Need to upgrade charging system in my car - any pointers?

[Sumjay]

2022 GT Premium

I’m running a decent amount of aftermarket electronics and it’s looking like it’s taken a toll on my battery and possible alternator. I had a parasitic draw repeatedly drain my battery for a while. I figured that out, but this might have messed with my alt as I still get the occasional dead battery after not driving for a bit.

Operating voltages are normal, and everything functions when the engine is running. It seems as though my battery is just barely charged to the acceptable level and the tiny discharge that might be normal is now leaving my car dead. I want to upgrade my battery and alternator.

An XS power D4700 seems like a good fit; a lot of people here report success with them. I’m also considering a high output alternator. I’ve seen options that put out 320 amps instead of the factory’s 200. However I messaged Mechman on instagram and they recommended against a high output alt in a high reviving vehicle.

I’ve also seen a few threads mention a smart charge mode that has the alternator putting out less than its max to reduce emissions, and that it can be disabled. Is this worth looking into?

Any suggestions here? I’ll be able to get the battery tested at Autozone tomorrow afternoon.

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[SCP440]

My experience on upgrading alternators on other vehicles is you need to be careful, most manufactures build some spare capacity into the system so if everything is on you are still OK, depending on how much you are running extra you will probably find just another 20 or 30 amps will give you a decent extra margin without having the need to upgrade any cabling and have the danger of over charging at high revs. One of the biggest drains is something like a heated windscreen and even that is only 40 amps.
Personally I would try a new battery first and see how you get on.

 

[Mach VII]

I just installed an XS Power D4700 and I had to leave the battery cover off as it causes the hood to lift in that area. That battery is 3/4" taller than stock. The battery cover also serves as part of engine compartment sealing as well as part of the 'path' for water coming from the cowl and draining thru the fender.

 

[TonyT930]

2022 GT Premium

I’m running a decent amount of aftermarket electronics and it’s looking like it’s taken a toll on my battery and possible alternator. I had a parasitic draw repeatedly drain my battery for a while. I figured that out, but this might have messed with my alt as I still get the occasional dead battery after not driving for a bit.

Operating voltages are normal, and everything functions when the engine is running. It seems as though my battery is just barely charged to the acceptable level and the tiny discharge that might be normal is now leaving my car dead. I want to upgrade my battery and alternator.

An XS power D4700 seems like a good fit; a lot of people here report success with them. I’m also considering a high output alternator. I’ve seen options that put out 320 amps instead of the factory’s 200. However I messaged Mechman on instagram and they recommended against a high output alt in a high reviving vehicle.

I’ve also seen a few threads mention a smart charge mode that has the alternator putting out less than its max to reduce emissions, and that it can be disabled. Is this worth looking into?

Any suggestions here? I’ll be able to get the battery tested at Autozone tomorrow afternoon.

Personally, I would try a new battery and go from there.

 

[Sumjay]

Personally, I would try a new battery and go from there.

Do you by any chance know if ForScan is required to switch to an AGM battery?

 

[TonyT930]

Do you by any chance know if ForScan is required to switch to an AGM battery?

I don't know, but I don't think so

 

[5doorsoffury]

first the battery is damaged if it has sustained multiple deaths. put a meter on the battery set it to min max then crank the car. if it dips in the 9s or lower junk it.

first step: get a deep cycle style battery or a battery technology that can withstand deep discarges.

second step: add a second battery with a battery isolator to keep charging currents manageable. if you have a lot of subs you can throw in a 1-2 farad capacitor to help with the hits.

high output alternators are for 2000w plus audio systems. i believe the main issue you are haveing is related to the multiple no starts from drainung the battery damaged it.

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