How much power?

[xXsquintyeyesXx]

-How much power do you have to be running before you should get a new alt.

-What alt would be the best to get?

-Would it be bad for my electrical system to have a larger alt in my car before I get the larger amps?

[mbdblue]

-depends on the kind of car and what alt comes stock..

-DC Power, Excessive Amperage, Mechman, Ohio Gen to name a few

-shouldn't be as long as its for a 12 volt system

[tonedeaf]

More batteries > alt first. I'd say after atleast a second battery, with the one under the hood is a better jump then a straight with say stock battery. If you have say 2 or 3 high quality AGM batteries such as kinetic 2400s or xs power, etc. you should be upgrading alt around then. You can't run around 2000 watts rms on stock electrical without a stupid amount of drop. Once you're pushing 3-4k an alt is probably needed.

Brands are like blue said, I personally like DC Power alts. And an aftermarket alt won't hurt your car as long as it's made for it and hooked up right. Make sure you have the big 3 done or are going to when the alt gets put in.

[skittlesRgood]

you could spend $500-700 in batteries and have voltage drop to 12.Xv plus all that weight and wiring or you can spend around $500 for an alt and stay closer to 14v. an alt wont hurt your car. it only makes as much power as you need.