Ok here's my situation, I used to have a 98 dodge neon. I have a set of RF 12" subs and a 1200 watt amp. Now I have a 93 olds, power everthing and I'm have power problems. My lights get dim when the bass hits first, then my speakers go out and I have to shut the car off for a little while for everything to come on again. Should I try getting a deep cycle battery? Or should I try to find a higher amp alternator? Also, am I going to need a power cap? I didn't need one with my neon but I also didn't have power windows, doors, cruise control, etc. What's the best solution?
Replies (1)
swez on 04/9/2004 10:22:19
What amp and subs do you have now? Make & model numbers?
Need to find out what amperage your present ALT is. Most GM's have a CS series 105/108A as stock. But you can usually get a drop in version that is 120A. The 120A is deeper, but with care, it will fit into the OEM mounts.
Also, a stock battery for most cars is ~600 CCA. (cold cranking amps) You can easily change that to a larger (800 +) CCA rated BAT for more reserve power to that amp.
Also, the wire kit for that amp shuld be at least #4 gage. A #2 kit would be better if you have any additional amps planned later. (mid/highs). In fact, get a volt meter and measure the DC voltage at the amp power terminals. Car off should net ~12.0 volts DC. When engine is running, should get readings above 13.5 volts. If not, you have a problem with power supplied to amp.
Regarding your present ALT/BAT & BAT/GND wire gages... these are usually #6 or #8 wires. Installing new wires of #4 gage will help and if your car has a grounding strap from engine to a body ground, double that strap for optimal gounding of ALT to ground.
Finally, GM uses side mounted battery posts. A real pain when adding large power wires to same. Get a new BAT that has both top and side mount terminals. These mods should cure your ills.
Swez
PS A 1 Farad Cap has 1/2,000,000th the power storage ability of an 800 CCA rated battery
Replies (1)
swez on 04/9/2004 10:22:19
What amp and subs do you have now? Make & model numbers?
Need to find out what amperage your present ALT is. Most GM's have a CS series 105/108A as stock. But you can usually get a drop in version that is 120A. The 120A is deeper, but with care, it will fit into the OEM mounts.
Also, a stock battery for most cars is ~600 CCA. (cold cranking amps) You can easily change that to a larger (800 +) CCA rated BAT for more reserve power to that amp.
Also, the wire kit for that amp shuld be at least #4 gage. A #2 kit would be better if you have any additional amps planned later. (mid/highs). In fact, get a volt meter and measure the DC voltage at the amp power terminals. Car off should net ~12.0 volts DC. When engine is running, should get readings above 13.5 volts. If not, you have a problem with power supplied to amp.
Regarding your present ALT/BAT & BAT/GND wire gages... these are usually #6 or #8 wires. Installing new wires of #4 gage will help and if your car has a grounding strap from engine to a body ground, double that strap for optimal gounding of ALT to ground.
Finally, GM uses side mounted battery posts. A real pain when adding large power wires to same. Get a new BAT that has both top and side mount terminals. These mods should cure your ills.
Swez
PS A 1 Farad Cap has 1/2,000,000th the power storage ability of an 800 CCA rated battery
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