in advance!
Yes, I warned you about this on another thread. GM vehicles often have the voltage regulator built into the alternator. In this case, you have to use a GM-specific HO alternator. In some cases, you're simply SOL as there is no appropriate HO alt for the vehicle, or not one large enough to handle a big audio system. Call a Chevy dealer or automotive electrical shop and find out.
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Support the12volt.comthanks DYohn, do you have any rough idea what size alt i would need, or if there is any way of calculating what i should be looking for?
There are GM alternators that are available in a higher current model. Look to the diesel trucks, or the military side of things for the 140A and more alternators. Some of them may even bolt right in (providing you have the same case style)
Gus
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Wherever I go, that is where I end up......
Give the guys over at
www.mechman.com a call or e-mail they know way too much about alternators, they should point you in the right direction.
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2003 Chevy Avalanche,Eclipse CD7000,Morel Elate 5,Adire Extremis,Alpine PDX-4.150, 15" TC-3000, 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000, 470Amp HO Alt.