How do I know beforehand if Im going to need a new batt/alt?

[omizzle 10+ year member]

I have an '01 Saturn, 4 cyl.

Im going to be running a 1600 watt bxi1606d, with a pair of 12" db drive platinum (750 rms)

Im wondering If I have enough engine power for an amp for my frontstage... should I just use my deck (880prs) to power my frontstage?

Click to read more...

 

[supa_c 5,000+ posts]

Take the maximum amperage that the amp will pull ( prob 80A)

Then check under the hood and see what the maximum amperage of the alternator is.

If its less than 80A you will probably have some dimming on heavy bass.

The battery in that car is small as it is, definetly garbage.

 

[AJ²06 5,000+ posts]

Take the maximum amperage that the amp will pull ( prob 80A)Then check under the hood and see what the maximum amperage of the alternator is.

If its less than 80A you will probably have some dimming on heavy bass.

The battery in that car is small as it is, definetly garbage.

Dont forget the 10A the deck uses up... and any other stuff...

 

[supa_c 5,000+ posts]

Unless the volume is full and powering speakers it wont pull 10A

The headlights pull about 30A

 

[omizzle 10+ year member]

so do you guys think i could get both?

 

[AJ²06 5,000+ posts]

Unless the volume is full and powering speakers it wont pull 10A The headlights pull about 30A

Which most ppl like loud music and most decks power speakers... //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

Unless external amp... //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif [i know Im giving ya a hard time...] //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

30A on lights! Dayummm... that I didnt know

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

Don't forget the A/C and the fuel pump and the engine fan and the engine computer. There is not a lot of headroom on most alternators. It simply isn't economical for the car maker to spec a larger alt than the car needs to function. Trucks typically have a little more slop to work with.

Chances are that you will need to beef up the electrics in your car.

 

[omizzle 10+ year member]

So is there a way to know FOR SURE before I install?

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

No.

 

[Ruffy 10+ year member]

Find out what your alternators amperage is at idle. Make note that your Alternator prob wont put out it's full rating ever.

From there you can figure out if you need an upgrade. I would say for a Sub 1000watt setup most of the time The Big 3 and a Good car battery would do.

More than that and you're asking for trouble.

My lights dim Bad. I have a 130a Alt. It puts out 70a or so at idle. I'm pushing 1200w rms to my subs, 125w rms to components.

havent done the big three yet. Planning on changing the alt soon.

 

[DoobieBrother 10+ year member]

Unless the volume is full and powering speakers it wont pull 10A The headlights pull about 30A

Where'd you get that spec? I 60watt headlight at 12V should pull about 5amps. So 10 for the pair. But yes, consider other accessories too.

 

[Elec 10+ year member]

Whats "Big 3"?

 

[DoobieBrother 10+ year member]

Whats "Big 3"?

http://www.caraudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=152355