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New member Username: ChrisilverPost Number: 7 Registered: Jul-08 | How many amps does an alternator need to put out to run a 1200 watt amp for every day use? I know there are formulas to find this based on efficiency and volts ect..But I want some input from someone with actual experience. I have a 2005 Civic with stock electrics, and am planning on putting in a 1200W amp, and maybe a another smaller (400W) amp in the future. Realistically, what kind of amperage am I looking for? |
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Gold Member Username: N2audioLawrence, Ks USA Post Number: 1656 Registered: Mar-04 | Are you talking a "real" 1200w rms?? (Not Sony or Power Acoustik) 1200-1600w is doable on some stock charging systems. Depends on the size of the alt and your listening habits. My old car had a fairly demanding stock electronics package with a 110A alt and had no problem at all with 1100w. I wouldn't have hesitated to run 1500 or so. My newer car with a smaller electrical system has a 130A alt and strangely shows noticably more dimming than the old car. The point is (assuming you're running 1200 rms) I'd go ahead and install it. It may run w/o much trouble, but look into your HO alt options. You might discover you need to go that route. Something in the 150A range should be more than enough. Just google "high output alternator". That should get you most of the common sources. |
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New member Username: ChrisilverPost Number: 8 Registered: Jul-08 | The Stock alternator is only 60 amps I believe, maybe 70. The lights dim a bit of I turn the ac at idle, its pathetic haha. 140-160 amp range ho alt was what I was thinking, I just wanted some confirmation. Thanks, any more input will be appreciated |
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Bronze Member Username: WickedbassNashville, Tn Post Number: 57 Registered: Jan-08 | I agree with what Optidriven said. I would go with a nice H/O alt like this one, for example. http://storesense1.mysuperpageshosting.com/HS13162/Detail.bok?no=735 And a good battery like one of these: http://www.kinetikaudio.com/hc1400.asp http://www.powermastermotorsports.com/mobile_audio.html http://www.odysseybatteries.com/batteries.htm Also don't forget the Big Three upgrade, a must. Hope this helps man, good luck. |
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New member Username: ChrisilverPost Number: 9 Registered: Jul-08 | Is the benefit of a high power battery only for playing music while the car is off? I just got a brand new stock battery about 3 months ago, but if it's necessary I can upgrade. |
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New member Username: ChrisilverPost Number: 10 Registered: Jul-08 | Nothing is purchased yet but if it matters, the amp I am planning on is a sundown 1200 sae, and the sub an Fi Q 12 |
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Gold Member Username: Nd4spd18Philadelphia, PA Post Number: 8865 Registered: Jul-06 | If you gen an HO alternator get a 200+ amps and make it worth it. |