102 Amp alt

[molurus73 10+ year member]

I have a 99 Alero which I believe has a 102 amp alternator. Would I be able to get by with a 1200 wat Orion sub amp and a 125 watt x 2 Orion amp on this? I am running big power wire to the back. I don't want to upgrade tha alternator because I do not plan on keeping the car longer than a year or two more. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks, Jim

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[LinxuS 10+ year member]

Get a battery or two and you should be fine. Optima or Kinetic, and the biggest ones you can fit under the hood / in the back. You might get some dimming though.

 

[molurus73 10+ year member]

Thats what I was concerned about. Maybe I will just stick with the Directed 1200/5 and sell the Orion amps. I don't want to get that into the electrical system in this car.

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

what model amps?

To the question "Will I get by"? I would say yes.

To the question 'will it be fine if I blast it every day all day?'. Almost a guaranteed no.

As long as you're not blasting it all the time you shouldn't have much trouble at all - especially if it's only temporary.

It's those 1/2 hour, close to full volume, bass heavy encouters that will take a toll on your alt. Everyday type listening at a volume you can talk over with the occasional 5-10 minute "show it off" session shouldn't be a problem.

My alt's 110A. Running about 1100w rms. I don't max it out very often, but even on those trips home from work (1/2 hr) when I feel like blasting it I've never had an issue. The closest thing to a problem would be very minor dimming at idle - full volume.