1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

sub + amp , do i need to change alternator ?

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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 08:33 PM
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sub + amp , do i need to change alternator ?

My question is, If i put a 12inch Infinity sub + a MTX amp, would the stock alternator will be able to hold this stuff ??
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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 08:37 PM
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it depends on how large the amp is, what kind of wattage its running
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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 08:42 PM
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ok, i'll check
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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 08:48 PM
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the amp : http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...=9&WLBS=fsweb7

sub : http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...d=&newdeptid=9

..
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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 08:52 PM
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no you should not need to up grade with that low wattage i ran up to 1000 watts on stock alt.
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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 08:54 PM
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What about a 300 watt amp with a 500 watt Pioneer 12" sub? Sorry to hijack your thread.
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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 09:03 PM
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no problem

But, i work at Future Shop here in Canada, i have really good prices on Rockford, Infinity, Pioneer, JVC, MTX stuff

I'm trying to find a good combination without paying like 1000$
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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 09:06 PM
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I actually picked up this 12" pioneer from future shop on sale for $60. Sounds AWSOME so far. I haven't been able to crank it yet because I've only been running it on battery power. As soon as I am able to start my car again, I WILL crank it up to see what it can do.
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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 09:09 PM
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pretty cool man, nice to see you bought it from Future Shop Haha
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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 09:13 PM
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Yeah, I got a boxing day sale on it. So far (like I said), its been the best sub I have ever owned, even using the crappy 300 watt Rampage amp that I have powering it. The low end is awsome. You hear sounds you never thought were in a song. Not all subs can do this. And actually, most can't when put into a small box for the car. The Pioneer seems exceptional for the price.
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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 09:47 PM
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i ran my 1200W rms stereo system on the stock gsl-se alternator for 2 years w/o problems.
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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 09:48 PM
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thanks a lot for the info guys !! it's been very appreciated.

Max
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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 11:31 PM
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um well why are u running your amp kit through your alternator? you should be running it off your battery and then it doesnt affect your alternator. who ever told you to run it after your alternator should be shoot, youl be loosing a lot more power to all your instermants and other electricals. but good luck with that
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 02:01 AM
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no, just the alternator recharges the battery as you drive. If the stereo drains more from the battery than your alternator recharges, then problems occur.
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 12:19 PM
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No, you hook it to your battery, and where the battery leaves off with the amperage needed to run the amp, the alternator picks up. It basically supplys the extra amperage needed to run your amp. The battery can only put out about 5 amps for that kind of use. Ever find that you can't really crank up a stronger amp without it cutting out due to lack of current? You could use a larger battery to compensate, but that costs money.
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 12:30 PM
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OORRR !!! Go simpler people !! Get a capacitor! It stores up energy while it's not needed, then when needed ( I.E big bass kick or something) let's it out ... it's easier on the battery and alternator, because there is always a steady drain comming out of it ... I only recommend this in like ... 500-1000W + systems ... Get a 1 farad amp ... a farad is 1000W RMS handling power ... You can get them up to 10 Farads in rackmouts but ... let's face it .. if you have 10000 W RMS in your 7, you a crazy **** !! :P
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 12:56 PM
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Once again, the dude abides...

Yeah i intend on getting a 1.5 farad cap sometime. Its just not too high on the priority list. (too many performance parts to buy!!!)
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 04:02 PM
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err

i tried running a 300w rockford amp to power a component speaker system...the stock alternator died in like three days
i upgraded to an 80 amp alternator, that one just went out (about ten months later)

just get a big alternator and a power cap, to be on the safe side

changing alternators and **** like that is a pain in the ***, i've been through it =\
and still am going through it...AGAIN
i hate electricity
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 04:09 PM
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Electronics are always the devil. But you know what sucks, I don't have the money for either a larger alternator or a cap. So I guess I am stuck with what I have for now.
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 05:14 PM
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Originally posted by ioTus
i ran my 1200W rms stereo system on the stock gsl-se alternator for 2 years w/o problems.

GSL-SE alternator = more power than other FB Alt.


a 2nd gen alt is a GREAT upgrade.

an alternator from an 87-90 Dodge Caravan is a better upgrade. (75a and it comes with a dual belt pulley!!)
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 05:14 PM
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then just wait a little while before you install your sub and amp
the cap and alt. shouldn't be more than 200 bucks

or you can hook it up anyway, and maybe be lucky like iotus

if not you may fall into the same problem as me =[

eitherway, best of luck to you, and enjoy the bass!
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 05:15 PM
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I have a 400 watt amp for my component speakers and a 250 watt amp for 1 12" sub. i didnt think i would have any problems because my lights didn't dim or anything when the bass hit, even when i had it cranked up real loud. that only lasted about a month though. burned out my alternator and my battery! that's no fun. luckily the battery was under warranty and was replaced for free. As for the alternator, i replaced it with a 70 amp 2nd gen alt. i wanted the 80 but couldn't find one fast enough. i didn't want to take a chance of burning it out too so i also got two capacitors, one for each amp. yeah, i spent a little bit of money on all that but i don't think i'm going to have any more alt. problems. it seems that some people have good luck and others don't. that seems to be the case when you are dealing with 20+ year old cars. just try out what you have. wach the volt guage in your car and if you are running under 12 then you have problems. with my set-up, i never go under 13 and usually stay at 14. that makes me happy. oh, and for you guys that really need high amp output, you can fit a ford 160 amp alt. under the hood. just don't ask me how to hook it up. the local alt. guy around here said if i had any more trouble than he would get me one and hook it up. that sounds good.....160 amps! lots better than 50.
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 08:25 PM
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i have 1400 watts in my 7 and have an amp backing it up is my alt ok?
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Old Apr 28, 2004 | 03:15 AM
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If it doesnt die then yes its O.K. if it does die, then you gotta solve some issues....
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Old Apr 28, 2004 | 04:35 AM
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Originally posted by 85rotarypower
No, you hook it to your battery, and where the battery leaves off with the amperage needed to run the amp, the alternator picks up. It basically supplys the extra amperage needed to run your amp. The battery can only put out about 5 amps for that kind of use. Ever find that you can't really crank up a stronger amp without it cutting out due to lack of current? You could use a larger battery to compensate, but that costs money.
Dude, put down the crackpipe and slowly back away.
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