Alternator upgrade?

[defkon99]

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?

[Rooz]

get a cap

[RealBmw 02]

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

[defkon99]

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

[Rob]

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.

[Dudesky]

^^^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.

[c1apton]

Originally Posted by defkon99

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

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.