PowerMax Alternator Upgrade Experience

[weekendclimber]

So, in a couple of other previous threads there was mention of the PowerMax Alternator (170 Amps!!) being used. I'm pretty much an OEM guy like most people around here and wanted to see if there's anyone else who has experience with these and whether they are reliable. I'm going to be adding a winch and having the extra overhead will be real nice. The reviews of their products seem to be pretty good

Previous thread posted by @Jon

eBay Link

 

[chimpy]

Have you upgraded the stock cables yet? Might want to think about it for the larger amount of current that alternator produces.

 

[weekendclimber]

Yes, and added a larger 4awg into the fuse block. I'm always a bit hesitant to add non-OEM parts to critical areas like electrical or mechanical that don't have a proven track record.

 

[Doc2012]

You're going to want to go larger than 4awg.

Go to AutoZone, and get some 72" 0ga battery cables, cut the terminal off, and use that for your upgrade.

Battery Negative to Body
Battery Negative to Engine Block
Alternator Positive to Battery, with a Large fuse/circut breaker.


I think, unless you're planning on making a TRUE expr rig out of your truck, complete with lightS, fridgeS, wincheS, compressorS, yadda yadda, that a CS144 Alternator will do you just fine. I'm running one, and I haven't had a problem. Plus, they're easily accessable, and can be replaced in minutes if one fails.

If you put one of those 170 amp ones in there, and become dependant on it for stuff on the truck, then you're going to be sorry when it shits out and you have to wait for another one to come in...

 

[IBallEngineer]

You're going to want to go larger than 4awg.

Go to AutoZone, and get some 72" 0ga battery cables, cut the terminal off, and use that for your upgrade.

Battery Negative to Body
Battery Negative to Engine Block
Alternator Positive to Battery, with a Large fuse/circut breaker.


I think, unless you're planning on making a TRUE expr rig out of your truck, complete with lightS, fridgeS, wincheS, compressorS, yadda yadda, that a CS144 Alternator will do you just fine. I'm running one, and I haven't had a problem. Plus, they're easily accessable, and can be replaced in minutes if one fails.

If you put one of those 170 amp ones in there, and become dependant on it for stuff on the truck, then you're going to be sorry when it shits out and you have to wait for another one to come in...

He'll be fine with 4 gauge to the fuse block, as long as he doesn't try to add circuits down stream. Any large load would be direct to the battery or starter, I hope! I think the OP gets it.

I'm leaning towards agreement on the CS144 simply because they appear to have become standardized. And a low dollar(low amp) emergency replacement would be easy to find. But is the "powermax" built on the OE housing? If so that would be just as easy to emergency replace, just not at that amperage.

op2:

 

[weekendclimber]

But is the "powermax" built on the OE housing? If so that would be just as easy to emergency replace, just not at that amperage.

op2:

It is built from the OE housing. That's why it is so appealing to me. I'll just clean up the original and keep that as my backup.

If the 4awg is to small for this setup, I might go with the CS144. Not sure of which, upgrading the wiring (again) or modifying the alternator, is more of the PITA.

 

[IBallEngineer]

It is built from the OE housing. That's why it is so appealing to me. I'll just clean up the original and keep that as my backup.

If the 4awg is to small for this setup, I might go with the CS144. Not sure of which, upgrading the wiring (again) or modifying the alternator, is more of the PITA.

4 is fine to the fuse block, but what did you use to the Alternator? And for your Ground(s)?

:couch2:

 

[hour]

Hey Doc, thanks.

I had briefly investigated the CS144 last week and decided no (can't remember why). Then I found this thread, found your cs144 thread, and pulled the trigger. $17 wiring adapter on Ebay so I don't have to hack up my existing wiring and $96 core cost included - after 35% coupon at Advance Auto Parts for a new Cadillac Deville 140a alternator. $113 out the door.

My new sound system was making my battery dip pretty low during extended bass notes and I didn't want to fuss with a capacitor knowing a winch is next up on mods. Also, wiring adapter because my existing alternator is working okay and I'll keep it as a spare.

 

[weekendclimber]

4 is fine to the fuse block, but what did you use to the Alternator? And for your Ground(s)?

:couch2:

I used 4awg for the big 3 upgrade (and to the fuse block). I might just redo it with 0awg. I'm just not completely sold on using a non-OEM housing for this and having to bend and drill the post and the 6 rib pulley. :shrug:

 

[19963.4lsr5]

The question I have with the factory alt modified to push 170a is is there enough cooling in the little Delco alt. Plus to make it higher output they changed the stator from WYE to DELTA which lowers its output at lower RPM. That means the pully is sometimes changed to increase the rpm's the make up the difference.

 

[SIKHILUXSURF]

i currently run a DC power 250xp with upgraded cables. it is built off of a custom CNC aluminum housingto adapt into the factory location i also have my factory denso if i need to switch out form emergencies. it was to good of a deal to pass up.

 

[fourwd1]

That's right, at low RPMs the HO alts aren't much better than a stock alt. A friend has one in his truck and he has to have the RPMs way high to get more out, and even then it's nowhere near 170A.

 

[weekendclimber]

i currently run a DC power 250xp with upgraded cables. it is built off of a custom CNC aluminum housingto adapt into the factory location i also have my factory denso if i need to switch out form emergencies. it was to good of a deal to pass up.

That looks like a good option too. One of the highlights of the PowerMax for me is the pricepoint (I'm a cheap bastard). :mullet:

That's right, at low RPMs the HO alts aren't much better than a stock alt. A friend has one in his truck and he has to have the RPMs way high to get more out, and even then it's nowhere near 170A.

This is good information that I hadn't gleaned from any of the other threads on here. :cheers: