Alternator

[Unregistered]

I have a 96 Honda Accord Ex and Im planning on installing two Polk MM120's powered by a Rockford Fosgate 1000.1 and a Panasonic DFX701U. Does my alternator put out enough amps or do i need to upgrade?

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[DR_PIERRE 10+ year member]

your going 2 need another altenatore or maybe up grade 2 somthing with some balls liek 160 amp or more the amp is a class A-B so defanitly and if this is not what you want go with a class D amp then your altanator should be fine

 

[zane 10+ year member]

Well, that all depends on how large your current alternator is.....

Most Honda's that I have seen- generally carry a pretty hefty alternator right from the factory. The bd1000.1 really doesnt pull a lot of current either. I used this amp and a power 400.4 in a previous system where the car had only a 85 amp alternator, and had no problems with the cars electrical system whatsoever.

I would suggest installing your gear and adjusting it. See how the car re-acts to your system, if the lights dim while the car is running, then an alternator upgrade is likely the best thing to do. If everything is fine, meaning, lights not dimming, speakers not cutting out-etc, and you are still concerned about the electrical system- this is where a 1 farad capacitor placed on the power wire of the sub amp would be beneficial. It would take the added strain off of the charging system only when deep low bass notes play by supplying a reserve capacity of power.

However, a cap should not be used, nor does it offer any benefit, if the charging system is having problems keeping up.

take it easy,

-zane

 

[Phatillusion 5,000+ posts]

Zane you must have had one special altenator if it was only 85 amps. My car currently has a 90 amp altenator, and my lights dim so bad, (kenwood 729S) people think I'm flashing them warning of a cop, or that I am flashing them assuming that their brights are one. I work overnight, so I always drive to and from work with my lights on.