Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Maintenance about altenators..........

has anyone out there had problems with their alternators frying because their system was to big? i was just curious of what the biggest altenator that can fit on a contour gl is. i have killed my battery twice, bought a cap, and then my altenator fried. i just need one that will put out more power. any help would be appreciated. thanks.

Add another battery... there is an electronic switch that charges both battery's i cant recall the name of the dang thing.. but any good car stereo store will be able to get one. beside Caps only help on large bass surges they hold enough power for maybe 1/2 -1 second before they need to be refreshed. a second battery and reving your engine higher to get more power out of the alternator will help.. but then again there is always a limit to your electrical system. I installed car stereo's professionaly for years.. More caps might help a little 400watts per farad i say. hope this helps

Skip the Cap, their useless. Spend your money on another battery. I'm not sure what 'switch' Peter was refering to but when running two batteries you'll need a battery isolator to charge both batteries effeciently. If you really want to up your alternator look into Street Wires, I believe they make applications for Contours. Only problem with Car stereo alternators is they are EXTREMELY expensive. Also, check at mralternator.com...I've heard they can rewind your alternator to provide more amperage. HTH.

Well Man...lemme tell you..i feel you...at first when i got my equipment i killed 3 batteries..2 alts..... Well this is what i run 4 crossfire 1000d bmf amps (total 4800 rms) and 2 digital design 12's.....well after all the i decided to get a optima yellow top..and i run a 10 farad cap(looks like a little batt) and it solved my problems for the most part...although has been times i noticed decrease in my power..im gonna get another yellow top soon and maybe i high powered alt.....

for you i would say go with a yellow top...it should solve everything