1st Gen R53 Cooper S High output Alternator

I've had some ho alternators before.
Try Ohio generator.
Usually best you will get is maybe 20A more.
Unless you could massage a larger frame in there.
No need to upgrade the wiring. Why do you need a larger alternator?

 

Why do you think you need one?

The OEM one works fine unless you are somehow stuffing 10,000 watts worth of old amps and 20 Subwoofers.

 

This is kind of what I was thinking. If an HO alternator is the answer, what is the question?

 

I think you are over thinking it because I have a JL amp (900w) and a Aquamist meth system and have no power issues.

The Aquamist pump does not run all the time. It only runs when it's triggered based on the duty cycle on the injectors which you set yourself. My Aquamist kit is on all the time but the pump does not always run.

 

You might be better served by running dual batteries. Maybe a pair of 925 Odyssey.

 

Lights, stereo, air tank, compressor, etc.
And you're worried about the weight of another battery.... Lol.

Your answer. Maybe.
Depends on the amount of charging upgrade.

 

Why not contact Ohio generator as I suggested. Ask them about the possibility of upgrading your alternator. Once you have some amperage specs. Then you can go from there.

 

http://www.qualitypowerauto.com/Wire%20Sizing%20Chart%2012V%20DC.htm

wire gauge chart. You would need to figure total amps -- I'm guessing your north of 200A. Back in my electric motor days whenever we needed slightly more Amperage a smaller alternator pulley was used. Here that would be especially useful at idle when the alternator pulley spins slower, thus producing less useful current.

 

At 200A the chart calls for 4 gauge.... Pretty sure the stock isn't that heavy...

 

Actually it is! From the alt to the jumper post and all the way to the back for the battery...

 

I forgot the 1 gen has the battery in the back.... So that would be a 1 gauge, so that would make the wire .289" diameter for a 200A...

 

This is still the best answer. :eek6:

Weight concern......where.....:ihih:

 

Just remove the alternator and take it to any rebuilder. They should be able to give you maybe 25 amps more.
Find the largest battery you can fit in the trunk. Done.

 

If you are running a big intermintant load, you might want to consider getting a "batt cap", aka a capictior, added inline to the heavy load...were once used with high load amps before they became more efficient. In a radio install, it provided the extra surge power to prevent the lights from dimming from heavy bass....might be useful in your install if you have concerns of the need for sudden surge current being needed, like the air compressor (most decent installers actually install one on home ac units, same idea, prevents the house lights from dimming, etc when it kicks on).