How to safely run 2000 watts RMS?

[mcglnch5]

I have a 95 Nissan Sentra with upgraded High Output 140 amp alternator. I have 2 Rockford fosgate amps 1 is bd 1000.1 and the other is 1001bd, so pretty much the same wattage, I'm running 2 12' Alpine type X's 1000 watts each so 2000 watts rms. My question is do I need to get a bigger alternator or more batteries? I have a Optima Yellow top battery under the hood, and a Kinetik HC1200 in the trunk, so is this enough to power both amps/ subs? Any help would be much appreciated!

Thank you,

mcglnch5

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[los33 10+ year member]

Do you have big 3 installed?

If so then you are pretty much safe as the alternator should be able to do 2000 watts + the batteries will save it from having to stress as you still have to add on a extra 200-400 watts for the vehicle stock usage.

Do you get any voltage drop or dimming lights?

 

[csu87 10+ year member]

biggest tell tale sign is dimming lights. if you dont notice that, then you shouldnt be dropping too much

 

[mcglnch5]

No I still didn't do the Big 3 upgrade yet. I think the lights are dimming pretty good!

 

[csu87 10+ year member]

then do the big 3 and maybe add either another 1200 or get rid of it and get a bigger battery

 

[mcglnch5]

I was just worried because I don't want to fry/ kill my alternator.

Thank you for the replies.

 

[los33 10+ year member]

I was just worried because I don't want to fry/ kill my alternator.Thank you for the replies.

You wont kill your alt atleast not for a while, But you do run the risk of killing your amps.

The more voltage drop you have the more resistance which means more heat causing both the amps and subs to heat up or possibly fry.

If you have little to no voltage drop you nothing to worry about just don't play at full volume all day everyday.

 

[mcglnch5]

What's the best way to test for voltage drops, like when the system is turned up almost all the way?

 

[los33 10+ year member]

What's the best way to test for voltage drops, like when the system is turned up almost all the way?

Purchasing something like this or whatever you choose:

http://www.amazon.com/Stinger-SVMB-Voltage-Gauge-Discontinued/dp/B001HEE8IS

Will give you a live voltage read of your charging system.

Keeping between 13.3 - 14.4 volts is good enough for a while.

 

[negolien]

Mylows10 can get you a good deal on big 3 wire shrink wrapped and terminated. If you measure where you want your fuse on the + wire he can probably cut it and put it in the block for you. Otherwise you need to cut it and fuse it yourself. I got a set of 0 gauge OFC and was very happy with it.

As for the voltage gauge. I have a digital power distro is that good enough?

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

Turn the gain down. Clipping will cause dimming before clean power.