Electrical system question w/ stock alt

[ahl395]

Hi everyone.

Currently I am running about 2600W RMS in my vehicle. I have a fairly new "stock" 80A alternator, Big 3 Upgrade done with Knu 1/0, an XS D1200 in the back, and a wet cell up front. (I also have two 3.5F caps, but they probably don't help much anyway)

This setup works pretty well for me. While driving my voltage stays above 13.6V or so at almost all times. At idle with the volume up on a heavy bass track it can drop to 12.6V or so. Although these are far from ideal, I am pretty happy with them considering I have a stock alternator, and am impressed by the D1200.

Now my question is... I'm thinking about upping my wattage. I'd be going to about 4500W RMS (and removing the two caps from my system). Would adding another D1200 be enough to keep around my current voltage numbers?

While I know that I need a H/O alt, as thats the only real solution, I am putting this in a car i don't plan to keep for much longer and don't want to put the money for a H/O into this car. I fully plan to do so with my next car however.

Another note, I don't care a whole lot about the alternator in the car, I'll replace it if it goes as I am a mechanic. I am more concerned with dangering my equipment from excessive voltage drop.

Thanks for any help in advance

[BigManAC]

One thing you should look into is getting a battery charger for those batteries. With it dropping down to the 12's and a 80A alt I'm sure that they are not getting a full charge every time you drive. I have a D3400 up front on a 120A alt and I have to top mine off every month or so.

[Broke_Audio_Addict]

What 2500 watt amp are you running now and what 4500 do you plan on going to?

[Miguels]

if youre not planning on getting an alt for that car i suggest you wait on installing the bigger amp.. why damage a good working amp just because you dont want to put an alt on that car?

[ahl395]

One thing you should look into is getting a battery charger for those batteries. With it dropping down to the 12's and a 80A alt I'm sure that they are not getting a full charge every time you drive. I have a D3400 up front on a 120A alt and I have to top mine off every month or so.

I have been planning to get one for some time. Luckily I do drive long distances usually, so hopefully my D1200 isnt getting too drained. Voltage is always good on the battery itself, but I know that's not everything.

What 2500 watt amp are you running now and what 4500 do you plan on going to?

I'm currently running a Hifonics Mt. Olympus Hercules and two Kicker CX300.4's.

I'm going to be adding another Hercules and strapping them, and changing out the two Kickers for either a single Hifonics Jupiter or Rockford Fosgate P600X4.

if youre not planning on getting an alt for that car i suggest you wait on installing the bigger amp.. why damage a good working amp just because you dont want to put an alt on that car?

This is probably what I will do if adding another D1200 wont be sufficient enough. Which is why I'm posting here asking.

[ahl395]

Something else I looked into was the power supply type of my amp.

Turns out I have a PWM Amp, meaning it is regulated, and therefore more susceptible to damage from low voltage, if I did my research right.

Any other opinions on whether or not im risking damaging the amps with my setup?