Well as most know (actually not) the alternator is controlled by the ecm. The voltage is slow to compensate and for those with large systems we are having issues with this problem. Upgrading grounds/power (the big 3) is always a very good idea for any system, but when you get to a certain level it becomes apparent you require a more stable charging platform.
I have done plenty of reading, some have suggested putting capacitors on the lights themselves to avoid the dimming (interesting read in Car audio). I wanted to take a different approach, I choose an xstatic bat cap 800(which is shit) didn't help, I choose it for the size. I didn't want to take up to much room, now I have discussed installing a bigger battery (optima). This will take away from my plans of a false floor and the ability to get to the spare (and having some space).
Has anyone thought, or tried installing a new alternator (ohio ftw) and bypassed the ecm, or built a magic box( I posted in another section and someone said it would be possible) what do you think.
Please only post your ideas ON THIS SUBJECT, not what I have tried, just on the idea of bypass the ecm with a new alternator.
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I think it's possible, yet I don't even know where to begin. I also think it is greatly needed, like you said, because of the people with more than 1000watts flowing through the car. Almost any other car can upgrade the alternator, it's slightly unfair for us in the Car Audio industry that we cannot. Bump for people with ideas.
Have you considered putting in an '03 alternator? They're 160A, the same as the police duty Intrepids (although different ECU voltage controls to allow for more juice at idle in the intrepids). If you end up bypassing the ECU field control you'll have more current to play with.
i've been thinking on this a bit lately as well. Tomorrow at work I think I might play around with my car a bit and see if I can come up with anything. I haven't looked yet, is there a full schematic in the FSM? Its on my other cpu.
Have you considered putting in an '03 alternator? They're 160A, the same as the police duty Intrepids (although different ECU voltage controls to allow for more juice at idle in the intrepids). If you end up bypassing the ECU field control you'll have more current to play with.
An extra 20A isn't really good enough for most applications if they need bigger than 140A IMO.
I suppose that's true. Are there aftermarket or rewind alternators that fit?
When I spoke to with Ohio 2 years ago they had said due to the way the alternator was wound they would not be able to respin it. The wire instead of round is square and if the alternator is opened up the actual walls have been carved to allow the most wire possible. I am honestly not sure what the technical names are (obviously) but I think we should stick with the ecu bypass.
What I found is that our cars are supposed to be running 90amp alternators.. and that we can switch it out with a 120amp without any issues from the computer.. also that it should not harm anything as long as the the power and grounds are switched out with a bigger wire...
Here's a tip though.. if your concerned about headlights dimming just know that with a large system you won't ever get them to quit.. I have 15.4 Ferad of power Capacity.. and when I have my subs turned up very much at all the headlights still dim..
Now i dont know what to believe..at first everyone said 160amp...then 140, 120 and now 90? Its gotta be higher then 90...my system at half volume was poppin 100amp fuses.Never once have i had a starting issue. Just a dimming headlight and crap sound
Now i dont know what to believe..at first everyone said 160amp...then 140, 120 and now 90? Its gotta be higher then 90...my system at half volume was poppin 100amp fuses.Never once have i had a starting issue. Just a dimming headlight and crap sound
The alternator just charges the battery and provides power to the engine and accessories when the engine is running. The battery can deliver over 1000 amps on a dead short, and would provide enough power to pop your fuses even if the alternator can't keep up.
2003 had a 160A alternator and the 04/05 had 84A.
You guys with dimming headlights, have you upgraded the headlamp wiring with relays and 12ga wiring and whatnot?
The alternator just charges the battery and provides power to the engine and accessories when the engine is running. The battery can deliver over 1000 amps on a dead short, and would provide enough power to pop your fuses even if the alternator can't keep up.
2003 had a 160A alternator and the 04/05 had 84A.
You guys with dimming headlights, have you upgraded the headlamp wiring with relays and 12ga wiring and whatnot?
True. But theres no way. i continually drive for an hour pull atleast 100 amps the whole way. If the alt only put out 84amps I would be continously discharging and at some point you would think the battery would go dead? Havent messed with the headlight wiring. Not trying to be a dick. Just another different answer.
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Alternator ideas
GTFO with your Stage 0 Nonsense!! 
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