This is the Mechman TJ, it's a 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ with the 4.0l inline-6 engine. We equipped it with our 270a bolt-in alternator kit with our AVBM adjustable voltage, 2 XS Power S1400 14v batteries and wired it in with Shok Industries cable. We run 14v in our vehicles with great results. Brighter lights, faster windows, overall improved electrical performance from your vehicle will be the result. Louder stereo, longer play time for audio people, higher voltage with less drop for the racers. While we have done this for our vehicles with great results keep in mind that you do this *at your own risk*. Here's a short video of the Jeep, more to come as we continue the install. It's getting a sound system, winch and maybe a couple other accessories to complement the work that has already been done.

Many car audio enthusiasts eat, sleep and breathe speakers and amplifiers. Other installers get excited over the new advancements in car alarm technology, GPS systems, and other creature comfort upgrades that they can program, wire, and tailor to their own use. Few car stereo fanatics, however, get quite as excited about what actually makes all of these things come to life: the vehicle’s alternator. The alternator is the heart of the entire vehicle’s electrical system, pumping precious current to the battery(s), amplifiers, and other accessories. The biggest, loudest, and most elaborate mobile audio/video installations can never function to their potential without being backed up by a properly sized high output alternator.

Automotive manufacturers operate on a budget, just like any other company. When a vehicle is in the design stages, automotive engineers are pressured to equip the vehicle with the smallest, lightest, most inexpensive alternator that could possibly run the vehicle’s stock electrical system. It is for this reason that an OEM alternator is almost NEVER up to the task of powering any electrical equipment other than what was equipped on the vehicle from the factory. Adding aftermarket electrical accessories, especially amplifiers, without increasing alternator output is dangerous for both the equipment, and the vehicle! When more current Is being consumed by the vehicles electrical components, than is being produced by the alternator, a drop in voltage is experienced. The greater the deficit of amperage, the greater the voltage drop will be. Most amplifier failures are a result of being operated below their recommended voltage.

A properly engineered high output alternator is the only way to keep voltage levels in the proper range. Adding batteries helps to stabilize system voltage, but they still need to be backed up by an alternator that is capable of replenishing the current that is being used by the audio system. In addition, most Mechman output alternators can be ordered with adjustable voltage, which allows the customer to not only keep up with the amperage requirements of the system, but to actually increase system voltage to improve the battery(s) state of charge, as well as amplifier efficiency. Today’s amplifiers commonly put out 20 -30% more wattage at 15.0 volts as compared to the voltage achieved with an insufficient alternator. Countless SPL competitors have seen immediate gains in loudness with a simple alternator upgrade.