For example, I used to have a 2002 v6 Mustang in the alternator went out. I searched on forums to find out what amps it had to find a suitable replacement. I found out that a popular upgrade was to go from the 105-ish amps to about 120 or so. I was wondering if this is still true as I see a popular upgrade for my current Mustang GT is to upgrade to the one that the GT350 has. I know I was told to watch out for overcharging the battery but is that really a thing what are the positives and negatives of upgrading the amps on an alternator?
Well, there shouldn’t be a problem going to a higher output current alternator as the alternator will only supply the amount of current required by the load and no more. So the charging system and components should be ok no matter how high you go in current. Of course if you add more load (and therefore more current draw) you will need to make provisions to add ground straps and charge wire.
I found a good article here to give you more insight:
Thank you for your reply, this is pretty much exactly what I was thinking I just didn't know if it was what I was thinking. Simply put in my computer I have a 1200 watt power supply but that doesn't necessarily mean that it uses all of the wattage in amps to run the computer. It's simply just uses what it needs to use by regulating itself. So with that knowledge in tow theoretically if it fits you could put a 1000 amp alternator on your car and it should be fine? Not that anyone would do that.
no, you don't have to worry about the battery. The battery only takes what it needs.
But if 105A was enough for you before, do you really need to upgrade? If you added additional accessories then I could understand it.
Thanks for your reply, yeah, no I was just curious if there was say a limit because I heard a rumor that it would overcharge your battery and possibly make your battery bad. I have no need to do it but was just wondering.
The battery only cares about the charge voltage.
I'd get the Autozone upgraded with lifetime warranty replacement... a good idea imo. Never a rebuilt one!
Thanks for your reply but it is not remotely close to what I'm asking
Amps is the available current, thus power it can provide. And increased current availability has nothing to do with how well it regulates voltage, if it is a good alternator as they are all designed to regulate on average 13.8-14.2 volts. If your voltage is staying within that range under all your electrical operating loads, then it's fine. Increasing the available amps will in theory operate the alternator in a lower % of it's range so it works less and again, in theory, will last longer. All depends on the quality of it. Hence the Autozone ones have been the most reliable ones I replace and for about $30 more you get a free replacement for life, hence why it's a good upgrade if your replacing a bad one. If yours ain't bad and your electrical load doesn't draw more current than the alternator can regulate at 13.8ish, then no need to replace.
Again thanks but I wasn't asking where to buy or what to buy I was just simply curious because I know it was a thing for my old v6 Mustang and I've heard rumors that it's actually not a good thing to upgrade it but I just wanted to know if it was like a good thing or not a good thing or what I'm not looking to get a new alternator so telling me where to buy one is kind of moot.
Well you wanted a long detailed answer and I gave it to you after you weren't satisfied with the short answer which explained why it wasn't needed. If you don't want advice or like the advice given, why ask?