new starter, alt, and battery?'s

usmceric1 · 01-17-2008, 04:48 PM

I need a new starter, it makes a knocking sound when I try to start my truck. I am looking into a Powermaster starter. While I am at it, I plan on upgrading the alternator and my battery. Maybe a nice Optima red top and a 180-200amp alternator. I have read somewhere that I should upgrade the ground wires also...its called the Big 3 upgrade or something like that. Is there anything else I should do while I am at it?? Maybe an ignition upgrade. I have discussed an engine rebuild, or replacement at some point..so I figured I could upgrade some of the other components now. Thanks.

gmtech · 01-17-2008, 05:33 PM

I understand y you need a new starter but y are you replacing battery and alternator do you have a big stereo/amp and running alot of lights?

436'd skylark · 01-17-2008, 05:47 PM

buy some nice "0" guage wire, really spins my buick over even with the headers, huge difference there.

usmceric1 · 01-17-2008, 07:08 PM

I will be running an upgraded stereo, but nothing crazy. No subs or anything like that. Just peace of mind I suppose. What is the amperage on a stock alt in a 5.7 vortec??

lonestar1128 · 01-18-2008, 03:07 PM

180 amp alternator would be plenty high.. in my opinion dont waste the money on a high output unless you're going to use it. i always say dont fix what ain't broke.

edit: i think stock alt runs 160 amps? not positive tho.

o3shortbed · 01-18-2008, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by usmceric1

I will be running an upgraded stereo, but nothing crazy. No subs or anything like that. Just peace of mind I suppose. What is the amperage on a stock alt in a 5.7 vortec??

they put 2 kinds on them 100 amp and 140 amp depending on the power options

1979_4x4_Plow · 01-18-2008, 07:50 PM

have you ever thought about pulling the starter apart and replacing the bendix? alot of times when it dont kick out to engage, that is the problem. it is cheaper than a new starter also. in one of my cars, i run a 300w, amp aftermarket stereo, a 12" sub and aftermarket speakers on a stock alternator that turns out i think 60-80amps. if you wanna cut back on some of your power draw, change your regular bulbs out with LEDs which use less power.

01-17-2008, 04:48 PM	#1
usmceric1 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 82	new starter, alt, and battery?'s I need a new starter, it makes a knocking sound when I try to start my truck. I am looking into a Powermaster starter. While I am at it, I plan on upgrading the alternator and my battery. Maybe a nice Optima red top and a 180-200amp alternator. I have read somewhere that I should upgrade the ground wires also...its called the Big 3 upgrade or something like that. Is there anything else I should do while I am at it?? Maybe an ignition upgrade. I have discussed an engine rebuild, or replacement at some point..so I figured I could upgrade some of the other components now. Thanks.

01-17-2008, 05:47 PM	#3
436'd skylark Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Pennsyltucky Posts: 1,004	buy some nice "0" guage wire, really spins my buick over even with the headers, huge difference there. __________________ Joe 89 K2500 Chevy, Wee-Oh-five 294K miles 1962 Scout 80 parts I guess 1966 Scout 800 resto job 2005 Chevy 2500HD Short cab long box DURAMAX 1996 P30, 6.5 NA Mac Mobile whole lot of buicks

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01-17-2008, 05:33 PM	#2
gmtech Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: farmville Va Posts: 348	I understand y you need a new starter but y are you replacing battery and alternator do you have a big stereo/amp and running alot of lights?

01-17-2008, 07:08 PM	#4
usmceric1 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 82	I will be running an upgraded stereo, but nothing crazy. No subs or anything like that. Just peace of mind I suppose. What is the amperage on a stock alt in a 5.7 vortec??

01-18-2008, 03:07 PM	#5
lonestar1128 Full Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 44	180 amp alternator would be plenty high.. in my opinion dont waste the money on a high output unless you're going to use it. i always say dont fix what ain't broke. edit: i think stock alt runs 160 amps? not positive tho.

01-18-2008, 07:50 PM	#7
1979_4x4_Plow Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 98	have you ever thought about pulling the starter apart and replacing the bendix? alot of times when it dont kick out to engage, that is the problem. it is cheaper than a new starter also. in one of my cars, i run a 300w, amp aftermarket stereo, a 12" sub and aftermarket speakers on a stock alternator that turns out i think 60-80amps. if you wanna cut back on some of your power draw, change your regular bulbs out with LEDs which use less power.