"Upgrade your electrical"

[Montana]

So, I am new to car audio, only been in it for about 2 months. As time goes on, I have slowly upgraded my equipment, however, in recent threads I have been seeking help on the topic of a new set up. I mentioned I was going to try to start competing [nothing major, just locally for the fun of it. To really try to get into it] and someone several people told me "your going over 2k now, look into upgrading your electrical!"

What does that consist of? I have yet to run my "Big three" doing it this weekend however. [or well the weekend coming up] (on that subject, anyone link to me dual 0Gage termials for my batt?)

Are they talking about Alternator? [i haven't looked into that yet, I am pushing 1200 RMS,[i know many of you push 2x that per sub, I'm just a rookie //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif] but am doubling my output here real soon, so I will start looking into that specfic area, I know there is countless threads on that subject.

What else falls into this "upgrade your electrical"

When does one need a extra battery?

Thanks.

/go

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[gckless 5,000+ posts]

That could include everything from DC electricity production to your voice coil on your subs. Anything in between. Your alternator produces all the electricity consumed in your car, the wires to/from it will get the electricity to/from the rest of your vehicle (big 3), your battery(s) will provide juice, albeit at a lower voltage, during those quick peaks when your alternator cannot, the wiring to/from your amps will get all the juice there, the wiring to your subs or speakers will get your amp's power there.

But if you are upwards of 1000W RMS, big 3 should be done, and if you're going over 2kW extra batteries and/or an upgraded alternator is atleast strongly recommended, depending on what your stock electrical was.

Search Sonic Electronix or any online car audio store for battery terminals. They have a lot.

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

yep. connections are the most important (and usually most overlooked part) of the wiring system. i like Streetwires connectors.

i consider an "upgrade" as the following:

1/0 for the "big 3" with new terminals at each end.

new battery terminals

new battery (AGM - largest that fits)

1/0 power and ground for amp(s)

grounds are bolted to chassis or 1/0 ground ran back to battery

the need for extra batteries depends on the alt size and the comp rules (car on or off)

 

[rebelfromva 10+ year member]

big three up to 1500rms. Extra batt up to 2.5k. More batts or ho alt after that from my experience.

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

agreed.

more batts will help you maintain 12.6-12.9 VDC. alternator upgrades can help maintain 14V (with car on and RPM above 2,000)

 

[Montana]

I pull 13.5 volts when I hit with 1200RMS, and I pull 14.8 when it's just idle.

Doing big three this weekend and replacing all connections and double checking grounds with meter, and uping all my power wires to 1/0 gage.

 

[Cook107 10+ year member]

For electrical upgrades, I'd look at doing the big 3, add a battery in back and replace the front one. ( But remember its not always a good idea to just add a battery in the back. It can actually cause more stress on the alternator, and if the front batt isn't the same brand as the one in back, then It can damage the batteries.) Replace the alternator with a high output alt.

Also make sure all of your grounds are connected well. I'd run 1/0 for anything of 2000 watts for sure. 1 run of pos and 1 run of neg OFC would be able to support that pretty easily.

For battery terminals, look into Toolmakers Metalworks on Facebook

For batteries I'd prefer XS power but everyone has their own opinion

Alternators, I'd look into mechman, Ohio Gen, Dc power, excessive amperage, and there's more but I can't think of them right now.

For wire, look into KnuKonceptz.com, best wire for the price IMO.

There's a lot more you could do, but that's a good starting point IMO.

Always upgrade electrical before anything else.