thechef

iTrader: (13)

hey are you guys doing anything to upgrade your altenator when you go with a big system??
if so what are you using???

I am in the process of redoing my whole system and adding 2 amps, all new speakers, 10' sub big cables etc, and am concerend about the altenator charging effectively

sandsk8erz400

iTrader: (1)

Some like the piece of mind when doing so, just depends on the setup. What amps will you be using?

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

How much rms wattage will you be pushing, have you done the Big 3?

thechef

iTrader: (13)

what is "Big 3" ???

cfallsguy

iTrader: (1)

How much power are you pushing first of all?

And here, for Big 3:
https://ls1tech.com/forums/stereo-el...e-lengths.html

thechef

iTrader: (13)

I think its about 1200watts??
My Bro in law does this stuff for a living and he is doing his thing, he showed me a box of cable that was think like welding wire and Heavy guage

I am confident he knows his stuff

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

IMO you don't need a high output Alternator if you have a good battery and Alt., just do the Big 3.
If later you decide to up the wattage more, then consider a higher output Alt.

cfallsguy

iTrader: (1)

For 1200w you'll be fine, may only have minimal dimming at night with all the lights on but the Big 3 would solve that issue. And the wire he showed you was likely welding cable, a lot of people use it since it's cheaper then regular 0 gauge from an audio shop.

cyberkill

I'm building a new system with just 1 amp, an Alpine PDX-5 which is 75x4 RMS 300x1 RMS, so only 600W RMS. I'm removing (or at least disconnecting) the Monsoon and getting a new HU, speakers, and a sub. Do I have any business doing the Big 3 or is this system small enough to not even matter?

99Bluz28

iTrader: (35)

IMO, as long as the cables and connection are in good condition don't bother.

tuffluck

iTrader: (4)

big 3 didn't do crap for me and i also had about 1,200 watts. aftermarket alternator is a little better, but most aftermarket alternators put out less at low rpms and more at high rpms, unless you want to pay $4-500 for a good alternator. the one i had was made by Alterstart and was about $250 and it was 200A and made no difference in dimming whatsoever.

if it were me i would just anticipate lights dimming and live with it, or spend big on a good aftermarket alternator. the big 3 fixing any major dimming is an urban legend if you ask me.