What is the biggest system that the stock batt/alternator can handle?
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 209
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From: Naples Florida
Vehicle: 2001 Tiburon
So I really dont want to deal with upgrading my alternator and if I could avoid having to upgrade the big 3 (although it doesnt seem too difficult) that would be great. Anyways I just want to add some subs (perhaps dual 8s or 10s or perhaps a single 12, maybe even 2) but I really dont want my lights to dim.
What would you guys say is the biggest system that the stock electronic parts could handle?
What would you guys say is the biggest system that the stock electronic parts could handle?
QUOTE (conscience @ Apr 5 2010, 11:54 AM)
So I really dont want to deal with upgrading my alternator and if I could avoid having to upgrade the big 3 (although it doesnt seem too difficult) that would be great. Anyways I just want to add some subs (perhaps dual 8s or 10s or perhaps a single 12, maybe even 2) but I really dont want my lights to dim.
What would you guys say is the biggest system that the stock electronic parts could handle?
What would you guys say is the biggest system that the stock electronic parts could handle?
I've got 2 12's and my stock alt has been doing fine, but IIRC I've only got a 300 - 350w amp pushing them. Still sounds great.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 12,515
Likes: 2
From: Lacey, WA
Vehicle: Two Accents, Mini, Miata, Van, Outback, and a ZX-6
I ran a 1,027w RMS (amp dyno proven) amp along with a 200w deck on the stock battery, alternator, and wiring. If I had the system up loud at idle it would dim the lights. The dimming was pretty minor so I think if I upgraded the alt to battery positive, and the battery to chassis ground I would have eliminated most of it.
I have a ~4x100W RMS amp for the speakers and a 500W RMS sub amp on my tib. I rarely have them turned all the way up, but I have had no problems.
I have a couple of 8AWG wires in parallel with the stock battery negative wire, and a 4AWG wire going to the amps.
I wouldn't go more than 1000W RMS total. Stock alternator won't put out more than that.
I have a couple of 8AWG wires in parallel with the stock battery negative wire, and a 4AWG wire going to the amps.
I wouldn't go more than 1000W RMS total. Stock alternator won't put out more than that.
Im running 2 15 inch Lanzar max pros in a sealed box with a bridged 2000 watt amp and it hits super hard.
head deck is a kenwood.
my lights do not dim.
my battery is a interstate battery.
The only thing i worry about with my system is breaking my back window.
head deck is a kenwood.
my lights do not dim.
my battery is a interstate battery.
The only thing i worry about with my system is breaking my back window.
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 835
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From: Churubusco, IN
Vehicle: 84 VW Rabbit, 01 Audi A8L, 08 VW GTI
In my 01 Tib, I got 2 15" iPipe Subs w/ a 1500.1D Audiopipe amp, 4 Gauge wire (havent done the big 3), xtra audio battery in the trunk, and a Kenwood Headunit
the deck limit is 36, cranked to 25 at night the lights will start dimming (even w/ the xtra batt)
i need to upgrade the big 3 tho :S
the deck limit is 36, cranked to 25 at night the lights will start dimming (even w/ the xtra batt)
i need to upgrade the big 3 tho :S


