Octavarium

iTrader: (4)

Well I recently bought and installed a JL 12W3v3 and JL 250/1 amp in my Camaro and needless to say I am quite pleased. I did this project over the winter when the car was in storage and spent a lot of time listening to it while it was hooked up to a battery charger and had zero issues. Now that I'm actually driving it, I have a slight power issue. On hard bass hits, my lights dim, bass sound quality goes down and the bass just doesn't quite carry like it should. Otherwise on normal bass I have none of these symptoms. Now my question is whether a capacitor will take care of this problem or should I go with a alternator that cranks out more amps or should I do both?

98camaro28

iTrader: (21)

Neither. Capacitors are worthless and you're not drawing near enough power to need another alt. Do the "Big 3" and that will be plenty.

pentavolvo

agreed with only a 250/1 do the big 3... make sure you have good ground on your amp... also did you hook straight to the battery or somewehre else

cookba

iTrader: (10)

And the next question will be: What is the "Big 3"?

https://ls1tech.com/forums/stereo-el...lternator.html

wickedwarlock

iTrader: (4)

I do not think the stock alternator is good for any after market audio. Especially at night running those lights, etc.

If you have the money, even a small upgraded aftermarket alternator would be noticeable.

Those stockers are horrible in my opinion.

allbaugh_04

iTrader: (6)

I agree with every one else. Upgrade the wiring first, then see if you need the bigger alternator.

1SLwLS1

iTrader: (6)

I would do the Big 3 and also do the "KG3" 145 amp truck alternator. I have a BA 800W amp with a single 10" sub that killed the stock alternator. The stock alternator is crap with or without a quality stereo system, period. Don't buy the expensive aftermarket units, just get one from a junkyard or parts store (AC Delco-new) from a 2003 Silverado, hi-amp option (KG3-145 amp).

wickedwarlock

iTrader: (4)

The problem is, the stockers only put out 10/15% tops at idle of their max power.

You need an alternator that will push 50% at idle.

You don't have to buy a 200+ amp alternator.

There are 160 amp alternators that do 80 amps at idle.

The big three will help, but you will be disapointed at night I think.

Dal1as

Question. Is that a direct bolt in? I went through the whole aftermarket alternator crap and finally went back to a rebuilt stocker and it's been fine for a few years but am curious when it comes to replace it. I have done the big 3, have a yellowtop, and no dimming issues running over 1200 watts in my stereo. I have an underdrive pulley also.

1SLwLS1

iTrader: (6)

Yup, direct bolt in alternator. The only difference is you only utilize 2 of the 3 mounting bolts. The brace that mounts to the back of the alternator is removed.

mrrman

I will be doing this to my car also...

Capricio

You'll need a new belt for the larger pully on the KG3, about an inch longer than stock. I anyone knows a part number, feel free to chime in.

1SLwLS1

iTrader: (6)

Nope, same pulley...

Capricio

You might have managed to force the original belt on there... maybe the KG3 has the same pulley diameter but slightly different mounting position, but I know I needed a longer belt.

1SLwLS1

iTrader: (6)

You must be one of the few. I have followed a thread or two about swapping to the KG3 and I don't believe any of them had belt issues and the distance from the mounting points to the center of the alternator is the same, the only difference is the case size and internals. Mine wasn't forced, it fit on just as easy as any other time I have R&I the belt.

HWI

iTrader: (2)

I'm looking to replace the alternator, I did the big 3, which worked ok. When it's just my stereo on I'm good to go, but when I have my A/C running and my stereo blasting the voltage drop makes me nervous, especially when I'm in stop and go type traffic. I'm in Hawaii and I cannot find a single parts store with AC Delco alternators, they only sell brands like Ultima, which I've not heard of. So I found one here, is that 145 amp one that would work on our cars? If you know of any other sites on line please lmk the link. Also, as far as I know there is no junk yard on this island for me scrounge one up at.

KEE AUDIO

iTrader: (65)

Stock alternator is ok for a moderate system with the big three upgrade. Also using the right gauge power and ground to aftermarket amplification is also mandatory.
If your going to run bug power a better alternator is the best route. A cap is either a bandaid for a poorly performing electrical system OR a quick fix for powering a system that cannot be upgraded to a better alternator. You would still want to do the big three upgrade with a cap though.