1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: High output Alternator

  1. Eric@Helix

    Eric@Helix New Member
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    May 4, 2009
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    This is kind of what I was thinking. If an HO alternator is the answer, what is the question?
     
  2. Kenny kustom

    Kenny kustom New Member

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    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.
     
  3. Kenny kustom

    Kenny kustom New Member

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    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.
     
  4. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

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    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).
     
  5. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    [​IMG]
     
  6. Kenny kustom

    Kenny kustom New Member

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    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.
     
  7. TheModFather

    TheModFather Well-Known Member

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

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    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...
     
  9. Sleek Motoring

    Sleek Motoring Local Shop Owner

    Dec 7, 2014
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    Those other parts add more functionality to the car (yes, and weight) Not just adding to the electrical system!
     
  10. Sleek Motoring

    Sleek Motoring Local Shop Owner

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    Thanks!

    I am going to send it to Generator Exchange in Denver. I am going to get a mild upgrade to Amperage.

    I have a really nice Odyssey battery going in!
     
  11. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    I have a 1 Farad cap under my hood. :ihih:
     
  12. Sleek Motoring

    Sleek Motoring Local Shop Owner

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    Yes sir!

    I am not upgrading the stock system, only replacing the H/K amp with a JL amp. I want everything to look as factory as possible!


    I am a dealer for them if anyone wants one! I have them in every car I own!

    I keep trying to tell people the optima batteries are not of the same build quality as they used to be 8-10 years ago!
     
  13. TheModFather

    TheModFather Well-Known Member

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  14. TheModFather

    TheModFather Well-Known Member

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    Not a problem, thats why I keep the parts I take off... Some day, somebody is going to need it! :)

    Glad you stopped by and got to see the Rat! Hopefully I can find all the parts when I put it back together! ;)
     
  15. Sleek Motoring

    Sleek Motoring Local Shop Owner

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    It was fun to see it in person... You have quite alot of work to get done...That porkchop is looking quite comfy for the trip out east...:ihih:
     
  16. Kenny kustom

    Kenny kustom New Member

    Jan 24, 2015
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    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?
     
  17. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    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.
     
  18. Sleek Motoring

    Sleek Motoring Local Shop Owner

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    I will be adding a few more lights, a JL amp, HFS-3 Aquamist system (pump runs constantly),uprated electric cooling fans,uprated fuel pump,and the big one is an AccuAir air ride suspension system. That system constantly adjusts while driving to keep the car level.
    With all that I thought it would be beneficial to upgrade the ALT output to reduce the strain on the stock system (or am I overthinking this).

    I've had noticeable improvement when i've upgraded grounds and charging cables coming off the alternator on these newer cars with multitudes of sensors sending information to the ECU.
     
  19. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    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.
     
  20. Kenny kustom

    Kenny kustom New Member

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