How much will the big three cost me?

Question

I have a sound system installed WITH a capacitor...

My lights never dim unless I have it full blast, which I NEVER REALLY do unless I'm trying to show my friends how loud it can get...

I don't know if I should get the big three done since I do not have money to be investing unless it's necessary....

THING IS....

My older car had a system in it as well, lights never dimmed, but now that's it's been sitting in my driveway, I tried turning it on the other day, and I believe the alternator is dead....

I have a 2001 Chevy Tahoe now and I don't want my alternator to die on me....

Can it happen even if my lights aren't dimming?

What can I do to know if I really need it or not?

Answer 1

I say invest in the Big 3 especially if you're pretty serious about your car audio. Capacitors only add stress to your car's alternator. So in the end they don't really help your car, they just give your sound system a little extra juice.

I've seen some kits online for around $80. But you can go out and buy everything you need on your own and it'll cost maybe about $40.

But if you want to get it professionally done it's gonna cost MUCH more. Just do it yourself:

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

And btw the capacitor in your old car is dead probably because you haven't driven the car and like you said its been sitting in the driveway. The capacitor is like the battery so you have to start the car for it to charge up.

Answer 2

as a rule with the trucks (larger vehicles) they have bigger alternators and don't usually require the big3 until you have at least 800watts RMS- If your lights don't dim then you are safe and the alternator can handle the load so you don't need the upgrade

here's a good test of your charging system

with the car started turn on your AC and/or rear defrost while the car is idling with the headlights on at night, then turn up the volume past halfway- If the lights dim (very noticeable) or the RPMs drop you will need to upgrade

Answer 3

1. Chevy Tahoes pack big alternators and need alot of current draw to steal away from the lights and such.

2.Doing the big three is easy and cheap, HOWEVER, you have to make sure you do it right. You crimps need to be UNSTOPPABLE. In that big truck you dont want one of your wires coming loose and starting an inferno in your car or frying your electronics.

3.If it does it when you "crank it" there a very good chance your amp is clipping. Example you amp puts out 800 watts at 100 amps. But when you turn it up it needs more like 160amps ore more to create those watts. If thats the case, get an external battery, not a little capacitor, a deep cycle battery. You will not be dissapointed

Answer 4

big three shouldnt cost too much if its just the wires....alota shops sell the wire just by the foot so u could call one and ask them?