I recently completed some major modifications to my stereo system and it now seems that my alt is unhappy with the load (intermittent alternator whine, voltage OK) so I'm planning to replace it soon.

Here's my delimma, i've heard of people using a 150A alternator from a v8 Merc, but i can't seem to dig up much info here or on the mercedes forums. My car is equipped with the Valeo style alternator and the 150A I've seen referenced looks to be the same setup as the Bosch 120A alt.

So it's pretty clear that the 150A alt would be a direct bolt on if you have a Bosch alternator car, but i have seen at least one post that claimed that the only modification necessary to put a Bosch where a Valeo should be is to trim the positive battery cable terminal so it will fit the new alt.

From what i can tell the plug on the back is pretty much the same on both, but the Valeo has one wire (confirmed) and it appears to me the Bosch has two (can't confirm because i haven't seen one in situ).

I can dig up the other thread i mentioned if requested, my main question is can you really go from a Valeo style alt to a Bosch by just getting the positive wire to fit? I really feel i should try to upgrade if at all possible as my system draws about 2,000 watts. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Why not? There are at least two variations of Valeo alternators. When mine went bad, NAPA sold me one where I had to cut some of the plastic away from the stud.
When THAT one died, the warranty replacement looked exactly like the original one, and it went on in 20 minutes.

Order one, if the only difference is that plastic area at the back, just do it.

 

The N/As have one small wire in that plug, the line going to the tertiary diodes, this is for the 'battery' light on the dash.
The SRTs (according to the service manual) have a "generator control" line, the second wire in that connector. This appears to be irrespective of alternator manufacture, it is an SRT thing.

I have never found any reference to the "Generator Control" line or function of the ECU. I don't get it.

 

For refference my car uses the bottom alternator and I would like to use the top one. Is that similar to the situation you described PizzaGuy?

 

Yes. But keep in mind, my car is an SE, not an SRT. If you are talking SRT, know that I've not done an SRT alternator swap.

 

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Given the output of your system, have you installed or considered a capacitor bank? Another option, a second battery. Here is some info ( https://autance.com/choose-capacitor...-audio-system/ ).


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try this one 0124 625 007 180A it is bolt on..it is from a CLK500.

 

Mine is a base model so that is exactly what i was hoping to hear. Thanks!

 

I've considered that option, but since my car is practically a daily driver i would like to keep all the trunk space that i can. To be honest I'm not a fan of most car audio caps, as to get any real performance advantage you would have to really go all in on some very expensive and bulky banks. As well as installing a second battery, just too bulky and heavy for my application. I'm actually already running a H6 AGM for my primary battery, which I may still upgrade to a XS Power in the future.
I may be a bit of a novice, but i think my battery is pretty well up to the task. Voltages are actually staying nearly identical to before when I was running 300 watts to a subwoofer vs 1400 now.
Only REAL reason i want to upgrade the alt is because of the noises it sometimes makes now. I think its just seeing a bit too much abuse ATM.

 

This... This looks promising given the info that members below have graciously bestowed upon me. Lol

Im definitely going to look into that as an option. I think 180A would be damn near perfect for my application based off of my calculations.

Will update if i go that route. Thanks a million. That's the first time I've come across this one after a week of research.

 

Remember, these cars do not like spikes in the electronics. 2000 watts could easily spike with heavy bass, under-voltages are a no no in our cars. After your all installed, play your system and see (night time is best) if they dim. If your lights dim too much you may want to reconsider. Good luck!


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