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OK i was offered a 260 amp GM alternator for $300. Just wondering what everyone thought of that price for that amperage. Should i do that big of an alternator or just get another battery? i'm running 2 orion hcca 225's and a kicker zx460. Somenoe told me thought that the alternator wouldn't do much for me cause it doens't put alot of amps out at idle speed like if i just started the car. i also run alot of accessories ie neons strobes thanks for the help -Brandon
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Posts: 52 | From: Syracuse, NY | Registered: Jun 2001
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i dont think that you should get another battery because that only helps when the car is off. but other than that, i'm not sure what you should do.
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I would generally say $1/amp is a good price and concidering this is a high amperage amp, as long as its new the price is about right. And yes you need a better alternator with all the electrics you run, yes it will only put out so much at idle but it will still be better that stock. One issue though: you got that 4cyl right? I am sure you will feel a power draw off your engine - like when you run your airconditioner. So if you upgrade to this alternator get a new belt and make sure your belt tensioner is in good shape.
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O ya forgot something. I am not sure about the setup on your Chevy but the wire coming from the alternator in my Jeep Cherokee was 10 gauge!! And even then it didnt go directly to the battery, it went through a power distribution center to all the cars electrics then ran another 10 gauge out to the battery!!!. Needless to say I upgraded this after I found out about it (about a 2 years after my father installed a 120 amp alternator) I ran a four gauge directly from alternator to my battery then an 8 gauge to the PDC. Now I only have minimal fade when I am stopped and have my system full blast with headlights and offroad lights on and airconditioner running full blast - even then I only drop to about 13 volts. I would suggest doing a similar thing on yours - running a phat gauge wire from your alternator to you battery. Luckily for me my alternator had a stud with a nut that I was able connect to - some alternators have the wire running out of a connector that clips to the alternator which makes it REAl difficult to upgrade. Hope you get lucky like me.
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