Electrical Upgrade

[lifesproduct 10+ year member]

I recently bought a SQ2200 to put in my Hdc3, I have already completed the big 3 installed, and a HO alternator to put in (250 amps). Is my electrical up to par to run this amp? I've been running a hifonics gladiator 1400 rms. At idle I drop to about 13.2-13.4 volts. While cruising I never drop below 14.3. Thanks in advance!

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[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

The alternator should be good. What are you running for batteries?

 

[lifesproduct 10+ year member]

I just have a yellow top up front for now. I was considering about 80 ah in the back, but I wasn't sure if it was adequate, and if that was my best next step

 

[negolien]

When you drop voltage are you already running the 2200? Is it full tilt lights and a/c on at idle? more info please.

 

[lifesproduct 10+ year member]

No I haven't installed the 2200. Yes full tilt, set with dd1. All accessories on.

 

[jrdnhsnbrg 10+ year member]

You're fine.

 

[negolien]

Still thinking that's a little low on idle without the 2200 installed with a 250 H/O. Once you install that 2200 you're going to be in trouble on idle imo if your hammering it. Might think about a 2nd battery boomsday has sprinter's still I think. That's what I put in for my 2200. Might check out the thread or even just keep an eye open for a good inexpensive 2nd battery. I don't go under 13.9 full tilt, lights, a/c on at night at idle.

 

[jrdnhsnbrg 10+ year member]

Still thinking that's a little low on idle without the 2200 installed with a 250 H/O. Once you install that 2200 you're going to be in trouble on idle imo if your hammering it. Might think about a 2nd battery boomsday has sprinter's still I think. That's what I put in for my 2200. Might check out the thread or even just keep an eye open for a good inexpensive 2nd battery. I don't go under 13.9 full tilt, lights, a/c on at night at idle.

My old 275a Singer would drop to 12s at idle full tilt, AA 3800 at .35. The alt needs to be spinning faster than idle speeds to produce full power, usually around 2k RPM. Never dropped below 13.5V while driving.

 

[jrdnhsnbrg 10+ year member]

IMO you should never play at idle. It's just asking for trouble. Hit the gas a little, watch your voltage, and you'll be fine.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

My 320 singer never drops below 14v after 1000 rpm. However it made literally zero power at 600 rpm which was my siennas idle, had to manually increase the idle to 800 rpm to get good voltage. Singer alts work well on gm cars, but if you have a jap or korean car that has extremely low idle, you might want to tell mike to do some mods to the alt.

 

[negolien]

Yeah I think my 320 does 180 at idle and no you don't want to be running your brand new 2200 in the 12's imho. You build the system for what you plan on doing with it. I didn't "have to" add a 2nd battery. I did it so I didn't have to worry about damaging my gear by under volting it.

 

[lifesproduct 10+ year member]

I agree, and plan to put a 2nd Battery in, but if I'm going to spend the money I want it to be more than enough headroom