alternator ?

[04 Stroke]

Is there any advantage in running a higher amp alternator?

[RRF985]

Only if you have a lot of accessories to run.

[twoicebergs]

Here is a parallel way of looking at it. How big are the accessories; if you had a sound system with 3 or 4 large amplifiers with many large high powered speakers, as found on some wakeboats, you might need more power. But you would also need more batteries to store the energy needed, since 120 amps plus caps might not be enough to keep up at high SPLs.

In today's vehicles, the power consumption from most toys is low. For a larger sound system or a mid power inverter a larger alternators work fine. But if you had a welder or some other large draws, you would be safer to isolate these from the vehicle power and just use the alternator to power a separate battery system when the toys were not in use.

Larger systems like in an ambulance run on a second alternator and battery system to ensure they don't kill the truck that gets them to the hospital!

[TooMuch03]

If you have to replace your alternator, I recommend getting a higher amp model. Low FICM supply voltage is the main killer of FICMs and subsequently injectors. The stock alternator is barely adequate to supply the FICM, particularly when idling. A higher output one will help your FICM last longer.

[g2shuck]

I ordered a mechman alternator yesterday for $200

[mazsecond]

Originally Posted by TooMuch03

If you have to replace your alternator, I recommend getting a higher amp model. Low FICM supply voltage is the main killer of FICMs and subsequently injectors. The stock alternator is barely adequate to supply the FICM, particularly when idling. A higher output one will help your FICM last longer.

The stock alternator just isn't strong enough to support the engine itself let alone any other accessories that may draw a lot of power. IIRC Ford offers a HD alternator for these trucks, no?

I know theirs even dual alts on some trucks...

[kinnisoj]

This is something that Im gonna be tackling soon as well. Thanks for bringing it up!

[Moto2four]

I replaced my stocker with a dc power eng 300 spx. I have a mid sized sound system in my truck, along with an airdog, hids, and train horn compressor. At idle my battery voltage would often dip below 12 volts with the stock altenator. With the dc unit my battery voltage is never below 13.5, even when towing in 90+ heat. It is also quieter when warming up on a cold day. Id DEFINATELY recommend a hi amp unit to anyone running aftermarket accessories. Heres a thread of it installed.

DC power altenator install

[sinner6.0L]

I put an OEM 140 amp alt on my truck. Found it on ebay for $100, plus it came in the original box ($75 core charge)