High Output Alternator

[kubi]

Anyone have any recommendations for a high output alternator? I've been having a hard time finding one that is actually built for a Toyota, I've yet to find anyone who has put one in a Solara, although I'm sure someone here has. I'm looking for probably 160 amps.

[Peter]

www.mralternator.com
www.gostartech.com
www.bestamericaind.com
www.egrproducts.com
www.mechman.com
www.wranglernw.com
www.ampman.com
www.powermaxx.com
www.mean-green.com

[xXsolaraXx]

im not too sure about what getting a high output alternator does for ur car...can someone please explain? thanx. L8r moe

[Peter]

for people who need a lot of power for their systems. high energy amps.

[xXsolaraXx]

ok...do u mean power from the engine or actual power from electronics?
L8r moe

[Peter]

electronics. the alternator outputs more power for the electronics. correct me if im wrong someone, but i know it helps power those amps that take up like 80+ amps, especially if u have two of em

[xXsolaraXx]

oh i c...thanx for that info...L8r moe

[Yanks0114]

You got it peter. Its not just for a system. Our alternator is pretty weak to begin with. Add some powerful amps and play your music loud and you are really draining your alternator. Realistically I wish our cars came with around 100amp alternators and 150+ would be great for a system.

[ZXLNT]

You got it peter. Its not just for a system. Our alternator is pretty weak to begin with. Add some powerful amps and play your music loud and you are really draining your alternator. Realistically I wish our cars came with around 100amp alternators and 150+ would be great for a system.

Dude that is the understatement of the year. The stock alternator is weak lousy POS. I killed a fresh charged Optima battery in 15 mins driving the car around with my stereo system. If a person plans on doing any more than about a 500W stereo system in their car they need to do something with the alternator..

[Yanks0114]

I don't get how you killed the battery if you had your car on?

But yes the stock alternator is weak

[pecora55]

yea same here.....

[ZXLNT]

I don't get how you killed the battery if you had your car on?

But yes the stock alternator is weak

Um 1400 watts of amplifier power perhaps.. I know I shouldn't probably complain but the stock alternator sucks...

[Luc]

You have to understand that the stock alternator is only good for just the car's electronics itself as it was built. The fuse for the alternator is 100-A, but since the stock one only puts out 80~85A, it always need some extra headroom for protection, even with the built-in regulator. When you add those gigantic amps with Class A/B circuitry, it will draw much current to supply the load. Sometimes even Class D amps with switching power supplies can take a heavy load, even if their efficiencies are above 80%. You can't wish that Toyota just slap on a bigger alternator since in their mind, there's no reason to upgrade since it's adequate for the norms. Even for an Optima, there's no way it can supply that much current. I personally don't look at the wattage, but rather at the current draw on the amps.

[Yanks0114]

Luc,
You're around camryman.org alot, anyone swapped out their alternator. I think it would be good to atleast talk to someone whos done this before. And you're right, why the heck would toyota put a huge alternator if they didn't need it, as much as we all want one

[Luc]

I'm almost ubiquitous... ...on the Camry/Solara/ES forums.

I've taken out 3 alternators before: '89 Celica, '92 Celica, and '00 Gen4.5. Well, not really the Gen4.5, but we had to dremel the bolt stopper on the alternator to take out the stripped hex-keyed TRD alternator pivot bolt from the driver's side. All involved taking out/loosening 3 bolts: alternator pivot bolt, locking bolt, and adjusting bolt.