Depending on the pillside man, an 8 pill can pull well over 100 amps! Normal alternators are not designed to put out more than 50 or 60% of their total rated capacity for more than a couple minutes...
Assuming you are referring to 8 2sc2879 transistors drawing 10 amps each unless you overdrive them you need to figure out your total amperage draw running all your accessories in the vehicle. I'm planning on upgrading to a dual alternator system as soon as I get back to North Dakota to power my winch among other things. Sometimes it's more cost effective to add a second alternator as opposed to purchasing a custom built high amperage alternator. I'm already @ 145 amps stock, so a second one would bring me up to 290 amps and it can be replaced at autozone relatively cheaply
Just depends on the vehicle...Some of these Newer trucks just don't have any room for a second alternator. Heck some barley have room for the one that's in there from the factory, and good luck trying to get to it!
I'm Running a Delco 40Si 300Amp Brushless and it's a beast. ($1100ish) If you're wanting to drive that 8 pill comp Amp the best , you'd probably want to go full 55Si Brushless with 430Amp output and add like 5 Farad of capacitance right at the amp input. It'll swing like mad with the capacitor added .. You can also put a switch on the volt Sense wire to go full field output with it switched off..
Just find you a good alternator rebuild shop and take your stock alternator in, or just get another stock alternator that fits your ride. Have them beef up the inside of it, if they know their stuff they can do it. You'll have an alternator that fits in place with no engine modifications and as much output as a high dollar fancy one. I know a guy here who rebuilds them, had my bronco alternator redone, think it puts out 200 amps now, if I'm remembering right. Of course it was for running three stereo amps and a powered subwoofer off of and also I put a second battery under the hood. Shoot ive got an extra one thats been sitting collecting dust that I had done for a spare jic, it's a Ford case alternator for the big broncos, but would probably fit explorers and other Ford's too. If anybody drives thru ks and is interested I'd prolly sell it for a couple dollars. Wichita be the town.
