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How much juice do I need from my Altenator?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Doc Voodoo
  • Start date Start date Feb 18, 2004
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Doc Voodoo

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Mar 2, 2001
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Conn
Feb 18, 2004
#1
  • Feb 18, 2004
  • #1
I have a 1966 mustang with a 55 AMP altenator. What size do I need to power two 200 Watt MTX amplifiers along with the 10 disc changer radio and equlizer ?
 
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Saleen4971

New Member
Mar 26, 2003
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Setauket, LI
Feb 18, 2004
#2
  • Feb 18, 2004
  • #2
what size fuses do your amps have? my amps have 2 25's and 2 30's, whcih makes a 110 amp load total. but thats at max draw, so you dont need an alternator that makes that many amps, but keep in mind, theres also everythign else in the car runnign off of it.
 

UMDSmith

Member
Feb 10, 2004
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Salisbury, Maryland
Feb 18, 2004
#3
  • Feb 18, 2004
  • #3
Most new cars have a minimum of 60 amps. I very easy way to check is hook up a voltmeter while the car is running, and do a test. Do a test first with only the car on, the meter should be in the green. Then start turning on components (headlights, highbeams, heat, windshield wipers, dome light) see if it stays in the green/yellow. Then kick on your stereo with some thumps. If it drops in the red, it means that your alternator can't handle it and charge the battery at the same time. If it only drops during the VERY hard thumps, you could make due with just a capacitor (sp?). If its way down in the red, I'd suggest an upgraded alternator. 100amp should be more then enough and I believe they make nice 100amp single wire alternators.
 

93GreenLX

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Aug 22, 2002
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Southern Maryland
Feb 20, 2004
#4
  • Feb 20, 2004
  • #4
I have a 200 amp alternator...but then again 4000watts of stereo equipment...100 amp should be plenty for you
 

91BlckGT

Founding Member
May 24, 1999
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in a van, down by the river
Feb 20, 2004
#5
  • Feb 20, 2004
  • #5
Doc Voodoo said:
I have a 1966 mustang with a 55 AMP altenator. What size do I need to power two 200 Watt MTX amplifiers along with the 10 disc changer radio and equlizer ?
Click to expand...

I'd pose this question to PA Performance. They should be able to hook you up with an alt that fits your front engine dress (assuming you have a 289, and that they don't have the same configuration as a modern 302).

That being said, if they are similar enough, the cheapest route is to pick up a rebuild 130amp model out of an SN-95 (like the 94 and 95 mustang GT). 130Amp with a Optima Yellow top is all the power you'll need, and will allow your system to grow if you want it to.
 

93GreenLX

Founding Member
Aug 22, 2002
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Southern Maryland
Feb 20, 2004
#6
  • Feb 20, 2004
  • #6
You stock alternator should be fine with that but if not the 95amp upgrade they offer will be more than plenty
 
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