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Amps killing HP?

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Old 02-17-2009, 09:56 PM
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Default Amps killing HP?

I have 2 alpine type R's powered by a 600W Amp and 4 alpine type R doorspeakers powered by a 100W 4 Channel Amp...i sounds really good dont get me wrong but people keep telling me im losing HP because of all the added weight and the extra pull on the alternator. What do you think?
Old 02-17-2009, 10:00 PM
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Old 02-17-2009, 10:07 PM
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yeah u might loose .01 in the 1/4 mile if ur running the system full tilt and its loading the alternator

it is added weight though one way or another, but never bothered me
Old 02-17-2009, 10:10 PM
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when ur at the track or racing, turn the system off, that fixes any alternator draw, but yes it is added weight
Old 02-17-2009, 10:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Bad Lt1 Camaro
I have 2 alpine type R's powered by a 600W Amp and 4 alpine type R doorspeakers powered by a 100W 4 Channel Amp...i sounds really good dont get me wrong but people keep telling me im losing HP because of all the added weight and the extra pull on the alternator. What do you think?
I wouldn't worry about it. You are obviously adding weight (do you really need someone confirming that you added weight) but I have yet to see anybody every complain about losing power due to a sound system, and you have a modest system. I could see if someone was running the stock alternator and a 2000W+ system and it was loading down the alternator so much it was only putting out 8V, affecting the ignition, injectors, etc. If your voltage stays constant at cruising speed then your alternator is doing its job. You have a 350HP car, I doubt you will miss a HP or two.
Old 02-18-2009, 10:15 AM
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1. horsepower has nothing to do with weight. If they worded it that way you already know those people are full of ****.

2. If you really are concerned, turn off the radio when racing or getting on it. BUT I seriously doubt it. The alternator supplies a certain power from a pulley. Getting an underdrive pulley gives it less power and adds a couple horsepower to the wheels. But since you did not mess with the pulley and how the alternator gets power, it shouldnt be taking up any more horses from the engine, i think.
Old 02-18-2009, 12:00 PM
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Just do this go to the track make two passes

1 with the radio fully off and 1 with the stereo on full blast. Bam there you go proof on paper.
Old 02-18-2009, 12:04 PM
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horespower to weight ratio is real.
Old 02-18-2009, 01:42 PM
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^ dont know if thats to me but i wasnt talking about ratio which obviously is a big factor (Lotus). I have been told though that losing weight gains fwhp by a guy with a civic.
Old 02-18-2009, 01:55 PM
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wasnt at anyone , just saw a few things in the thread. Adding weight to the car will slow it down... was for the OP.
I did sound deadening and added a big amp and sub and had to get a bigger engine

The guy in the civic needs to lose weight to go faster..., nothing like a big lunch to slow one of them down..LMAO!
Old 02-18-2009, 01:59 PM
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^ haha true. with lower torque cars you can feel/see a big difference with just a passenger. this car i can have 3 and it still feels fast and can outrun most things on the road.
Old 02-18-2009, 05:22 PM
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yeah u used to have a 97 jeep wrangler with the 2.5 in it and with 3 ppl in the back and a passenger u could feel the difference
Old 02-19-2009, 01:19 PM
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Audio equipment doesn't weigh that much.
Old 02-19-2009, 02:06 PM
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Originally Posted by dragonrage
Audio equipment doesn't weigh that much.
LOL, your seriously confused son. Besides a cage a full audio system is the next heaviest interior mod you can do.

Now the amount of weight added will depend on the level of system. I only added maybe 50lbs overall dumdumdumdumdum entire system but I used a small stealth box with single 10" sub. Adding 100+ extra pounds to the car is very easy once you get into 12"+ subs & multiple subs. The box sizes increase along with weight.

To th OP you should only worry if your lights dim & you can see the alternator drain while the car is sitting still running. But in general your not losing any HP just because you added a sound system. The only thing a system will do is add weight to your car which can effect your 1/4 mile time but I'd bet a paycheck if you make 2 dyno passes on with radio & one with it off you will not see a decrease. and honestly it shouldn't be taxing the alternator enough to dim your lights either if it's all installed properly.
Old 02-19-2009, 02:17 PM
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the driver on my 10" sub is 37#'s alone the amp 30'ish and that butyle matting ... foegedaboutit my car is 4050 with me in it 1/3 tank of gas
Old 02-19-2009, 03:07 PM
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Originally Posted by 99blancoSS
the driver on my 10" sub is 37#'s alone the amp 30'ish and that butyle matting ... foegedaboutit my car is 4050 with me in it 1/3 tank of gas
damn!!! You have a 30lb amp?
Old 02-19-2009, 03:35 PM
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Its a heavy one, its as long as the t-top well and almost as wide.
Old 02-19-2009, 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted by 99blancoSS
Its a heavy one, its as long as the t-top well and almost as wide.
Nice! Once you start modifying your stereo system you stop caring too much about how much weight you are adding because the great sound outweighs the extra pounds.
Old 02-19-2009, 07:29 PM
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Originally Posted by BIG_MIKE2005
LOL, your seriously confused son. Besides a cage a full audio system is the next heaviest interior mod you can do.

Now the amount of weight added will depend on the level of system. I only added maybe 50lbs overall dumdumdumdumdum entire system but I used a small stealth box with single 10" sub. Adding 100+ extra pounds to the car is very easy once you get into 12"+ subs & multiple subs. The box sizes increase along with weight.

To th OP you should only worry if your lights dim & you can see the alternator drain while the car is sitting still running. But in general your not losing any HP just because you added a sound system. The only thing a system will do is add weight to your car which can effect your 1/4 mile time but I'd bet a paycheck if you make 2 dyno passes on with radio & one with it off you will not see a decrease. and honestly it shouldn't be taxing the alternator enough to dim your lights either if it's all installed properly.
That's funny that you said you only gained about 50 pounds with your system when my box alone weighs 50 pounds....with the Alpine amp and Type R's I have in the back it probally weighs close to 100 pounds.
Old 02-19-2009, 07:39 PM
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Since most amps and subs are placed over the rear wheels? Shouldn't that help some?



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