Is a 4000 WATT AMP to strong for a GRAND AM?

Question

I BOUGHT A LANZAR 4000 WATT AMP, AND WANT TO PUT IT ON MY 04 PONTIAC GRAND AM..... IS THIS AMP 2 STRONG??? WILL IT DRAIN MY BATTERY AND DAMAGE THE ALTERNATOR.... ALSO I WANT TO PUT (2) 12" LANZAR OR LEGACY 2000 WATT SUBWOOFERS ON IT.... WHAT DO YALL THINK???

Answer 1

If your total system power is 1000 watts RMS or more,  you will need to:

1. Upgrade the alternator to a high output alternator

2. Upgrade to a heavy duty deep cycle battery

3. Upgrade the "Big 3" - that is to replace (or add to) the power wire between the battery and alternator, the ground from the battery to the chassis and the ground strap from the engine/tranny to the chassis with at least 2 AWG wire.

Failure to do this will result in the early death of the alternator  as it will eventually fail.

Here is a guide that will calculate what size alternator and power wires you need  http://www.datafilehost.com/download.php...

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A second battery is never a good idea as it's an added strain on the alternator to charge two batteries AND supply power for the car. The ONLY time a second battery is useful is if the audio system is to be used with the car off.

A capacitor is only good so far as the audio system isn't trying to pull too much from the electrical system. A cap doesn't provide more power, it's designed to 'stiffen' the voltage to the amp, nothing else. If the current isn't there, a cap won't help.

The alternator must have at least 20% more amperage power than the entire vehicle and sound system combined for a cap to be of benefit which is ironically the same requirements for an amp to be efficient.

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Answer 2

Get a large enough capacitor to support the power demands of the amp and you will be fine. Have fun listening.