Car audio/electrical question

[bhw33191]

I'm getting a 12 sub and a 1000w amp pretty soon. I'm kind of worried about power. Can my alternator handle it? I heard i might need a capacitor, but wouldn't that only help if i was using the system with the car off? (which i don't plan on doing very often).

[82CapriceClassic]

i got 2 15s w/1000watt amp and i was told i need a capicitator too...and im startin to think i do cause my battery light is constantly on in my car and my battery has life/power to it...

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by bhw33191

I'm getting a 12 sub and a 1000w amp pretty soon. I'm kind of worried about power. Can my alternator handle it? I heard i might need a capacitor, but wouldn't that only help if i was using the system with the car off? (which i don't plan on doing very often).

these 1000w amps will cook your alternator....this is a high current demand...buy a larger alternator 140amp...and use a cap....this will smooth out the current pulses so alternator and battery don't get damaged......

also you must use large guage wire...properly fused...






GOOD LUCK..

[82CapriceClassic]

i needed to hear that...headin to autozone before the week is out.

[mike561]

I remember when my friend had his system the headlights would dim in sequence with the thumps from the subs, is that an electrical issue or just from the pulses?

[bhw33191]

Originally Posted by 82CapriceClassic

i needed to hear that...headin to autozone before the week is out.

Haha me too. I'm guessing your a DIY guy like me then. You know on some insane systems that the wiring (being a really thick gauge) can be insanely expensive. I'm not sure exactly how much but i heard upwards of $3,000!!

[82CapriceClassic]

ima girl lol...and not quite DIY...just going to get it so the mechanic can do it for me lol

i wish i was DIY and could afford a competition hook up lol that'd be crazy

[82CapriceClassic]

Originally Posted by mike561

I remember when my friend had his system the headlights would dim in sequence with the thumps from the subs, is that an electrical issue or just from the pulses?

yea my inside lights sometimes are in sequence with the bass...its funny how cars run

[beat88ls]

Originally Posted by mike561

I remember when my friend had his system the headlights would dim in sequence with the thumps from the subs, is that an electrical issue or just from the pulses?

thats the amp drawing more power than the alternator/battery can keep up with. my buddy ran a 140 amp alt and a deep cycle marine battery/with a 1 farad cap... but that was a while ago

[silicon212]

When I run my amp wide open, the lights will dim just a touch at low speeds. It's not the same type of amp that you guys are talking about, though.

[bhw33191]

Originally Posted by silicon212

When I run my amp wide open, the lights will dim just a touch at low speeds. It's not the same type of amp that you guys are talking about, though.

lol nice one silicon. i had a feeling you'd take a crack at this thread

[bhw33191]

So anyway i guess i didn't know what i was in for. If i do end up getting a new alternator is there any specific brand i should look at?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by beat88ls

thats the amp drawing more power than the alternator/battery can keep up with. my buddy ran a 140 amp alt and a deep cycle marine battery/with a 1 farad cap... but that was a while ago

ya thats what I would use ...the 1 farad cap is very huge in filtering the current surges..

[beat88ls]

Originally Posted by silicon212

When I run my amp wide open, the lights will dim just a touch at low speeds. It's not the same type of amp that you guys are talking about, though.

nice... i was running a Cobra 29 LTD Classic on a 102in whip