OK , I am going to upgrade my alternator on my 98 lariat (5.4) from the wimpy 95 amp to a 210 amp one I had built so i dont run out of juice.. so ,,what I came accross a 200 amp alternator listed on e bay and it stated that you had to put a 1 gauge output cable in addition to the stock charge cable to handle the increased output ,, so i need some help here how do i do this anyone?

 

The first thing you want to do is run a new larger cable from the alternator to the battery to handle the extra amperage it can now put out. you also want to upgrade the grounds, including motor-battery, and battery-chassis. You also need to upgrade the wire from the battery to whatever you are feeding that requires the extra amperage, like an amp or winch. Make sure the ground for that item also has the same size ground. Think of dc current as one big loop, whatever size wire you feed out you also need to return.

 

Thanks for the reply,,, I read a post on here about something like that was called the big 3 upgrade I think

 

Yep, it's a Big 3 upgrade. If you would like more info go to one of the all car audio forums and search "Big 3". They have How To for it as well.

 

Thanks for the reply's guy's I just have a couple of quetions,:

When doing the big 3 upgrade did you or do you suggest fusing the wire that runs from the alternator to the battery and if so what fuse size is good for 0/1 AWG wire?

And, after putting on the new alternator (210 amp) today I started the big 3 upgrade but didnt have time to finish it I'll do it tomorrow, but anyhow, I put a new grond from the battery to the motor and a new power wire from the batery to the alternator and gave it a quick start up just to check it with a multi meter it said it was 14.65 volts dosent that seem a little high ?
usally its like 14.1 - 14.2 right? ..... I just dont want to burn anything up ..lol

Thanks in advance

SKRWZ

 

I may be ok..... I think i awnsered my own question right here http://www.bcae1.com/charging.htm
But as for the fuse if it was nessesary to put one from the alternator to the battery would a 250 amp be right with a 210 amp alternator ?

 

If the battery is in the stock location under the hood and the wire is run securely and safely than I would say a fuse is not neccessary. However if you have any doubts or don't have the above than certainly put in a fuse and yes if the wire is large enough than 250 is fine.

 

Thanks for the help guy's ..I put the 210 amp alternator in on the weekend along with he big 3 upgrade all i can say is WOW I cant belive how my system hammers now it might be me but it seems like its way more powerful thanks again.