the electrical problems arent really big- i just get VERY heavy dimming even though my voltage is doing well. and ive never really been able to figure out why. any ideas or anyone with similar problems?

equipment running:

total wattsunder 2,000 RMS
270 high output amp
kinetik 2400 (1 battery for the entire car)

 

how big is you power cables?? did you upgrade the grounds?? at 2000 rms you would need another battery. 2000 peak you wouldnt need to..

 

Install a Capacitor?

I've got one running my two amps, even though I might not have needed it. Looks cool too.

 

what kind of amp you running

 

You should use at least 4 gauge wires for power and ground. Also, if it only happens when u blast it high, your amp is sucking the juice. You need a capacitor

 

What's your voltage dropping to? Iirc you've upgraded the wires under the hood so that shouldn't be the issue. I'm running more power than you with stock electrical, I've got hids so the headlights don't dim but I'll get some minor dimming of dash lights once in a while. When I've checked it my voltage drops to the 13 range under heavy load.

 

capacitor just puts more stress on your alternator, put it away and just stick to your big 3 wire upgrade. Make sure its 0 gauge

 

Just 0 wire cables only didnt work for me.

 

A capacitor can help stop the symptom, but is just adding more load to the in-car electrical system. A second battery just for the stereo charging through an isolator is the best way to do it. As the isolator removes the draw from the cars battery and electrical system, and gives an aux battery that is just for the amps. Amp no longer will kill your start battery when playing the stereo with the engine off, and no more issues with the amps stealing power from other components in the car..

 

yup a 1 farad cap can only support about 400 watts. so you would need about 5 caps.. they are just tiny batteries.. i would run another battery..

 

you can run a second battery with out the isolator...as long as it the same battery.. i had 4 optima batteries for 8 years in my civic when i did sound compitions with the stock alternator.. I have 5 svr batteries in my GS for 4 years with the stock alternator..battery isolaters are used when you have different size or brands of batteries..

 

THANK YOU! Capacitors only put a bandaid on an open wound! and cause more problems.

The CHEAPEST thing to do is to add second battery with isolator as mentioned, but that too only hides the symptoms. Yea the dimming will go away, but with all the probably cheap power from the amp, the rear battery is just gonna stay empty and system will still run off the alternator and destroy it. The PROPER t hing to do is get a larger alternator.

As already asked, what amp are you using? I ran just under 3000 watts of REAL power (JL Audio) and 2 compressors for air ride (equivalent to another 800watt amp) and NEVER had a dimming problem. But because of the design of a GOOD amp can practically power itself, it did no harm to the stock electrical system. I did a write up on "The Big Three" look for it, thats where you need to start, its costly, but helps a lot.

 

Absolutely, you can most defiantly run multiple batteries without an isolator no problem, like you mention they should be of same specs and preferably the same age. Competitions are one thing with 5 batteries, I would recommend an isolator for a daily/street type car because they are cheap and will eliminate the possiblity of playing the stereo from killing the start battery and you can mix and match batteries at any time..

Either way an additional battery can greatly improve stereo performance, the op has an uprated alternator already, but otherwise other people should keep in mind adding either a battery or capacitor it's all still more load for the car to charge so alternator performance is always still important.

 

^^ Good info

 

Man just noticed it was you Rob! Are you asking yet AGAIN?! Isnt this like your 4th thread on this