I have an 84 GSL-SE and I am looking to upgrade the stock stereo by adding an aftermarket head unit, as well as an amp to drive an 8 inch sub and the rear speakers....not sure what power the amp will be, but you guys probably have a better idea about that...anyways, is the stick 60 amp alternator sufficient to keep everything in working order without any adverse dimming, etc problems going on?

Thanks

 

The stock alternator should be capable of dealing with such a system. If it isn't, you'll notice that your headlights will dim/flicker somewhat when you have the bass pumping. As well, your battery may discharge. Those are good signs that the alternator can't keep up. If it is a problem, it's probably only in an extreme case when you have the music pumping while sitting idle for a long time. If it is a perpetual problem, upgrade the alternator.

 

Hey, i had a 1700 watt system in my 91 lumina. everything of the stereo was ripped out so i could start from scratch. i fried 3 alternators while using this system. so i sold it. anyway my point was gonna be if you have an alternator that small with and decent headunit and amp it only takes time to fry. but the dimming of your headlights can be somewhat cured/solved by getting a capacator. i had a 1.5 farad lighting cap and that helped immensley. but considering i had a memphis 1000d and 2 15 inch strokers, it was again only a matter of time. so if you want to keep you alternator running fine go look for a 3rd gen alternator and make it fit. it's a 200 amp alternator and should handle pretty much anything you can fin into a 7. but honestly if you want a stereo that thumps give me a holler. i was the highest rating 17 year old in southern mn for car stereo's under 2 grand :-) have a nice day!