Battery Upgrade (Electrical System Requirements)

[ltjackson]

Recently found this site and the vast amount of information it provides. I'm sure this question has been asked but the search feature isn't helping me much so I thought I'd ask! Anyway here's my issue,

I'm currently getting everything necessary for my new install, by no means am I new to the car audio world but with my new car I'd like to have someone that's done the research or seen it. First of all, I have a stock 2010 Dodge Charger SXT. That being said, I'm going to be installing a JL Audio 500/1v2 amp pushing a 13w6v2 and a JL Audio 300/4v2 amp pushing a set of C2650 Components.

With the vehicle I had before I had a yellow top and had no problems, period. But with the charger I have a feeling the stock setup for the electrical system isn't going to cut it. I'm looking into the XS Power battery line but can't find a good review.

So my question is, what would you guys do to the electrical system in this car to get it up to requirement for my amplifiers. Price really isn't an object, however I will say changing the alternator in this thing is going to be a pain. I will do that if necessary but what do you guys think?

Thanks!

EDIT:

Note, I forgot to mention that I have never installed or delt with a multiple battery setup. So if something like that comes up it would be greatly appreciated to get a condensed version of how-to do this. Or something to that extent. Thanks!

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[Falcons 5,000+ posts]

with what you are running the stock electrical should do just fine, however upgrading your electrical can never hurt. i recommend starting out with the big three, put your hardest hitting song on, and measure your voltage drop at the battery. then let us know what the digital multimeter said, and then we can take it from there.

 

[Sleeklsc 5,000+ posts]

That Dodge comes with a 160a alt so you should be set. Install said equipment and measure the voltage drop if you experience dimming, if it's significant do the big 3. No need for extra batt's unless you bang with the car off for extended periods of time.

 

[ltjackson]

Sweet, good to hear that alt can handle it. I do see a little dimming with just the sub/amp combo but I have a feeling thats the wiring. The car comes stock with 0G power wire from alt but the ground is litteraly a 14G ... That will be upgraded very soon, and I'm going to stuff a aftermarket battery in there from XS or a yellowtop just to be safe. Thanks for the information guys!

 

[Sleeklsc 5,000+ posts]

Sweet, good to hear that alt can handle it. I do see a little dimming with just the sub/amp combo but I have a feeling thats the wiring. The car comes stock with 0G power wire from alt but the ground is litteraly a 14G ... That will be upgraded very soon, and I'm going to stuff a aftermarket battery in there from XS or a yellowtop just to be safe. Thanks for the information guys!

0awg from the factory? I'd expect maybe 4awg at the most, I find that hard to believe.

 

[ltjackson]

Just checked, the stock wire from Alt to Batt + is 1AWG welding wire, but the ground wire like I said is very small. Just ordered a length of 0AWG from knu to replace the ground. Turns out dodge already did one of the big 3, and good thing for me its the hardest one considering the batt is in the trunk //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[07denali 10+ year member]

I've got a stock 160 amp alt and I'm running twice the power you have with just a Big 3 and voltage seems fine. I'm changing out my battery this week but other than that, I don't plan on doing any other electrical unless I add more power. No dimming lights for me. You should be good to go with what you have planned. Just get the biggest battery you can fit under the hood and finish the big 3.