Mixed signals

[VistaV6]

So guys, I am getting some...mixed signals about alternators. On one hand, I know tons of people who run 1k watts or so off their stock alts (I did) and there are a lot of people saying that alternators can't handle that much power...I am putting in a new system and I am really just curious how much I can run off my stock alt.

I have been informed that my stock alt is 135 amps (thanks Rob). But if anyone could help me by just giving me some estimations...Right now I am thinking about running an Audioque 1200.1 off my stock alt, stock battery, and 1 run of 4 guage. I might possibly add a kinetik battery up in the front and 0 guage....but not for now.

Do you guys think my car could handle that much power while driving?

Any input is always appreciated.

Thanks

[sully]

People have done it but you could damage your equipment not to mention you will not get the most out of your equipment without proper power.

Personally I wouldn't do it but to each his own.

[mr.p]

i ran a crunch gp3000d-pro off of my factory 130 amp alternator and one yellow top, big 3 and 1/0. i had low voltage drops into high 11's. If your really conservative with your gains and volume you can do it.

just buy an alt. then you can run a single battery and be good to go for upgrades.

[CR Boom]

This is my opion,

Get as much alt as your amp draw, If you are pulling 100amps, add 100 to your 135 and you will never have a problem..

If you don't you will be pulling from your Batt, and then trying to recharge it when the bass is not hitting.

With that being said, you are only pulling a 100 amps, you should be fine with your stock, but there is always a chance...

Think about it this way you are going down the road jamming, a car pulls in front of you, you push in the clutch hit the brakes, engine goes to idle and,,,,, poof there goes your amp...

what is cheaper a new amp or a Alt?

[VistaV6]

I see what the point is, it stresses your battery and alternator....but in my case, I normally don't like to bump everywhere I go, I listen to rock all the time. I normally keep the subs on a low level just so I can run my high pass and not have my doors rattling to pieces sounding bad but still have that nice bass kick.

But you know it is always fun to bump some rap with crazy bass.

In response to the thing about the amp, the amp I am using would only cost 1/2 as much as a new alt, so it would be cheaper to mess up my amp....although not sure how exactly I would mess up my amp from it not getting current?

[Guest DC Power Rob]

Just some food for thought.. Although you could probably get away with it on your stock alternator with the big 3, and a good battery, either Kinetik, Odyssey, or XS and go from there... You may still have voltage drops, and that is what are the killers for amplifiers, but they will be better.. If you can keep the drops to a minimum running 1Kw, then run your stock alternator and put the rest of money into your system and enjoy.. In your case, you actually have an alternator that's capable of running 1K watts without stressing it too hard..

If your still having big drops after that, then upgrade the alternator.. I'd love to sell you an alternator, but if your on the fence power wise and dont *have* to get one, put the money into your system!! Rob

[VistaV6]

Rob your the man, eventually, if I come into some money, its all yours .

[1992Chevy K1500]

Your stock alt outputs 1600+ watts at 2000 rpm. But your amp wont see that much power. Your car draws most of that for use in the electrical system (windows, HU, charging, lights, etc).

[Guest DC Power Rob]

Rob your the man, eventually, if I come into some money, its all yours .

That is much appreciated, thank you!! Seriously though, if your amp is only pulling 50-60 amps, (which a lot of 1Kw amps do) you probably wont get too serious of a drop and be fine with a stock alternator. If you need more power down the road, I'll be more than happy to help. Rob