Massive voltage drop even with 310A alternator!!

[gamehawk55 10+ year member]

Could be because you are using CCA Copper Clad Aluminum an not OFC Oxygen Free Copper.

Yeah I'm not re-tarded I know what CCA and OFC mean, but is there really that big of a difference between them when you're only running 1500W? I thought the high end stuff was only really necessary for the crazy 5000W+ systems.

 

[DonH 5,000+ posts]

Yeah I'm not re-tarded I know what CCA and OFC mean, but is there really that big of a difference between them when you're only running 1500W? I thought the high end stuff was only really necessary for the crazy 5000W+ systems.

never... CCA is crap, will always be crap. Aluminum has the conductance of 60% of copper. We are asking to send current right? which would you rather have? 100% or 60%?

and here goes the CCA vs OFC debate again

 

[Beatin' 10+ year member]

there's nothing wrong with CCA, it just needs to thicker in gauge than your typical OFC cable.

 

[Side Show 10+ year member]

cca = cold cranking amps also (when talkin batts)

 

[gamehawk55 10+ year member]

there's nothing wrong with CCA' date=' it just needs to thicker in gauge than your typical OFC cable.[/quote']
Except for the fact that my T2500 needs a 0 Gauge input and I've already split the circuit to a seperate 2 channel amp as well? Looks like I may have to invest in some OFC and maybe a small battery in the back to allow for power/ground runs.

 

[DonH 5,000+ posts]

Jesus, you do know that Rockford amplifiers are CURRENT HOGS! Also it was probably already mentioned BUT is your ground connection onto the actual frame?

 

[gamehawk55 10+ year member]

Jesus, you do know that Rockford amplifiers are CURRENT HOGS! Also it was probably already mentioned BUT is your ground connection onto the actual frame?

No it's on the chassis.

 

[DonH 5,000+ posts]

No it's on the chassis.

chk pm

 

[brian84corvette 10+ year member]

Hence why I say I shouldn't need extra batteries for this. My alt idles at 180A and 310A peak. There is obviously something else going on here.

should say my alt is suposed to have the ability to produce at idle 180a and 310a peak at bla bla rpms

weather or not it actually does is an entirely diffrent story.

did you change the pulley on the alternator by chance ?

 

[gamehawk55 10+ year member]

should say my alt is suposed to have the ability to produce at idle 180a and 310a peak at bla bla rpmsweather or not it actually does is an entirely diffrent story.

did you change the pulley on the alternator by chance ?

I don't remember what the 310A peak was at, but the alternator is from Mike Singer and he's very reputable in the HO alt game so I trust his work. The alt was the highest end alt he could make for my vehicle. And the alt came with a smaller pulley on it already. I was thinking about changing the size of the belt but I havent had any issues with slipping or voltage falling sporadically, so I didn't bother.

 

[brian84corvette 10+ year member]

just for shoots and giggles - can you take your alternator to autozone or whrever and have them bench test it for you ?

maby something wiggled loose in shipping or who knows

it be good to have proof it works like its suposed to - so you can rule that out as one potential cause of this issue your having.

fyi - i always ground my amp to frame of my viechle - but then also do a negative run to the battery from the amp ground. why ? because the same reason big 3 works

 

[gamehawk55 10+ year member]

just for shoots and giggles - can you take your alternator to autozone or whrever and have them bench test it for you ?maby something wiggled loose in shipping or who knows

it be good to have proof it works like its suposed to - so you can rule that out as one potential cause of this issue your having.

fyi - i always ground my amp to frame of my viechle - but then also do a negative run to the battery from the amp ground. why ? because the same reason big 3 works

Would that mean I'd end up having to drill a big hole through my trunk to the outside?

 

[brian84corvette 10+ year member]

no

just drill a 1/4" hole right thru your trunk.

take your 1/4" drill bit to your local hardware store and find a bolt thats just small enough around to fit thru the size hole you made.

in your trunk - go negative thru to the amp - and on the underside of the car catch the bolt with the battery - run going up front.

then use a lock nut and tighten that crap up good.

 

[SounDrive Pro Seller]

Fix your power and ground runs.. problem solved

Make sure all of your terminals are properly done and all grounds are in adequate spots. CCA or OFC doesn't matter as long as the wire can handle the proper amount of current and the wire is covered to prevent oxidation. 2 runs of CCA has less resistance than a single run of OFC, and is generally cheaper

 

[Side Show 10+ year member]

Get it sorted?