System Build help-last few questions I promise!

[BboyTaktix]

alright I've almost got everything organized for my build. Last few questions;

Again, I have 2 amps to install, one mono 1550w RMS clarion, pushing (2) 12'', and one 4-channel 150Wx4RMS(600w total) pushing my 4 speakers.

First question: I would like to add a second battery. My factory battery is already located in the trunk (thank God!) most of you suggested I run a second battery in parallel with the factory battery (positive to positive, negative to negative terminals) can I get away with using 2 gauge wire between batteries, and then from the second battery to the distribution block? Or will I have to order some 0-gauge online? (nobody local seems to have 0 gauge in stock) I am splitting to two 4-gauge wires from the distribution block to the amps.

This leads to my second question; How big should my second battery be? I saw both shuriken and kinetix 850A batteries for good prices on eBay, I assume that would be plenty for my application? these were the smallest I saw, and I'm not super familiar with aftermarket car audio batteries.

Thanks again guys, this should be the last of the info I need to get my build going. thanks for all the help so far!

[C-Fizzy]

you are fine with running 2 guage to the second battery, but you have no need for a distro. block, just run two 4 guage wires off the battery.

and as for your small battery question, just go for a kinetik hc800 or maybe even 1400

[sully]

If 0 awg wire is not available locally you can use a couple runs of 4 awg wire instead. You will not be going more than a couple feet if everything is already in the trunk so it will be fine. You should look into upgrading the charge (and ground) wire from your alternator to the rear mounted batteries, this will be the weak link of the power in your vehicle. Go on Kinetiks web site and use the calculator to decide what battery you need, it is a good place to start. If you don't want to do that I would say a stock size replacement Kinetik battery plus an HC1800 will cover your audio system. Look at what size fuses are in both amps combined and judge from there what your max power requirements will be. Make sure you match your ground wires to the upgraded power wires also, I have seen too many people slap a 0 awg wire on the power side and keep a 4 awg wire on the ground or only upgrade the charge wire off the alternator and never upgrade the ground side. This is a waste of money since you are restricting current flow on the ground.

Edit: It is not a good idea to mis match battery types. AGM Batteries charging characteristics are different from standard wet cell batteries and your batteries will not be charging to peak performance.

[BboyTaktix]

you are fine with running 2 guage to the second battery, but you have no need for a distro. block, just run two 4 guage wires off the battery.

and as for your small battery question, just go for a kinetic hc800 or maybe even 1400

would a hc600 be sufficient? also, I already ordered the distribution block so i'll use it. I'm using two 130A fuses on it, that's alright? Also, how many fuses do I need between the two batteries' power cable for 2 gauge, 1 foot of wire? and fuse rating for the 2 gauge of this length? thanks.

[C-Fizzy]

ehhh i would go for the 800.

and just save the distro block, you dont need it and it'll give you more resistance anyway.

about fusing between batts, i think if you are that close, you should be fine without one. someone correct me if i am wrong.

[BboyTaktix]

ehhh i would go for the 800.

and just save the distro block, you dont need it and it'll give you more resistance anyway.

about fusing between batts, i think if you are that close, you should be fine without one. someone correct me if i am wrong.

Yeah, after doing research it doesn't say anywhere that I need to fuse wires between two batteries that are side by side. Think I'll look into a kinetik 800 battery, but is it alright if I keep my factory battery and just add the 800 right beside it? Will this put too much strain on my alternator? I don't wanna spend tons more money either. Keep in mind that the car is only 9 months old, so the battery is almost new. (Chevrolet cobalt, think the stock alternator is either 110 or 120A output) thanks!