Second Alt and Batt - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

PHOENIX · 11-06-2004, 12:39 PM

I have thought about running a second battery and alternator.
The second battery and alt would be for accessories only.
When I have the lights on, sterio pumpin' and electric fan going there is a drain on my power system. The lights dim with the bass. I plan on adding some lights and maybe a few other electrical components later and think the more power the better. Plus with another battery, you can always use it if the first one dies. I need to get a better alternator, but I am interested in a second setup like I have as another option (probably cost more).

Anyway my question is does anyone make a alternator bracket (stock like) for the drivers side of the engine? One like stock, just a mirror image?
If so let me know where to find it.
Also I know I could get a battery and drivers side battery tray no problem.
So the bracket is the only concern as far as materials.

1974ChevyC10 · 11-06-2004, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHOENIX

I have thought about running a second battery and alternator.
The second battery and alt would be for accessories only.
When I have the lights on, sterio pumpin' and electric fan going there is a drain on my power system. The lights dim with the bass. I plan on adding some lights and maybe a few other electrical components later and think the more power the better. Plus with another battery, you can always use it if the first one dies. I need to get a better alternator, but I am interested in a second setup like I have as another option (probably cost more).

Anyway my question is does anyone make a alternator bracket (stock like) for the drivers side of the engine? One like stock, just a mirror image?
If so let me know where to find it.
Also I know I could get a battery and drivers side battery tray no problem.
So the bracket is the only concern as far as materials.

i dont know about the 2nd alternator but my uncle used to have a 76 GMC that he added an 2nd battery in by using a battery junction.he had all of his accessories wired to the 2nd battery and the main battery ran the vehicle electrics.he got it at some 4x4 shop.

Prerunner1982 · 11-06-2004, 07:52 PM

get a big alt and you wont need 2. The one will charge both, there are a few companies that sell battery isolator kits with a switch to run both, one, or neither.

Mike76251 · 11-07-2004, 07:16 AM

If you put on one of those isolater kits (a three position switch)......DO NOT, whatever you do, switch it to the off position when the engine is running.
It will fry the diodes in the alternator in one second flat.

As for a bracket for a driver's side alternator ;
Jeg's page 62-X lists March brackets for either side.

Destructo · 11-07-2004, 12:10 PM

I'd put one big alternator on it and run two batteries with an isolator.

rolson1039 · 11-07-2004, 03:48 PM

you can actually get an isolator at any marine supply store

Russell · 11-07-2004, 04:10 PM

I would also suggest running the dual battery setup too, and just get one big alternator instead of two smaller ones.

82BlackBeast · 11-07-2004, 04:27 PM

what type of battery are you running and what size alternator?

Tom · 11-08-2004, 01:25 AM

I bet your running the stock 63 amp alt, try using a late 80's [
i used a 89 2500 4x4] suburban alt thats 78 amps. Might be all you need. I run my sterio hard and my battery is going on 3yrs in this heat.

Crank · 11-08-2004, 01:28 AM

Isnt it true the battery is only used for starting the vehicle? Then the alternator runs the accessories. So if that's the case, you only need one battery for startup, and 2 alternators for the accessories, or one high amp alt. or you could get a power capacitor(sp?) to hold power for the low notes of bass...
Brandon

TooMany2count · 11-08-2004, 10:59 AM

get a larger output ALT. (some of the later model cars & truck have 100amp alt) and put relays on your extra lights, electric fans.. http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml <~~~read through this page...joe

PHOENIX · 11-08-2004, 12:18 PM

Im running a 94 amp alt and a Optima Red Top Battery.
Power is only an issue at idle. I need an alt capable of putting out a lot of amps at idle speed.

82BlackBeast · 11-08-2004, 01:46 PM

ok so you have a good battery and alternator, are you running maybe an underdrive pulley on the alternator? I only have probs at idle as well, I have almost the exact same setup and mine started when I swapped to an underdrive pulley.

11-06-2004, 12:39 PM	#1
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	Second Alt and Batt I have thought about running a second battery and alternator. The second battery and alt would be for accessories only. When I have the lights on, sterio pumpin' and electric fan going there is a drain on my power system. The lights dim with the bass. I plan on adding some lights and maybe a few other electrical components later and think the more power the better. Plus with another battery, you can always use it if the first one dies. I need to get a better alternator, but I am interested in a second setup like I have as another option (probably cost more). Anyway my question is does anyone make a alternator bracket (stock like) for the drivers side of the engine? One like stock, just a mirror image? If so let me know where to find it. Also I know I could get a battery and drivers side battery tray no problem. So the bracket is the only concern as far as materials. __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION *

11-07-2004, 12:10 PM	#5
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	I'd put one big alternator on it and run two batteries with an isolator. __________________ 1985 Scottsdale Shortbed 4x4 Stout 350 with some "upgrades"-700r4-33x12.5" Mud Tires, Warn 8274-50 winch. 2005 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab 2wd 4-banger, 5 speed, Street Pack with 3.73 axle.

11-07-2004, 03:48 PM	#6
rolson1039 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 404	you can actually get an isolator at any marine supply store __________________ so many trucks so little time!!!

11-07-2004, 04:10 PM	#7
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	I would also suggest running the dual battery setup too, and just get one big alternator instead of two smaller ones. __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

11-07-2004, 04:27 PM	#8
82BlackBeast Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Wichita Falls, Texas Posts: 111	what type of battery are you running and what size alternator? __________________ Matt '82 Chevy SWB

11-06-2004, 07:52 PM	#3
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	get a big alt and you wont need 2. The one will charge both, there are a few companies that sell battery isolator kits with a switch to run both, one, or neither.

11-07-2004, 07:16 AM	#4
Mike76251 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,499	If you put on one of those isolater kits (a three position switch)......DO NOT, whatever you do, switch it to the off position when the engine is running. It will fry the diodes in the alternator in one second flat. As for a bracket for a driver's side alternator ; Jeg's page 62-X lists March brackets for either side.

11-08-2004, 01:25 AM	#9
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,748	I bet your running the stock 63 amp alt, try using a late 80's [ i used a 89 2500 4x4] suburban alt thats 78 amps. Might be all you need. I run my sterio hard and my battery is going on 3yrs in this heat. __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

11-08-2004, 01:28 AM	#10
Crank Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Crittenden, KY Posts: 1,965	Isnt it true the battery is only used for starting the vehicle? Then the alternator runs the accessories. So if that's the case, you only need one battery for startup, and 2 alternators for the accessories, or one high amp alt. or you could get a power capacitor(sp?) to hold power for the low notes of bass... Brandon

11-08-2004, 10:59 AM	#11
TooMany2count Who's in CHARGE?????????? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cahokia, IL Posts: 454	get a larger output ALT. (some of the later model cars & truck have 100amp alt) and put relays on your extra lights, electric fans.. http://www.madelectrical.com/electrical-tech.shtml <~~~read through this page...joe __________________ Send a card to a soldier in Iraq My Music PlayList Large Marge Donate Blood,Plasma,Platelets & sign your DONORS CARD & SAVE a LIFE

11-08-2004, 12:18 PM	#12
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	Im running a 94 amp alt and a Optima Red Top Battery. Power is only an issue at idle. I need an alt capable of putting out a lot of amps at idle speed. __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION *

11-08-2004, 01:46 PM	#13
82BlackBeast Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Wichita Falls, Texas Posts: 111	ok so you have a good battery and alternator, are you running maybe an underdrive pulley on the alternator? I only have probs at idle as well, I have almost the exact same setup and mine started when I swapped to an underdrive pulley. __________________ Matt '82 Chevy SWB



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