Risks of Running High Amp Alternator?

Hi there,

I hope everyone is doing great and keeping safe in these odd times.

Question about upgrading your alternator to one with a higher output. I am aware that when upgrading to an alternator with a higher output, you are required to upgrade the main wire coming off the alternator through the bulkhead/fire wall and into the main weld/splice behind the gauge cluster. Using the appropriate gauge as per the amount of output from the alternator.

I did this awhile back and fixed my problem.. at the time.

However, I have made more performance upgrades and added in more electronics and as such I need to go bigger again as my car very slowly drains the batteries when running / driving.

I am in the process of calculating how much my total system needs and was thinking of adding another 25-40% on top of that for safe measure / potential future expansion, as I do not want to do this again.

I expect the final number to be quite high. Here are a few items I have as an example:

Spal Cooling Fan x 2
Cooling Fan Controller
Electric Water Pump - High output
Fitech Fuel Pump x 2
Fitech Unit
MSD 6AL Ignition
Snow Water-Meth System

I am not an electrical expert and want to be careful not to BBQ my car.

If going to a high output alternator, like 140A / 160A etc, do I run the risk of burning out other components? Like my voltage regulator etc? Are there other items I should be looking as aside from the main weld/splice?


I have been reading into a lot of people going the Denso route and that may be the direction I head in..


Any insight would be much appreciated.


Thanks