New Alternator

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=65190
Printed Date: May 16, 2025 at 7:58 PM

Topic: New Alternator

Posted By: jettagli03
Subject: New Alternator
Date Posted: October 28, 2005 at 1:13 PM

I've got myself a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 and am looking for an alternator upgrade. My stock is SUPPOSEDLY rated at only 55amps -- its only a compact car :oops: -- and my JBL amp wants 120amps... i have had some MAJOR light dimming in the past, at the moment im awaiting my new IDMAX and such so i dont even have a woofer in BUT im wondering how many amps i should go for.... i've found anywhere from 55amps to 120amps that are MADE for my car and is there anyone that knows of anything higher for a jetta or would 120amps be fine?

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Replies:

Posted By: markeee
Date Posted: October 28, 2005 at 3:43 PM

I had a passat with the VR6 and that alternator was rated at 120 amps. VW puts a black plastic cover on the back of the alternator it should have the amps its rated at on the top. FYI i had 3 RF DVC 12's with an 800a2 and Fanatic Q components running off a 400a4 and no Cap. And the lights never dimmed. The 4cly use a 90 or 70 amp alternator.

Hope that helps

Posted By: jettagli03
Date Posted: October 29, 2005 at 12:40 AM

the guy at NAPA told me it was 55 amps stock and i dont usually listen to what they say thats why i said "supposedly". the way my engine is set up -- tighter than anything i've ever seen, its insane posted_image -- its pretty much impossible to get to the alternator without pulling the engine, so a new alternator would be a big job but worth it. im pretty sure it doesnt have 120amps though and i can pretty much guarantee my JBL amp draws a lot more current than your Rockford

and P.S. caps are pure crap posted_image

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Posted By: markeee
Date Posted: October 30, 2005 at 10:33 PM

Just for your info.....it is definitly a 120 amp alternator.....every car I have ever owned was a VW so I am a pretty die hard fan...just looking to help a fellow VW guy out thats all......

P.S. Most employees at auto part chains never have an idea what they are talking about that would be the last place to go to for advice....stick to the dealer