Amps killing HP?
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Ashland KY
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?
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?
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 0
From: VA
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.
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.
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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!
, 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! 
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.
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.
the amp 30'ish and that butyle matting ... foegedaboutit 
Launching!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 280
Likes: 1
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.
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.
