Alternator upgrade?
 

ok dumb question..

Problem:
I currenlty have a 80 Amp alternator and ive got a 1000 watt amp and a 12" 1200 watt sub at the bassline my lights dim.

Solution ?
Im just checkin with you all to see if i can do the 140Amp upgrade?

Or does it have to be the 80 Amp all the time?

kinda get it?

get a cap ;)

Adding a cap (capaciter) should solve the problem¿

The cap charges up in between large beats and the sub uses that power when it comes to a hard point in the song instead of drawing that power from the lights or other electrical sources.

An alternator upgrade would have some pro's and con's

Pro: More amperage for your stereo system. You don't run the risk of draining your battery during heavy stereo usage and short trips.

Cons: Extra weight, cost of buying a new alternator.

I think the cap would be cheaper than buying a new althernator, but I could be wrong.

EDIT: rooz beat me to the punch line :D

HUmn ,,,... cap .. new alternator well ... ive got the money but if the alternator can be purchased i know a guy that selles remanufactured Bosch for about 150 shipped. Also i dont think it has ever been replaced since 1993 (currently 117k miles)... could be showing its age.

thanks guys for the speedy response

Go for the upgraded alternator. Let's just say that Harry (Komodo)'s cap either was not functioning correctly, or not functioning at all. We ended up installing a new alternator and battery after the fiasco. Recently during the short winter period, the brushes of my alternator finally broke off and waved a white flag at me, so I replaced it with the 140A Bosch (did have a 80A Valeo), even though I don't have a single amp/sub in my car and probably never will. It's worth replacing now IMO.

^^^I agree. A cap is great, but if your alt is bad, it's bad- no 2 ways about it. The cap will still tax the alt/batt; it's a great addition, but you gotta make sure your charging system is good to go.

Why don't you test it with a voltmeter before just throwing money at it? Run the car, turn on lights, AC, amp and any other accessories to apply a load to the system. Then take a voltmeter to the battery (while running) you should have between 12.1 -> 14.1 volts (that's typical operating range). If below, I'ld be doing the alternator (considering mileage) The cap is a good all around idea for any kind of amp setups just to garauntee a consistent flow.