Alternator size required.
Alternator size required.
So i'm going to be running ARC Audio amps (2500CXL + 4050CXL)and Rainbow speakers (KX165.02 + CS265) and ARC Subs (2x dvc4-12"). Total consumption from the amps are rated at 720watts. I've got a 1F Cap going right now. What alternator size does the 5th gen have and what size do i need to power this mess?
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Your alternator should be fine. You may want more capacitance. The ARC 2500 will draw a lot of current during musical peaks that could strain the electrical system. A new alternator would not cure momentary high current peaks. Also use at least 1/0 power cable from your battery to your fused dist block in the trunk. Total output for those amps could be as high as 1500 watts or more. Just depends on what loads you connect them with.
Originally posted by jmax
Your alternator should be fine. You may want more capacitance. The ARC 2500 will draw a lot of current during musical peaks that could strain the electrical system. A new alternator would not cure momentary high current peaks. Also use at least 1/0 power cable from your battery to your fused dist block in the trunk. Total output for those amps could be as high as 1500 watts or more. Just depends on what loads you connect them with.
Your alternator should be fine. You may want more capacitance. The ARC 2500 will draw a lot of current during musical peaks that could strain the electrical system. A new alternator would not cure momentary high current peaks. Also use at least 1/0 power cable from your battery to your fused dist block in the trunk. Total output for those amps could be as high as 1500 watts or more. Just depends on what loads you connect them with.
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Originally posted by areX
I once had to replace my battery early on and i got an el cheapo Energizer battery from Pepboys (this was before any foreseeable audio mods). Other than the obvious, how much does the battery matter? Any recommendations on batteries? I hear Optimas are nice. Any other suggs?
I once had to replace my battery early on and i got an el cheapo Energizer battery from Pepboys (this was before any foreseeable audio mods). Other than the obvious, how much does the battery matter? Any recommendations on batteries? I hear Optimas are nice. Any other suggs?
Other than that you should be fine. Just use common sense. If someone suggests something that seems off or overly expensive, question the advice. Those amps are capable of high power. But generally speaking high power is only needed for fractions of a second. That's why caps work as long as the engine is runnning and everything is wired properly. On average with music your amps will likely draw less than 20 amps total. And if you are driving down the road, your alternator has plenty of current for that load.
Originally posted by jmax
Unless you want to run the stereo with the engine off the factory or equivalent battery are more than enough. If you want to run that system at high volume with the engine off look into getting a large AC/DC converter and a connector to plug it into the battery. A battery large enough to power over 100 amps of current will fill your engine compartment, after removal of the engine. Secondly a larger than stock battery actually hampers stereo performance with the engine running. Amperage that could be going to your amps is used to keep the battery charged. The bigger the battery, the bigger the drain. Optima's have traditionally been overpriced. But that may be different now. I have a westco. But my car has never had a problem with the stock battery.
Other than that you should be fine. Just use common sense. If someone suggests something that seems off or overly expensive, question the advice. Those amps are capable of high power. But generally speaking high power is only needed for fractions of a second. That's why caps work as long as the engine is runnning and everything is wired properly. On average with music your amps will likely draw less than 20 amps total. And if you are driving down the road, your alternator has plenty of current for that load.
Unless you want to run the stereo with the engine off the factory or equivalent battery are more than enough. If you want to run that system at high volume with the engine off look into getting a large AC/DC converter and a connector to plug it into the battery. A battery large enough to power over 100 amps of current will fill your engine compartment, after removal of the engine. Secondly a larger than stock battery actually hampers stereo performance with the engine running. Amperage that could be going to your amps is used to keep the battery charged. The bigger the battery, the bigger the drain. Optima's have traditionally been overpriced. But that may be different now. I have a westco. But my car has never had a problem with the stock battery.
Other than that you should be fine. Just use common sense. If someone suggests something that seems off or overly expensive, question the advice. Those amps are capable of high power. But generally speaking high power is only needed for fractions of a second. That's why caps work as long as the engine is runnning and everything is wired properly. On average with music your amps will likely draw less than 20 amps total. And if you are driving down the road, your alternator has plenty of current for that load.
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