tell me if I will be drawing too much power with my car stereo plans. I had planned 3 amps, a 65x4 for the fronts and 2 280x1's for the subs. I also have a 300 watt computer that I use as a mp3 player too. All in al it will be a little over 1000 watts. Is that too much for the alt? how much could I sucessfully pull off the alt?

 

Oh, I I want to put this in a second gen, 89-92

 

Man sometimes it seems that in stock form the alternator can't keep up. FC alternators are just weak(even though the S5 one is stronger). Best bet is to do the FD alternator conversion.

 

What brand amps?


-Ted

 

I think your math is off a little... thats easy over 1100 watts, not 1000.

You would need approx 90 amps at idle just to power your stereo, if the amps are very efficent.

The stock alt is only 80 amps on a series 5 car. The car running draws another 15-20 amps and headlamp/tail lamps use another 25 amps.

 

Yes i know thats is over 1110 watts. I just rounded it real quick. My other option is to switch out the 2 280 watt amps for 2 150 watt amps but I still think I migh be pulling too much.

 

Plus most amps are not even 50% efficent... so add up the fuse ratings of everything and subtract 10% and you'll get a more accurate loud volumn draw.

 

I would really like to keep the 280 watt amps if possible, does it matter that they are actually 80x2, but when you bridge them you get 280 Also, lets say I go ahead and hook everything up (all 1100+ watts). Would I be damaging my alternator? What would happen to everythign else in the car? Would I get massive headlight dimming or would it be slight? I added up the fuses ratings and it come up to be 125. If I take 10% it is 112.5.

 

check it out instal your amps and so forth after its all done you'll know your answer. i wouldent worry about it untill then. lifes to full of bull **** to worry about stuff that hasent happened yet.

 

If you're not running the stereo for extended periods with the car off / at idle, I wouldn't worry about it. Your battery will make up the difference.

Now if this is a showcar pushing serious SPL, you'd need an alternator upgrade, 2nd battery, caps, 2 gauge wire, fuses everywhere, etc.. etc...

 

Boy, don't you just hate it when your questions get ignored.

Can you tell us what kinda amp/model you're thinking of running???

A Rockwood/Pyramid amp claiming 1000 watts of power isn't even going to come close to a 200 watt Phoenix Gold amp.&nbsp In car audio, 1 watt <> 1 watt from different brands of amps.&nbsp It makes a BIG difference what brands we're talking about here...


-Ted