Fiero Alternator - Needed output, and replacement (Page 1/1)
Robodog_X920 JUN 11, 12:09 AM
Hello all. I have a quick question about alternators and buying a proper one for my 1987 with AC. It was working fine until I killed it with my 2100w sub and 2500w amp. Now everything flickers, lights, stereo, equalizer, etc. I am trying to find a high output alternator so I do not have this problem again. The equipment I run is an aftermarket stereo which is a pioneer supertuner, a pyramid equalizer, 2500w amplifier, 1x 2100w 15" sub, 2x I think 1000w front 4x10s, stock rear speakers, and I plan on installing headrest speakers at some point as well, so I need to be ready for that. Let me know if anyone can help. I've never really learned how to determine the best alternators. Thanks in advance!
shemdogg JUN 11, 09:10 AM
Get a decent capacitor for the sub amp, makes a yuuge difference and may save your alternator. Car stereo shops or ebay will have them

shem
Robodog_X920 JUN 11, 10:34 AM

quote
Originally posted by shemdogg:

Get a decent capacitor for the sub amp, makes a yuuge difference and may save your alternator. Car stereo shops or ebay will have them

shem



The alternator is already on the way out. Even with the sub and amp out of the car (I built the box to be plug and play) it still will not work properly.
damittron JUN 11, 10:44 AM
I would get a 2MU capacitor added to the mix. It will store power for pull spikes and keep from killing our battery or other issues. This is regardless of replacement of the alternator. You will end up killing all kinds of things if you don't. Dirty power, i.e., surges and low power due to systems pulling over output will kill lots of electronics and lights.
Robodog_X920 JUN 11, 10:46 AM

quote
Originally posted by damittron:

I would get a 2MU capacitor added to the mix. It will store power for pull spikes and keep from killing our battery or other issues. This is regardless of replacement of the alternator. You will end up killing all kinds of things if you don't. Dirty power, i.e., surges and low power due to systems pulling over output will kill lots of electronics and lights.



Where should it be placed? Before the battery, or on all of the wiring?
theogre JUN 11, 02:18 PM
Cap(s) go between amp(s) and rest of car.
Warning: Caps need to drain before other work that require discon the battery. Turn on something to drain them after "unplug" the battery.

Ebay and Amazon are well known selling crap car parts. Use a very good source. Not even most 3rd Parties using Newegg and others to sell can be trusted.
Amazon says "sold by X, fulfilled by Amazon," still sells counterfeits etc but this allows you to return crap to Amazon.

replacement alt, upgrade to CS130. 105a is max OE. Can get higher amps but may causes problem to fit them.
See my Cave, Watt Story and CS Alternator

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

Robodog_X920 JUN 11, 02:29 PM

quote
Originally posted by theogre:

Cap(s) go between amp(s) and rest of car.
Warning: Caps need to drain before other work that require discon the battery. Turn on something to drain them after "unplug" the battery.

Ebay and Amazon are well known selling crap car parts. Use a very good source. Not even most 3rd Parties using Newegg and others to sell can be trusted.
Amazon says "sold by X, fulfilled by Amazon," still sells counterfeits etc but this allows you to return crap to Amazon.

replacement alt, upgrade to CS130. 105a is max OE. Can get higher amps but may causes problem to fit them.
See my Cave, Watt Story and CS Alternator





So I have an amp running the sub on its own system, routed straight from the battery, then an equalizer wired with the car. Should one be with the EQ as well? and what would be a good cap for my situation?
shemdogg JUN 11, 03:46 PM
Id put the amp on its own wire w the cap close by on that wire. Run the eq and other stuffs off a different power wire. Get a 2mf cap or bigger. Subs will slam much harder.

fix your alt first

shem
Robodog_X920 JUN 11, 03:58 PM
Quick update: The battery is charging normally (14.60v) but when I shut off the EQ, the flickering stopped. I turned it back on, and it started again. Tried it with the sub, same result, power off, no flicker, power on flicker. I think I should check the EQ, and or the terrible wiring for it. I didn't solder it since I do not feel comfortable with a soldering iron in my car. I will work on that wiring and come back with an update on if it continues.
Robodog_X920 JUN 13, 10:35 AM
So I took my car to an alternator shop. They said that I already have the CS130 alternator installed, but I had some loose wiring. The problem was fixed for a couple of hours after, but then started doing it again. It was specifically related to the positive wire to the subwoofer at that time. So my guess is that something is causing an issue of power leakage?