does anyone know the amps of the 97 F150 XLT Supercab alternator? an audio installer told me that putting in a higher amp alternator would fry the fuses alot faster due to the higher amounts of power going through. when i asked about a regulator, he said if ure gonna use a regulator, you might as well not upgrade since your not fully pushing all the alternator power.

his suggestion was to get capacitors and a 2nd battery instead

 

If I remember correctly, the tow package alternator is a 130 amp, and a non-tow package F-150 (4.6L) comes with a 95 amp.

 

i got a v6 4.2, so is is 130amps?

 

I think the installer doesn't know what he is talking about. The current rating of the alternator is the max output, not what it is putting out all the time. The only way you will draw 130 amps is if some electrical component is using 130 amps. The only way you burn out a fuse is if you draw more current than the fuse is rated for. If anything, a higher current alternator will keep voltage from sagging which in turn would cause electrical components to draw more current which would burn out fuses faster. Power = Voltage x Current.

 

Powerline makes a 220 amp alternator for Modular engines. They do not fry any systems. I find it scarey that some individuals that sell and or service electrical components don't have a clue.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

true but no he's one of those advocates of caps. i, however, would rather up the system than add something to help the system. im jus gonna up it to 130 cuz i dont think i have teh pully system

 

Time to find a "audio installer" that has at least had a basic electrical class. There is no fuse on the alternator output. All of the electrical circuits on your vehicle are governed by Ohm's law. Based on that the only way to get more current is to raise the voltage, or lower the resistance. Any properly regualted alternator (no matter what the max current rating) will put out less than 16 volts.

One place that can be a concern (that has nothing to do with fuses), is the size of the wire coming from the alternator to the battery (and its return path). If you upgrade the alternator make sure the wire can take the full output current. Many people with high current devices will run a seperate wire from the battery to the alternator. Remember this is typically a unprotected circuit that can hancle over 130 amps. If it is improperly installed and shorts to ground, it can burn your truck to the ground. Also, as with any electrical circuit, the ground wiring will have to handle the same current as the power side.

Truthfully, I highly doubt you need to upgrade your charging system to handle an audio system. A properly wired system of almost epic proportions can be powered by a standard 95 amp alternator and a battery for peak useage. If I was in your shoes I would spend my money on quality components, and a professional installation. If I was going to upgrade any part on my truck it would be the battery.

 

upgrade to a what? a deep cycle battery??

 

inque,

What are you doing that requires all this current?

JMC

 

oh not too much

1x12 mtx w/ 1000.1 amp
4 a/d/s 6.5 components w/400.4 amp or 300.2(if any)
4 or 6 10" neon bars tucked under seats

do u think that'll take all that much power? honestly, i jus dont want to compensate dimmer lights and power supplies for good sounds