Big Three Facts / Myths - Guidance

[hawke]

Hey All,

First off, I'd like to apologize for the newb question. I've done a million hours of research but haven't gotten my hands dirty quite yet (my cash is thin and I'm slowly getting parts in).

I have some audio components but I wanted to be sure I have a solid electrical base down first, before doing anything to the system (hence the big three upgrade). I have a 2007 Toyota Matrix TRD, everything stock.

My question is, I was told that the stock alternator (80amps) once upgraded to the big three will push out 250 - 300 amps, is this correct? If so, would my ANL fuse have to be around 250 AMPS? If it doesn't, what is the MAX output I can push everything to stock? Currently I have the following Gear:

1200 WATT RMS Mono D Block @ 2OHms

1200 WATT RMS RE Audio 12''

Sky High Audio 1/0 OFC

SMD 12V Meter

Any suggestions / thoughts?

[SIDE SHOW]

upgrade your battery to a decent drycell batt and you should be able to get away with using the standard alt..... overkill is always recommended (beefing up your electrical for future upgrades is a good idea too) do it once and do it right

[Ahmed Johnson]

No, if your alternator only pushes 80 amp that's all you will get. The big 3 will help you charge the equipment you plan on running.

[rockFord_Expedition]

The big 3 doesn't make an 80A alternator do more than 80A

If you've done a million hours of research, let alone even 1 hour, you would know this.

The big 3 helps minimize wiring bottlenecks so you get every bit possible of what your alternator makes. It helps current flow more efficiently from and to the alternator.

[rockFord_Expedition]

What model are your amps.

You aren't going to even get 1k on your OEM alt.

[rockFord_Expedition]

OP, you fuse for the wire you run, not the amp rating of your alt. never fuse higher than your wire can carry, this saves money time and possibly life.

[SnowDrifter]

An 80a alt is an 80a alt. Doesn't matter how much wire you throw at it. The big 3 however, will reduce voltage drop through your wiring allowing it to handle the demand of aftermarket accessories

[hawke]

Thanks guys, this helps a lot! Appreciate the feedback

[hawke]

I bought an XS Power D1200 for my Matrix from Sonic Electronix. Hopefully that will work. Here's my shopping list.

The amp has x2 40 fuses (4 Gauge). I got an ANL 80 as well as a 100 for the big three upgrade (alternator is at 80). Appreciate the help guys. Just to clarify, I was dumbfounded when I heard about the "250AMP upgrade" because I've never heard it before Rockford_Expedition. I actually heard it from a crutchfield rep and was really questioning it as I never heard of that before either. So I figured I'd ask the experts. Love this forum.

XS Power D1200
XS Power 586
Stinger SK4201
Xscorpion ANL2010P
Xscorpion ANL100GL
T-Spec V8-MANL60
Belva BMANL80
Kicker Kicker QW12150-1

Stinger SPT521 (Chrome)

[rockFord_Expedition]

Just remember the difference between what batteries and alternators do.

The extra batteries will help reinforce voltage at around 12.6 ish and make it harder for voltage to drop below that as you add batteries but no matter how many you add, they aren't going to help your Alt charge around 14.4.

I don't know anything about the resistance or conductivity of that stinger gauge reducer, I hope it works well for you.