Too many watts needs more alternator?

Question

if i run more than a thousand watts would i need to upgrade my stock alternator.Does upgrading the alternator give an advantage in the sense of not draining the batteries. I plan to power two fifteen's with over a thousand watts so should i upgrade my alternator?

Answer 1

DO NOT GET A POWER CAPACITOR LIKE THAT GUY ABOVE ME SAID (he is a retarded noob)!! they are a waste of money and unnecessary. just get a High Output alternator and upgrade your "Big 3"

I recommend Nathan Peddicord for a HO alt.

[e-mail]

he will build a 100% new HO alternator that will bolt to where your current alternator is with no modifications. E-Mail him and include the following.

Name:

E-mail address:

Year:

Make:

Model:

Engine size:

Answer 2

don't do a cap....if your electrical system is already struggling, why add another electrical component?!?!

always upgrade your electrical in this order:

1.) the big 3

2.) a good battery (optima or kenetik)

3.) HO alternator (if needed)

4.) add more batteries (if needed)

Answer 3

it depends on the car

if its 1000watts peak/max more than likely you don't have to but if its RMS (continuous) you may have too

if you have a large suv (V8) you probably wont have to but if its a smaller car (I4), yes

a easy way to tell is to play something with low bass notes and have the volume up, you also want to turn on your lights, rear window defrost and/or AC and if the lights dim noticeably then you will need to upgrade your alternator

Answer 4

I think you're nuts to want such power. However, these "Watts" are not a continuous thing, sometimes ratings are "peak", sometimes "RMS". "RMS" is AVERAGE Watts. "Bigger "watts.

The biggest limitation to automotive systems is having to use 12 Volts. Often these days, DC- DC converters are used to up the voltage. Would you need to change the alternator? Unlikely, I feel.

Answer 5

ya like everyone else is saying caps just if it a thousand rms you might need a new altinator if you lights start to dim but you could be all set.

Answer 6

no just get a cap and you will be fine 1000w is not much