I just got two JL 500/1 installed in my Max and as predicted I have some dimming. I'm short on cash so I can't buy a HO alternator. If I leave my O/D off will I get more power from my alternator because of the higher RPMS? I'm a bit new but more RPMS mean more power right? Would it help if I set my A/T to power also? Does anyone know where that big 3 post is from a while back? Does anybody know how many amps the stock alternator puts out?

 

try a new battery....maybe like my optima red top or a yellow top

 

IMO, a bad idea to try and compensate by running higher rpm's. Unplug the subs until you can properly give them power, or could cause various other problems...burned out alternator, burned out amp...

 

How about getting a DAMN CAPACITATOR!!!! 2 farads to be safe but 1 fard is all you'll need. That way is stores power so you won't have dimming. Optima yellow top batteries are meant for when the car is off and it's deep cycle meaning you can drain the battery dead numerous times and charge the hell out of it. Power output should be constant and if your alty was dying the car will be cutting off in the middle of the road. Capacitors cost but they're big power storages meant for power surges that the subs need for maximum output.

 

How about not overrunning the amps?

 

Start a savings account for the hearing aids you are going to need when you're my age. Too many rock concerts not near as loud as the inside of some of you guys cars.

 

i get mixed opinons on capacitors some people say it is just another strain on the battery and is useless. I do have the gain set kind of low but thats because the subs can only handle 400 rms and supposedly POLK MOMO don't handle overpowering well PS: will have pics of the setup by the end of the weekend.

 

Well, I am going to get a cap. for my ride. I have never heard of them putting a BIG strain on the battery. Hey, here is another option, why not install another battery for JUST ure sounds?

 

why not buyng a ve

 

Don't you mean "buy a ve"?

 

someone needs to work on their money management.

Follow me here, say your car's timing belt were to break tommarrow, what would you do if you dont even have enough for an altenator? Do you have an extra car or family car to get to work/school? Not to mention in 2 years you are going to regret dropping that much money on a stereo when you could have just saved it.

That said, capacitors help alot! I have my old one in a box some where, only used it once for about 20mins then I wrecked the car. PM me if your interested. I can tell you that before I would blow fuses and the lights would dim alot when I switched to the JL and had the volume at "20". Put the Cap in and no more fuses and the lights stopped dimming at the same volume level.

 

I would recommend getting an alumapro 5 fared cap on ebay. Alumapro makes some of the best caps out there and you could probably get one on ebay for about $200.

 

WHy get a 5 farad Cap. Does anyone know how much 1 farad equals. Unless his system is over 5000 watts then it'll do good but otherwise it's a waste of money. 2 farads will be good for just a system up to about 2500 watts.

 

True VG, very true

 

The big three is 0/1 gauge cable to
Battery negative to chassis
Chassis negative to alternator negative
Battery positive to alternator positive.

This has worked great for me, I'm running 1 bx 1000 at 1ohm , UsAcoutics
4085 at 2ohm and no dimming on stock alternator with a yellow top.

 

do the big three then get a capacitor.

 

I think i'm going to do the big 3 and see if i need a cap afterwards. Is it possible for me to only use 4 gauge or 2 gauge?

 

get that special cap its called a ve30de

 

I have a 2.4 farad cap and I have never gotten around to installing it

 

i'd go to a welding supply store and pick up some 1 gauge personally. but you could get away with 4 gauge. it's better than nothing at all.