Weak Charging System (new question)

[Dylank811]

Hey guys, I'm not really running a very high wattage system (Less than 1000w) but my car seems to have a hard time keeping up with it. The most noticeable thing is my RPMs always dipping down so low my car idles super rough. My alternator and battery are both very new, but not high output. Just a Duralast and standard alternator replacement. Is it normal that a pretty weak system would put an overwhelming load on my car, or does this indicate a problem in my electricals?

System is Focal Solid 600w amp and Sony Xplod "480w" amp (yeah right). The Sony is on my mids/highs.

Edited July 21, 2011 by Dylank811

[RooTxBeeR]

One thing I can suggest that will always help is the big 3 upgrade. I don't know to much about eletrcical otherwise so hopefully someone else can help you out.

[brennan88]

im running 1200 rms stock alt, duralast gold under the hood, and a red in the back. but my car already idles 600-700 rpm. when i upgraded to just the dg under the hood and big 3, before the second battery, i noticed a huge difference. voltage stayed better, and way more esponsive at recharging. id try to do a big 3 upgrade, see how that helps, then a bigger battery under the hood if need be. as far as your rpm dipping, if it does that with you car in park and stereo down all the way then i dont believe that has anything to do with your system.

[Dan2427]

What kinda car/truck? I have a low charging system too tho, 12.8 volts! Haha the alternator took a shit on mine tho. But do the big three, somethin don't seem right because I doubt that those are RMS watts you gave us. Check for loose ground wires too

[Dylank811]

Thanks for the help, I've heard alot about the big three but it honestly never crossed my mind. Haha bonehead. And no, it doesn't do it until big bass hits and I don't actually have park because it's a 5 speed haha. If you have the time, check out my last video. Those subs are gone now, but even that setup was dropping it to about 500 RPM. I'm about to throw considerably more power in the trunk though. It would be awesome if it killed my car! But yeah I'll look into the big 3 upgrade.

[Dylank811]

That video is in my build log btw.

And the RMS on my system in the video is 470w x 1 @ 2 ohms on my subs, and 160w x 2 @ 2 ohms. The last one is estimated because all I know is the Sony's RMS is 80 x 2 @ 4 ohms, but I'm running two speakers per channel.

It's a Nissan 200sx

Edited July 15, 2011 by Dylank811

[RooTxBeeR]

Yeah if your going to put more power in, make sure you can if your having problems like this with lower power, also by any chance you know what Amperage your new alternator are at?

[zx10intn]

an easy start is the big 3, helps everything flow a little better and thats always good. beyond that, start with upgrading as money becomes available to a better battery up front, maybe even a larger group size if it will fit. not sure about your particular vehicle, but also changing the idle speed up 2-300rpms may make a noticeable impact on how many amps your stock alt puts out at idle

[Dylank811]

No, I don't know what it is. But it's from Advance Auto, so I'm sure it's nothing special haha.

[Dylank811]

an easy start is the big 3, helps everything flow a little better and thats always good. beyond that, start with upgrading as money becomes available to a better battery up front, maybe even a larger group size if it will fit. not sure about your particular vehicle, but also changing the idle speed up 2-300rpms may make a noticeable impact on how many amps your stock alt puts out at idle

Okay I'll look into changing the idle speed. Do you know of high output alternators that don't cost $550 a piece like Mechmans?