Battery/Alt. Question

Okay, I just got a 1997 Honda Civic. I plan on putting alot of Car audio gear in it. I need some opinions. I don't want my system to rely on quick fixes like Caps. I don't know the volts on my Current Alt.,but I was needing to know if later on down the road when I needed more power for my stereo equipment. Should I get a bigger Alt. or just use two batteries one for the car and the other for the stereo and get an isolator... which is better? bigger alternator or two batteries with isolator?

The OEM alt on a car is designed to charge a certain size battery (stock battery).  If you add a second battery, you will be drawing twice the power from the alt to charge both batteries hence destroying your alt quicker than usual.  You have to get a larger alt that is capable of charging (and supplying) more power (amperage) than you are using.5.25" Components & 5x7 Coax Kappas w/Power Acoustik OV4-800

KAC 7252 powering 2 D3 8" Diamonds

KDC-MP728, KGC-4042A

if the car is going to be used strictly for the system i would reccomend getting a second alt. and battery on that alt. just for the system.Quad L Handyman services

Yeah I definetly have to agree with jugga-nemo. You gotta keep im ming that the battery in that Honda Civic is really small compared the to average car and therefore that alternator is only equiped to charge that  small battery. Two batteries would give that alternator a Heart Attack!!! Go with the High amperage alternator!!! They most definetly make them for civic's

Should I get a high output alt. and a 2nd battery? or just stick with the high output alt. and 1 aftermarket battery? I just want to deal with power once and do it right. You know what I mean?

That depends on the size of the system that you are installing and if you play it a lot with the engine off.  A decent set-up would be a high power alt, aftermarket battery, and a cap large enough for the whole system.  If you don't want a cap, then get a second battery.5.25" Components & 5x7 Coax Kappas w/Power Acoustik OV4-800

KAC 7252 powering 2 D3 8" Diamonds

KDC-MP728, KGC-4042A

If interested in a high amp alternator, just let me know the  model and engine size and I can let you know what we can do...For that particular year, the factory alternator comes in a 70 amp version and we can build a 150 amp direct fit unit for that car...If interested, just shoot me an email over to nickm@iwmaudio.com and we can go from there...

        Just remember, If you get a higher alt. and a second battery you should also get a isolator.