New alt or more batteries?

Question

i have a 2600 watt sound system in my car and iam going to put a computer in it with a touchscreen monitor in the dash so i can watch movies and have a visualization thing while i drive. Its an 2003 honda civic sedan with a optima yellow top battery and stock 70 amp alternator. The lights dim when I turn up high so if I were to put a computer in it would defiantly draw to much power. Should I get a new higher amp alternator, or buy like 2 or 3 more optima batteries and link them together, or both?

Answer 1

u need to get a high output alternator,  not anymore batteries and ur problem will be fixed

Answer 2

depends on if the system is 2600 rms or just a max number if its just a max number you should be fine if its rms power you need a new alternator high output or atleast a new battery and dont waste your money getting 2 optima batterys you can get a kinetik battery with 3 times the power

Answer 3

Alternator upgrades will decrease the overall strain on your electrical system, and the only reason you should install more batteries is if you will be playing your system when the car is idling or in aux mode. I would go for an alternator upgrade, and stay away from installing more batteries as it can get fairly pricey, and they take up space.  One of the most non-invasive, cost-efficient, and effective ways to take care of the dimming is to do a Big 3 upgrade, which basically consists of beefing up ground connections from:

1) Battery negative to chassis

2) Alternator to battery positive

3) Chassis to engine

with 4 gauge or1/0 gauge wire

By doing this you achieve:

1) Reduced dimming and smaller voltage drops

2) More stable voltage and better current flow

3) Less strain on your vehicle's charging system

This website gives detailed instructions on how to do it. Good luck.

http://forum.sounddomain.com/ubbthreads....