ss4chad

iTrader: (19)

I will soon be running two (2) amplifiers in my truck. One 450 watt Amp will run four (4) door speakers and & 6" sub-woofer and one 500 watt mono amp will run an 8" sub-woofer.

My factory alternator in my '13 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT is 145 amp. I can get bigger alternators that range in amperage of 160-250-300-350. Should I consider something like these bigger amp alternators to adequately run my new stereo system? I will be running #4 gauge cable from the battery to a splitter (1 in 2 out) to two #8 gauge cables, one to each amp.

Your thoughts?

Chad

madmann26

iTrader: (7)

I put a fat capacitor in my truck. I put in a mdf panel on the back of the cab held in place with liquid nails.


I also increased the size of my ground cables under the hood along with a larger power wire from the alternator to the battery.

I also run 2 amps. 1 4 channel RF and 1 mono amp for the sun.

B52Bombardier1

Unfortunately, that big alternator won't produce anywhere near that amperage at idle RPM. You will need to set a much higher engine speed to produce big power. Otherwise, its coming out of your battery.

Rick

ss4chad

iTrader: (19)

So a bigger ALT is a waste of cash? Where do I find this BIG FAT CAPACITOR at, Ace Hardware?
What do you hook this thing up too? I understand the liquid nails comment, may try an Adel Clamp instead.

Chad

madmann26

iTrader: (7)

LMAO.

https://www.crutchfield.com/shopsear...capacitor.html

You size the capacitor based on wattage of the amps.

ss4chad

iTrader: (19)

Found it!!

https://www.rockvilleaudio.com/rxc2d/

You guys are awesome, I would have never thought about this!!

Chad

madmann26

iTrader: (7)

Read the directions 3x. You have to charge them a certain way and use a damn fuse, pls.

I’ve had mine in for a year now without an issue.

grocerygetter

iTrader: (2)

You are better off putting the money for this big fat cap you speak of into a really nice battery. There are alternator companies that make alternators that actually do well at idle. Power master, Iraggi, mechman...etc. doing the “big 3” plus a really nice battery would be and will be my first move though.

silentbravo

iTrader: (1)

If you buy a cheap "WOO 250A OUTPUT" *peak* alternator... then yeah those are pretty much only putting out their rated spec at mid/high RPM range IF they are even putting out their rated spec. Buy one of the $300+ custom alternators, from names as mentioned above and they will absolutely put out the high amps at idle, which is where it is most useful.

You may want to do a combination of things, of course upgrading factory wiring (Big Three), upgrade to a factory 160A and then a good battery as well, you should be good to go.

GMCtrk

iTrader: (27)

Your factory alt will be sufficient. I would suggest adding an AGM battery if you don't already have it.