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Do I need a bigger battery or alternator?

Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 12:04 am
by Dr. Bogger
Hi All,

I am in the process of installing a new sound system in my 2010 Honda Civic LX.

Here is what the system components are:

1 x JVC KD-HDR70 Head Unit
4 x Alpine Type R - 6.5" Coax. Speakers (SPR-60)
2 x Alpine Type R - DVC 4 Ohm - 10" Subs (SWR-1043D) - Wired to 1 Ohm
1 x Alpine Amp - 50W RMS x 4 CH @ 4 Ohm (MRP-F300) - For the SPR-60
1 x Hifonics Brutus Amp - 1200 Watts RMS @ 1 Ohm (BRZ1200.1D) - For the subs

1 x 2.0 Farad Capacitor - db Link LCAP2KF
1 x KnuKonceptz KOL-AK4-4 Amp Installation Kit - 4 Gauge
w/ Distro. Block + 150 Amp Fuse + Accessories for Dual Amp


So my questions are:

1. Will I need to put a bigger battery in my car?
2. Will I need a bigger alternator?
AND
3. What will the consequences be if I don't upgrade them?
Thanks in Advanced.

Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 8:25 am
by Bwcad1
Upgrade battery drop cap 4 gauge is to small you need 1/0

Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 10:56 am
by JeremyC
Not that Bill needs me to approve, but he is dead on.

Forget the cap, upgrade the battery to one designed for car audio, and run a bigger power and ground.

I've seen a couple debates recently on upgrading the big three, and if it really helps. But I still think it can be beneficial.

As for the Alt' that's a wait and see. The Civic alt' isn't very big. I believe the 2010 LX is only an 80 amp. But its pointless spending money on a new one if you don't need it.
So get everything installed, and then keep an eye on your head lights. If you notice them dimming a lot, then upgrade the alt'. If you don't have a problem with them dimming, then the one you have if fine for the current system, and the volume you like to listen at.

Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 11:17 am
by Dr. Bogger
Any recommendation on a new battery?

It's a 51R BCI Group Size (According to NAPA)

Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 11:42 am
by Bwcad1
The big 3 really only helps if you ground to the frame and your running massive power.

Shuriken Kinetic Optima, I myself Prefer Deka

Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 8:19 pm
by Dr. Bogger
I think this will fit in my 2010 Honda Civic LX, but can somebody here verify if i'm correct?

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_179 ... -BT60.html

Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 5:32 am
by Bwcad1
Should be fine. You can also just ad a second battery of a smaller size if you don't plan on hammering on your stereo for hours on end.

Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 7:50 am
by Dr. Bogger
I would need a Battery Isolater if I added a second battery though, right? or am I wrong?

Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 7:56 am
by Bwcad1
No you dont have to use an isolator i never did.

Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 8:15 am
by Dr. Bogger
Which would you recommend? replacing stock, or adding a battery?