At what point would you say that i need to buy an alternator and/or extra battery?

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stylezzz8o8

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im most likely gonna be getting a Fi BL 15" with a kicker zx1500.1 amp.

im definately doing the big three upgrade but would that be enough?
anything else you would recommend? and im not made of money so im willing to spend an extra 500$ on electrical upgrades.
 
Do the big three first, and if you battery is a few years old, I would recommend new one, and if you have the extra money get an HO alternator. The best way to tell though is put in the system, and drive at night and look at headlight dimming, or pop the hood and using a voltmeter when the car is off, see hwo much electrical pull is occurring when the system is maxed. From there upgrade as needed.
 
Yes, do the big three, it would probably be enough until this battery runs out of juice. I would get an Optima Red top battery or a Optima Yellow top.

As for the alternator, you could spend your money on an alternator as was mentioned, but your alternator won't really sweat off at 1500 watts rms. maybe if you do a big system up around 5,000 or 7,000 watts is when i would say get another alternator
 
If your total system power is 1200 watts RMS or more, you will need to:

1. 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.

2. Upgrade to a yellow top battery

3. Upgrade the alternator to a high output alternator (maybe)


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.box.net/shared/uchv4dbk88

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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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