More powerful alternator?

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Oct 5, 2007 | 02:47 AM

DCRB

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From: Portland, Oregon

More powerful alternator?

So I recently installed a new set of subs, and the power draw is quite substantial. so great in fact, that even while driving, if i have the bass turned up mid level to high, and am running headlights (80w diamond blue norms, 100w brights) and my heater everything dims when the bass hits. so this leaves me with one of three doable options:

1. find a purchase a more powerfull alternator ( i know craigpv2d is running a 200amp alternator)

2. install kenetic battery (as a second battery in paralell form so i'm still drawing 12v, just twice or more times the amps)

3. install a cap. directly to my amp.

I'm leaning heavily towards the first two because capaciters (the really big ones) are dangerous, especialy if installed wrong (or so i hear) and don't really put out alot of power for the money.

so... may i please have the opinions and advise from those who know more than myself?

thanks in advance!!

Ryan

Oct 5, 2007 | 07:28 AM

VanGo

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Joined: Apr 2005

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From: Wichita

I hate to encourage these subwoofers that carry noise for a block, but if you need a more powerful alternator, PA Perfomance makes them. They even come in colors. They didn't display one for Aerostars so you'll have to contact them if you are interested.
You'll probably want to beef up the main power feed harness for more current. They sell them too.

Oct 5, 2007 | 09:52 AM

blue beast

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From: sunny fla sometimes windy

Pretty!! Go with the cap even if you up your alt or batt, They definately do make a difference!! They smooth out the power and provide extra current when the bass hits.
They are not dangerous unless you charge em and touch the terminals!! Of course wire them up profeesional like so nothing or nobody can get to them to touch and you'll be okay. Just mount a plexiglass cover over them, Yes I said them because your a fool if youbuy those big ones for hundreds of dollars. Get four 500mf caps rated at 30 volts and you should be better off then one big one. Even the best power system isn't true dc if the alt is running you are getting a pulsed dc, caps will smooth out the power and will help to kill any noise in the system!! Their website isn't the best but just give them a call they have everything you need, If you ever come to florida make time for yourself and take a trip to the mans theme park in orlando Skycraft surplus
http://www.skycraftsurplus.com/index...TS&Category=24

Oct 5, 2007 | 08:46 PM

Aeroman59

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From: Kitchener,Ontario,Canada

I'd certainly go for the capacitors, cheaper & smarter. Do as BB above said to make sure nothing can touch the terminals. I'd also make sure that when you switch off the amplifier, no power is on the capacitors, you could also put a bleed off resistor so that they are drained down when not on. Also 2000 mf is not enough, I'd install 10,000 mf 50vdc, this will help with the bass current draw. Also make sure the terminals to your battery are nice & clean & you had correctly spec'd the cables for the supply to the amp.

Aeroman

Oct 5, 2007 | 08:53 PM

96_4wdr

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Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 5,720

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From: Washington state

second high capacity 34/78 Optima Red Top high instant demand battery mounted as close to audio amp as possible and #2 leads to amp. put in battery isolator for 2 battery setup
better than any capacitor.

200 amp alternator with new belt and #4 ga feed to both batts.

Last edited by 96_4wdr; Oct 5, 2007 at 09:01 PM.

Oct 5, 2007 | 09:07 PM

Aeroman59

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From: Kitchener,Ontario,Canada

Could go the 2nd battery route also, but if you go the full hog with the alternator...... better make sure the serpentine belt is top notch! Mine lightly chirps on wet days with the stock set-up, while cold.

Aeroman.

Oct 5, 2007 | 09:35 PM

99f350sd

Lead Driver

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 9,303

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From: Lyndonville, Vermont

1 Farad caps work real well...also a 200 amp alt will surely help. Biggest thing is to enlarge the wire going to the alternator to 4 ga or bigger.. There is also a higher voltage regulator made. Its a 14.7 volt i think its been awile since I installed it...The wires from the amp must go straight to the battery and they need to be 4ga also or bigger...

Dick