alright, well I was thinkin of buying the powerbass ASA2000.1D amp which will probably put out around 1600 watts. If your 100 to 1000 is right, should I probably look for an alt that is 180a?
it does depend the amp, but I woulnt go over 1000 if its stock elec. (meaning stock batt and no big 3) I was pullin about 850 and my voltage would hit as low as 11.4 at idle but that was with 2 different amp.
Alts are not over built. Many will say mine has lasted this or that with my 1000w amp. None are correct in saying their electrical system was sufficient in handling the load.....it was just a matter of time.
also...realize alternators are not permenant so upgrading to a HO alt could also be "preventative maintenance" not to mention give u more juice for your amp(s). 1998 american car...the time WILL come.
you'd hate to put 1200wrms on and then the alternator dies and you upgrade to a HO alt (say 200 amperes) and be stuck with teh amp/sub you bought when you could've just spent more, upgraded your alt, and then sent more watts to your system.
i got a 104 amp alt to on a 88 silverado,u run a 1000 watts and its gonna kill that alt,i killed mine with a rough estimate of 650-700 mtx watts,get somethang very effiecent,it lasted several months but it was going down to 11 volts
"Many will say mine has lasted this or that with my 1000w amp. None are correct in saying their electrical system was sufficient in handling the load."
It is perfectly valid to make a comparison especially with similar size systems/alts.
The conclusion is that they vary. Alt failure is ALWAYS a matter of time -- high power audio or not. I'm sure you've known people running 1500w with thier 60A civic alts and no signs of struggle (tfox at SD comes to mind - 1900w with a 95A Saturn alt - for YEARS), just as those running 140A alts with 1000w and all kinds of problems.
My initial thought in this case is to consider an alt replacement, but at the same time - I don't see a problem with getting the gear installed and seeing where things stand. An amp like that is going to draw 50A at full tilt. If 20-30A is your typical listening volume your alt "COULD" last a LOOOONG time.
yeah look at it like this why would u get a high power amp and stick with a stock alternater when u cant get full power out of it cuz voltage drops and the thought better not crank the volume unless i wanna get another alt,its a waiste of money
