Thursday, September 15, 2011

What amp should I use so I wont have to change the alternator?

I am going to have two 10%26quot; sub woofers installed and I dont want to have to install a high performance alternator that would eventually get expensive. My sub woofers are 1100 watts each. What type of amp would I need to push these subs that does not require me to replace the alternator with a high performance alternator? (Chevy cobalt 2007)
What amp should I use so I wont have to change the alternator?
A 70 ampere alternator will pusg a 550 watt RMS total system allowing enough power to fuel the vehaicle AND the audio system. So unless you want to under power those subs...



If your total system power is 1000 watts RMS or more, you will need to:



1. Upgrade the alternator to a high output alternator

2. Upgrade to a heavy duty deep cycle battery

3. Upgrade the %26quot;Big 3%26quot; - that is to replace (or add to) the power wire between the battery and alternator, the ground from the battery to the chassis and the ground strap from the engine/tranny to the chassis with at least 1/0 AWG wire.



Failure to do this will result in you replacing them anyway as the alternator will eventually fail.



Here is a guide that will calculate what size alternator and power wires you need http://www.datafilehost.com/download.php鈥?/a>



A second battery is never a good idea as it's an added strain on the alternator to charge two batteries AND supply power for the car. The ONLY time a second battery is useful is if the audio system is to be used with the car off.



A capacitor is only good so far as the audio system isn't trying to pull too much from the electrical system. A cap doesn't provide more power, it's designed to 'stiffen' the voltage to the amp, nothing esle. If the current isn't there, a cap won't help. The alternator must have at least 20% more amperage power than the entire vehicle and sound system combined for a cap to be of benefit which is ironically the same requirements for an amp to be efficient.





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%26quot;all you should really do is install a capacitor. it will store a charge and not put as much pressure on the battery and therefore the alternator%26quot;



What do you think charges the cap?



The alternator is the power plant of the car, not the battery.



The ONLY purpose of the battery is to start the car and run accessories with the enginge off.
What amp should I use so I wont have to change the alternator?
people rareyl change out their alt. all you should really do is install a capacitor. it will store a charge and not put as much pressure on the battery and therefore the alternator.

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