Need Help

[Boe Jengels]

I bought a 2002 impala a few months back and am looking to upgrade. I plan on getting 2 kicker s12l7's and powering them with a zx1500.1. Kicker says that i need to buy a high output alternator to run these, but a few of my friends say that i should be able to run them with an extra batt. and a cap. If anyone can help me put this question to rest it would be much appreciated. thanks

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[jmoreno150 10+ year member]

i never seen anyone need a h/o alty for 2 L7s. you should be str8 with a big cap or even better an extra battery. do the big 3 and you good to go.

 

[Radioflyer97 10+ year member]

what is your amp's power requirements and what is your alternator's amperage output at idle/cruise?

 

[jmanpc 5,000+ posts]

I say, do the big 3 underneath the hood, run 1/0 to the back, and get a second battery. That ought to take care of you.

 

[Boe Jengels]

what is your amp's power requirements and what is your alternator's amperage output at idle/cruise?

I looked around and in other forums and it sounds like a 1500w rms amp will draw 130 amps, not sure if this is 100%, but it's what i read. and i have no idea what the output is on the impala, i can't find info anywhere for it.

 

[dru 10+ year member]

an extra batter and upgraded wiring will do ya fine

 

[Radioflyer97 10+ year member]

If your amp is 1500w it will draw 125 amps. If you're going to run the stereo with the vehicle running, i'd go for the alternator. I think the Impala alternator is based on the Smaller CS130 series alternator and puts out between 80-110 amps. If you want the best possible power from your amp, you need a bigger alternator.

You CAN run your amp with what you have, but at greatly reduced power levels. remember your alternator also has to supply power to the rest of the car AND charge the battery. If you run your amp hard all the time, your battery will be constantly drained and your alternator won't be able to recharge it. your battery will die and eventually your alternator will be fried.

If you adjust the gains on your amp to a reaonable level (dropping the amp draw down to say 30% power or roughly 40 amps draw) you should be safe.

 

[type[s5] 10+ year member]

Honestly, you don't need a new alternator in your setup, but my guess is that you're gonna want to go louder eventually. If that's the case and you already have a new batt, a new alt wouldn't hurt. I've been able to run 1000~1200 watts, no big 3, no extra batt, and no dimming at all at my highest desired volume. And my stock alt puts out 60-80 amps.

 

[audiobahnuser18 5,000+ posts]

Run the BIG 3 and a 2nd battery and you should be good.

 

[ultimate157 5,000+ posts]

i never seen anyone need a h/o alty for 2 L7s. you should be str8 with a big cap or even better an extra battery. do the big 3 and you good to go.

Yet another retarded cap suggestion. If he doesn't have the alternator to support an amp, why would he introduce another component to draw even more? Duhhh

Do the Big 3 and run a second battery, you'll be good.