How low of voltage is to low?

[viperrgh2 10+ year member]

So my setup in sig is running of a 130 amp alternator all 0 gauge and a 10 farad cap and a big costco truck battery.. at 4/5 volume (not the amp but like what my subs can handle) most volume I've bothered trying.. I've seen under hood battery voltage drop down to 11.4 volts, is such low volts bad for the car? Am I working the alt to hard and going to kill it soon?, if not ..when is the voltage to low?

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[TMali 10+ year member]

i really wouldnt want anything to drop below 12

is that power while car running or not running

 

[viperrgh2 10+ year member]

Running of course, idling after I had just been bumping for a 15 min trip and continued to bump.. it pops back up quick but when the bass hits Ive seen drops as low as 11.4

 

[Bumpin' Goalie 10+ year member]

If there are sustained moments under 12.7 be cautious. In most cases, a battery is still be charged @ 12.7 or above. anything less and its starting to drain. And if the voltage doesnt raise above that frequently enough to maintain the battery, you can end up with issues.

 

[viperrgh2 10+ year member]

Sounds like I really should get an alternator, or bump at lower volume (not much an option ha) .. motors on its way out and just hate to pour money into something specific for it.. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif anyone got any ho alts for 92-97ish 4.6L fords lol

 

[HighTQCummins 10+ year member]

while you have the motor out, just spend a little extra and get yourself a good HO alt.

While your battery upfront maybe at whatever voltage its at, your volt drops back at the amp are very severe. On my stock 130A alt, and stock front battery, beatin on it i'll see 13.8 at the battery, and back at the amp it'll drop to around 12.2.

 

[viperrgh2 10+ year member]

I'm afraid to see what my cap is reading when bumping because with the trunk open its bad for the subs .. i see 11.4 at the battery terminal //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif