do i need to upgrade my alt

audiofreak12 · Post by **audiofreak12** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 11:46 am

I was wondering if i was in need of an alternator upgrade. I am running a PPI pc275 amp, an Alpine V-power amp, and possibly one more amp if i get my rear mids. I need to know if i am going to have to upgrade my alt or do I just need to just get a better battery. The battery and the alt are stock. Its on an 02 envoy if that matters.

ridr4lif · Post by **ridr4lif** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 1:03 pm

If you are running more than about 800-1000 total watts, then get a new alternator. I was running an 840 watt amp off of my stock alt and battery and i was having problems.

TEDD

smoker · Post by **smoker** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 2:04 pm

we are running a jl 500/1 a jl 300/4 an extant 2180 bridged into two channels for a total of 1160 watts and have no problems with the stock alternator and have no caps or other upgrades. this is in a 2000 chevy silverado ext. cab. and yes it rocks. just dont listen with the engine off for too long or youll need a jump

ridr4lif · Post by **ridr4lif** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 2:45 pm

It all depends on the vehicle. If the vehicle comes stock w/ a higher amp alt (i.e. trucks) then you may not. But on most passenger vehicles/cars, you will need to upgrade.

"just dont listen with the engine off for too long or youll need a jump"

Common sense, when the engine is off, the alt. isnt keeping the voltage up on the battery...thus killing it

TEDD

Post by **GlassWolf** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 4:58 pm

the best way to tell is to connect the system and use it for a bit.
if you have problems with lights dimming and such then yes upgrade the charging system.
otherwise leave it alone.

6three6mafia6 · Post by **6three6mafia6** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 5:25 pm

you will probably not need a alternator, WORST case would be a yellow top but i doubt that even with what you got.

Post by **GlassWolf** » Sat Mar 19, 2005 8:51 am

this is all covered in the FAQ section under charging systems

audiofreak12 · Post by **audiofreak12** » Sat Mar 19, 2005 8:57 am

ok thanks...for some reason i couldnt view the FAQ's section, i can now though...thanks

f-onefifty · Post by **f-onefifty** » Wed Mar 23, 2005 7:48 pm

yea all depends but i will run(and many people over at CAF) ~2000rms on 80-100 amp stock alts and bats with big 3 upgrades.

Post by **GlassWolf** » Thu Mar 24, 2005 5:28 am

the only way that would work is if the system isn't being driven at full output, or anywhere close to it with 2000 watts on a stock alternator.
a 100A alternator produces a peak of 1200 watts of power. usually 50-80% of that is used by the car itself.
The only way you get by using large amplifiers without clipping is by using only a small portion of the amplifiers' output since a "1000wRMS" amplifier only produces 1000 watts RMS @ full output, and every +10dB down from that full output is a tenth the amount of power coupled with the dynamic nature of most audio signals being produced by the amps.