Electrical confusions

[drppindimes 10+ year member]

Alright, before you guys jump my case, I've already tried the big three and my lights still dim. I'm running a Brutus bx1000d and have a stock 100 amp alt. The dimming is not dramatic, just a little more than I'd like. Should I A.) get a yellow top or B.) try out a capacitor? I would shed out the money for a new alt. but I just need a little bit to make this work. Suggestions?

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[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

Sorry to completly avoid your question at first... but what gauge wire are you running for the big three? Also what gauge are you running from the battery to the amp?

Have you tried going to a larger gauge? In many cases the larger gauge can solve even the slightest dimming problem. Also, how old is your car? If the elctrical system is worn down after years of use, no matter how many little upgrades you do (big 3, new batt, bigger wire) you will still get that little annoying dimming. The only option for an older car in most cases is to either have the alt rewound/rebuilt or go and purchase a higher output alternator.

However to answer your question.. I might go with a smaller battery actually. That way the alternator has less work to do (i.e. charging a bigger battery) and can devote more of its power making abilities to running your system. And then you can save your money and invest in a newer alternator.

 

[MikeofTulsa Moderator]

all good suggestions above.....i do not recomend a cap...it will add to your alts list of things to charge

 

[drppindimes 10+ year member]

Thanks for the replys. I am running 1/0 for the big 3 upgrade, and 4 gauge from the battery to the amp. The vehicle is a 2000 Chevy S10 (2.2L) so it's all my small engine can do to keep the 100 amp alt running as is, so a h.o. alternator is almost out of the question.

 

[drppindimes 10+ year member]

What about a xstatic batcap? Would that be worth considering or is that just something else to charge as well?

 

[aphinney 10+ year member]

i have a xstatic batcap 35 farad!! for $200$

 

[drppindimes 10+ year member]

What model batcap is that? What's the deal with it? Will it work in my application?

 

[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

no no on the cap. You said the alternator is struggling right? Now you add another item for it to charge... yeah thats a great idea.

Also, the HO alternator will be fine with your engine. They build Alts specifically for you car. The engine does not "strain" to power the alt... I don't know where you got that idea, but its wrong.

Get the H.O. Alt, really, this is your only option at this point other than a smaller battery, to reduce charging system strain. Don't add the cap, thats a really really bad idea.. and will only increase the damage to your charging system.

 

[drppindimes 10+ year member]

I've got the money for the alternator, I've been told by someone on this site that H.O. alts rob horsepower, and that I just can't afford to lose. (I don't have much to begin with) Well guys looks like the search begins for a new alt!