Do I need "The Big Three" and how much?

Question

I have a '95 accord right now. I have a alpine headunit, infinity reference series all around. I also have a 200 W amp and 200 W sub (Rockford fosgate punch). I was looking into getting a 500-1000 W amp for two 12" subs (all being Rockford Fosgate as well). Is "The Big Three" necessary or not? I also was possibly going to get another smaller amp to power at least my rear speakers if not the front speakers as well. Should a new bigger battery and The Big Three be enough for that? And how bigger of a battery can I get before it would be too much for a new alternator because I do not want to get a new alternator. Thanks.

Answer 1

always do the big 3....its cheap and can only help.

Answer 2

Your big three will not need to be updated.  Perhaps just an HO alt.  I have 1500wrms amp and sub with Type R 6.5s all around.  My lights don't dim with just the HO alt and 4awg wiring.

Answer 3

It is hard to say for sure.  Some cars have large enough wire already so they do not need the big 3 done until much more power is added.  However some cars need it as soon as you add anything to the stock system.  Since you have a 95' accord I would think that you may need to with anything around 700w or over.  

You can try putting in your system and see how it is.  If you are not having any problems with your voltage or with your headlights dimming then you may be fine.  

The big 3 is never a bad thing to do.  So it is usually better to do it and know you will be fine then not do it and wonder.  It will only cost you as much as the wire you use and the connections you need to put it in.  

The links below should help you more.  The first one gives more details on the big 3 upgrade.  The second has kits for doing the big 3 upgrade.  You don't need a kit because all you really need is some wire and connections, but it may be nice to have.

http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/foru...

http://www.edesignaudio.com/index.php?cP...

A deep cycle battery will be what you want to look for.  Deep cycle batteries will be able to be fully drained without damaging it like regular car batteries.

If you upgrade to anything around 1000w or over you will need to think about upgrading your alternator.  Your car is not too big so it will not have a large alternator in it stock.  Upgrading it is going to be the only option you will have.  If you don't your alternator will likely fail anyways.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 4

you do not need the big 3. they say anything above 1000 watts you will need to, though ive seen 1600 watts pushed from an older accord with a stock electrical system. i wouldn't plan on seeing 2 12's at 1000 cause any major damage to your car, just keep an eye on your battery starting voltage levels from time to time.