Power Requirements/Alternator
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=23881
Printed Date: May 18, 2024 at 9:47 PM
Topic: Power Requirements/Alternator
Posted By: wayland1985
Subject: Power Requirements/Alternator
Date Posted: January 03, 2004 at 10:41 PM
I own a 1994 Ford Explorer XLT 4x4. I'm about to add a second amplifier to my current one (Currently i have a 75watt RMS x 4channel Audiobahn A4601Q and I'm adding a massive 1800watt at 1ohm mono Audiobahn class D amp). Even though an Audiobahn representative claims I'll be okay with just a 1000CCA battery and 2 farads of capacitors, I think I'll need an alternator. I'm currently on a tight budget, so a Stinger alternator probably wont be affordable (not to mention about 1/5 the value of my truck). I need reccomendations for other, slightly more affordable HO alternators ($500 range). I've heard of Ohio Generator, but cant find a website. I was wondering about something like a Ford F-350 alternator (with the plow package) or something of that nature. Will they bolt right in? If not, what direct bolt in brand do you reccomend? Is the Audiobahn Rep. correct in assuming I won't need a new alternator, only a battery with more cold cranking amps, higher capatance, and a few farads of capacitor???? I dont want to be stranded at the shopping mall if he's wrong!!! If I do need an alternator, will I be okay with a a few capacitors for a few months until I save for the alternator?????
Also, while on the subject, the amplifier is 1 ohm stable, and runs 1800 watts RMS at 1 ohm. I'm not completely positive, but it's rated at about 600watts RMS at 4 ohms. I'll be running it at 1 ohm, with 2-dual magnet woofers. Does the amp draw more power at 1 ohm than it would at 4 ohms? Or does the power draw remain the same? please help, i want to be happy with my system, not nervous and paranoid!!!! ugh, i just had to go for the biggest and the best! next time around i"ll stick with the cheap, low power stuff (visonik and dual here i come!!!) haha! ------------- ~WAYLAND
Replies:
Posted By: jakita
Date Posted: January 03, 2004 at 10:55 PM
It will draw more at 1 ohm. You probably could get by for know like the rep said. I would try a local auto electric shop to see if they have a higher output alt for your truck that will bolt right in. I bet they would.
Posted By: Durwood
Date Posted: January 04, 2004 at 7:08 AM
Low-ESR batteries and capacitors can help with short *peaks* in demand, but if your alternator can't even keep up with the *average* current requirements, then no amount of capacitance or batteries is going to help you - you need a bigger alternator. I can't tell you what will bolt right into your truck, but I can tell you that you need to be looking for at least a 200-amp replacement. In the meantime, you'll be okay as long as you don't try to use all 1800 watts from your amp. Be reasonable with how long and loud you play it, and your stock alternator might last a while. Scott Gardner
Posted By: audiocableguy
Date Posted: January 04, 2004 at 9:20 PM
Why run any amp into 1 ohm? Yes you can get the maximum wattage but... Dampning is out the window, heat becomes a concern, current draw is a major factor and sound quality suffers. If you are worried about current draw, don't run your amp for everything it's got! No matter what the brand, Physics still apply!
There are many high quality amps and speakers available at reasonable prices with better sound quality and build quality than Autobahn. Example an Orion 2100 HCCA which sold for $425.00 on ebay kicks butt on subs. Adire makes subs that kick without the high $$$ Shop around!!
wranglernw.com is an excellant source for alternators and anything for 12VDC Systems. Good Luck!
Posted By: wayland1985
Date Posted: January 04, 2004 at 9:44 PM
I can't get into wranglernw.com right now, so I'll try back later....thanks for that.
As for the Orion, I heard both good and bad about their products, but I've heard only good from Audiobahn (are you talking about the same thing? "Autobahn" vs. Audiobahn............ ) Plus I already have an Audiobahn Amp. It hasn't failed me yet, and is quite a performer.....some infinity Kappa 5x7's play loud and clear, being hooked up to my A4601Q. As for overheating, I have that basically covered. Besides the large heat sink, and dual integrated cooling fans on the amp itself, my rather large amp rack has plenty of air circulation, with a custom built---temperature actuated cooling system. Several 12 volt fans turn on when the temperature rises, some pushing air into the box, others pulling air out. Did I mention I had an SUV? It's not locked up in the back of a Cavalier trunk, that will rise to obscene temperatures in teh summer.......
As for Adire.....i've never heard of them. I checked out their website and didn't like what I saw.......... Seems like a company trying to get itself started out, and probably is very small. Although I do realize it is those companies that usually perform, I felt like going with a company not too too big, but that has themselves well settled. Audibahn has been around for several years, and is just starting to expand into retail. Their customer service is the best I've experienced so far, and they seem quite dedicated. Not to mention they have gained a reputation as having "products built like tanks" as an installer put it in the area (was and installer featured in various magazines, including Car Audio), That's why I picked 2 Audiobahn subs.
FInally, as for pricing.............I got a great deal on my products, finding an awesome deal at sounddomain.com for; the subs, and another awesome deal on the amp, buy purchasing an older model, that only lacked a few components, but has the same power ratings.
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~WAYLAND
Posted By: Paradigm
Date Posted: January 05, 2004 at 8:14 AM
Try Mean Green alternators. A local rep told me about them, so I looked them up on the net. Sound okay to me. Anyone else care to look and tell me what you think?
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VEHICLE: 2002 GMC Sonoma ZR2
Alpine CDA-7940
AudioControl EQT x2
JL Audio 1000/1
JL Audio 10W6 (originals) x3
Kicker ZR120
Kicker ZR460
Polk GXR-6 x4
Polk GXR-4 x2
Posted By: wayland1985
Date Posted: January 05, 2004 at 12:16 PM
I also heard about mean green...............but forgot all about them! Thanks!
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~WAYLAND
Posted By: teamexpress5o4
Date Posted: January 05, 2004 at 4:22 PM
good luck ------------- team express is on the way to the top!
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