High output alternator

KV14 · October 1, 2020

On 9/24/2020 at 3:13 PM, LA_33 said:

Any updates on the high amperage alternator install?

I called Mechman 6-8 weeks ago, and as of now they have not resolved the smart charging issue on these trucks. There has to be a way to install a big alternator. Said they are working on it.

As of right now I am running Focal components in the front and Focal coaxials in the rear with two Focal flax 12's. One Audio Control D4.800 and LC800.1. Mids/highs amp is only using around 400 watts and the sub amp is putting out a little more than 800 watts. So a little over 1200 watts at full tilt and voltage never moves from 13.9 at both amps. I have an oldschool Cadence A7HC that makes really good power for a 20 year old amp. I built an enclosure for two Sundown ZV5s for a guy recently, and tested it in briefly in my AT4. Voltage was 13.8-13.9 at full tilt. I did not clamp to see how much power it was putting out but I installed it in the other truck on a Salt4K, the Salt amp was definitely louder, but my old amp really surprised me. This being said, I feel like we have pretty good stock electrical in these trucks.

If the 220 amp alternator would interchange, I think it could handle 3000 watts if a powerful AGM or Lithium was added. I'm not saying the stock will handle the Salt6K by any means. 370-390 amp will definitely be needed for all of that gear.

Polywog · October 1, 2020

I was told by autotech I have a stretch belt Mitsubishi alternator and they can not build alternator for this truck yet ... now the alternator in my yukon appears to be the same looking alternator as my 2019 silverado .. curious if I could order a new yukon or Tahoe 250 amp alternator to put in my silverado ? Any techs ?

KV14 · October 1, 2020

17 minutes ago, Polywog said:

I was told by autotech I have a stretch belt Mitsubishi alternator and they can not build alternator for this truck yet ... now the alternator in my yukon appears to be the same looking alternator as my 2019 silverado .. curious if I could order a new yukon or Tahoe 250 amp alternator to put in my silverado ? Any techs ?

A 14-18 GM Silverado Tahoe Suburban Escalade Sierra alternator with the stock pully size will work in the 2019+ Silverado/Sierra trucks. See my last reply to LA_33 with a link to my install process. You will have to make a custom bracket for the air intake housing or upgrade your air intake on your truck.

Silverado0618 · October 8, 2020

I have a 2020 sierra at4, have my equipment sitting in garage, nothing installed yet.

taramps smart 3

taramps 1200/4

6- 6.5s massive hippos

2 sets of German maestro status components

factory battery front

xs d3400 battery (wanting to put somewhere else in vehicle)

I don't know what to do about the 170 amp stock alternator, as I'm sure that's not enough.

What has everyone done connecting the big 3 to the battery and install? Any pictures?

What about getting thru the truck? Anyone run outside or go thru the cab?

Would to be beneficial to run more than one run of 0 gauge wire to the back? How about running a ground from the front to the back?

Any opinions or suggested would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

2020denali781 · January 26, 2021

After looking into this problem and not finding much to help me. Ihave the 170 amp alternator and i am going to purchase the oem 220 amp alternator. You also have to purchase a different positive battery cable and a different fuse block for this to work.

Shane daly · May 3, 2021

Has anyone done the bigger alt yet? I just got a 390a from brand x for my audio system and was wondering before I hook it up and start frying ****** in my 2017 tahoe

oorlando · April 19

On 1/26/2021 at 12:40 PM, 2020denali781 said:

After looking into this problem and not finding much to help me. Ihave the 170 amp alternator and i am going to purchase the oem 220 amp alternator. You also have to purchase a different positive battery cable and a different fuse block for this to work.

Any luck performing alternator upgrade?

kickass audio · August 17

I just put my old 370A elite series alt I had from my 2014 silverado 5.3l into my 2023 silverado 5.3l and it works but at idle when warmed up the voltage looks to go down to resting voltage for a second then jumps back to 14v and keeps going back and forth. i do not have an adjustable voltage regulator for the 2 pin alternator and am using the OEM plug which mechman does not recommend.

I also noticed the 370A alt is super hot and it was never that hot in my 2014 so not sure if there is something going on with the stupid fuel economy of changing the alternators charging state or if something else is at play.

I used the Lisle 59560 stretch belt install tool to put the OEM stretch belt (GM part number 12669858) on the truck. I have the big-3 performed so I will have to play with it another day and see what comes of it.