Do I need to upgrade my electrical system?

[BoondockSaints 10+ year member]

Im considering purchasing my system right now. Im between a system that is either 3000 Watts or one thats a tad under 2000.

My amp, I think is 117 amps, 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Ext Cab 4x4... Was just wondering what will I need to do so I dont have dimming and that it will work period.

Alt? Batts?

Really dont want a new alt because my gas mileage is already poop.

Can I buy like 2-4 batts and not upgrade the alt?

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[audiolife 5,000+ posts]

anything over 2200-2600+ watts or so imo is going to need 160 amp+ alt and an extra battery in back. it just makes sure you have all your bases covered to get the most performance and dependable use.

 

[BoondockSaints 10+ year member]

So if Im not looking to upgrade my alt is there any other way to get around this, like a shitload of batteries?

 

[audiolife 5,000+ posts]

you can do 2 batts in back (like 2 kinetik 1800's or bigger) it can be done and work well. i have a friend that runs 2 memphis 4kw amps on a stock focus alt and 2-4 2400's daily but he doesnt beat on it all the time

 

[BoondockSaints 10+ year member]

How long you think that can go for? These are going in the daily driver... Im not gonna be blasting it everytime jus regular music, trying my best to not go deaf all at once. But wanna be blare it for like 10 mins 15 mins or so... IDK main thing is no new alt.

 

[Thnking 10+ year member]

Im considering purchasing my system right now. Im between a system that is either 3000 Watts or one thats a tad under 2000.
My amp, I think is 117 amps, 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Ext Cab 4x4... Was just wondering what will I need to do so I dont have dimming and that it will work period.

Alt? Batts?

Really dont want a new alt because my gas mileage is already poop.

Can I buy like 2-4 batts and not upgrade the alt?

You can use 8 batteries if you'd like to, but you'll still have very noticeable voltage drops.

A high output alternator isn't going to affect your gas mileage, it's the energy lost from your engine used to run the alternator, so it's your audio system in reality.

BUT, the energy lost is very insignificant to gas mileage. So a long story short; don't worry losing gas mileage.

 

[BoondockSaints 10+ year member]

So if I go from my 117 Amp alt to say a 200 Amp alt... how much gas mileage am I gonna lose? I already get 10 mpg //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crying.gif.ec0ebefe590df0251476573bc49e46d8.gif... bah Im confused.

About how many watts is there no upgrade to the alternator, and how many batteries would you need?

 

[jeepintn 10+ year member]

deeeebeeeez > mpg

 

[Rich B 5,000+ posts]

So if I go from my 117 Amp alt to say a 200 Amp alt... how much gas mileage am I gonna lose? I already get 10 mpg //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crying.gif.ec0ebefe590df0251476573bc49e46d8.gif... bah Im confused.
About how many watts is there no upgrade to the alternator, and how many batteries would you need?

If you really dont want to deal with the hassle and expense of upgrading your electrical system, and you dont really plan on blasting it loud very much, just save yourself the headache and plan on a smaller system.

I know car audio fans think big system = large penis, but it doesnt.

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[kicker06 10+ year member]

An alternator would probably be cheaper then adding a lot of batteries.

Do the Big 3 and add the biggest battery you can under your hood. Dodge Ram's can hold Kinetik 2400's I think. Maybe the 2000's

 

[BoondockSaints 10+ year member]

deeeebeeeez > mpg

LoLz... Thats about to be in teh Sig. Maybe Ill just **** it up and get the alt... probbly better in the end when I wanna get some new lights and some offroading lights. So if I have the 117 Amp right now... and I want 3000 watts of power how many more amps will I need? And 2000 Watts too... just wondering.

 

[envengineer 10+ year member]

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/rftech/amp_efficiency.asp#ohm

Depends on your amp efficiencies. Use the calculator and remember to add additional power to run the other electronic circuits in the vehicle.

 

[BoondockSaints 10+ year member]

1500 Watts of power, if I do a big 3 and have a mono class d amp for 1000 watts of it and the other a/b bridge 500 watts (for comps) will I be ok power wise? Maybe an extra batt....

 

[BoondockSaints 10+ year member]

1500 Watts of power, if I do a big 3 and have a mono class d amp for 1000 watts of it and the other a/b bridge 500 watts (for comps) will I be ok power wise? Maybe an extra batt....

bump.

 

[Jared530 10+ year member]

jeeze, my accord has a mere 90 amp alt. Theirs a 160 amp alt on ebay for 130 shipped, thats a pretty good deal. the modded 1501D sucks up a ton of power. I was wondering if i just added a stinger 600 batt in teh back to power a modded MTX 1501D, do u think it would be ok to NOT upgrade my alt?