120 amp alternator

[sierraspider]

The guy who is helping me install a new stereo in my 82 said he can get a 120 amp alt. Anyone heard of this and what issues should I be thinking about. Do I even need to upgrade my 82 (I think it's a 65 amp ) for just a reasonable stereo. If I upgrade will stuff work better/faster i.e., wipers, pwr windows, light etc.

Thanks

[131]

Unless you're running huge amplifiers to make it a mobile "Doof, doof" box, the 65A alternator will cope. A 120A won't make any difference to your wipers etc. unless your current system isn't up to scratch.

[4uall]

I upgraded to a 95amp and it made a significant improvement I too have a new stereo/speakers installed however, I think 120 amp would be overkill

http://wwwe.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopi ... alternator

[TX82FIAT]

I would agree that a 120 amp alternator would be overkill in our cars. One of the considerations might be the power output at different RPM's. I would imagine the 120 amp alternator is expecting a certain capacity or draw on from it based on it's design. Since our cars do not draw that many amps when you add the components that draw amps together, i think the alternator would be cycling/regulating on and off more frequently. I've got the 95 amp alternator and it does all I need it to do. I have the stereo amp in the trunk on it's own circuit drawing off the battery. The alternator charges the battery well because the grounds are in good shape. My wipers are fast with the 95amp alternator.