Ok, so i started tearing into my 2000 monte carlo to set up my system. As of right now its nothing special because im either in the process of getting parts serviced or waiting for new shipments to come in, but im already running into problems. this is as it stands right now, my system is as follows....
head unit: Panosonic CQ-C7301U (soon to be upgraded to the CQ-HX2083U)
Subs: 2 Infinity Reference (1242w DVC 12")
Amp: (currently some old customers kole audio *aka junk*) Upon return from service i will be running a 2003 kicker 500.2 *250w rms @2ohms x 2......just perfect for my additional 2 10" 1042w's ill be glassing in :)
Cap: 1 farad stinger pro.....(somehow i went through three tsunami 1.5's that would not stay charged, had the stinger charging for 5 mins and evrything was cake!. dont know what the prob is with the tsunami product? tech couldnt even help!)
Wiring: 4gauge power and ground.
*I grounded to a seat bolt that read just under 1ohm on the meter
*Battery is grounded with 4agu
*Altenator power straight to battery is 4 agu
*cap and amp are grounded to same spot via slimline distribution block
...my problem is im really putting some serious stress on the electrical system for whatever reason and im looking for some ways of corection. The cap stays charged at about 14.2 volts but when the HU is at about level 31 the subs are slammin but i have some serious dimming and the cap drops down to the realms of 10.5-12.3
....i know i should upgrade the altenator ground and engine to chassis ground, any other sugestions shy of a new HO alt?
thnx in advance....brandon
A capacitor will never, never, ever correct for power lacking from an alternator. A cap is to sustain peak amplifier output for very short duration bursts. What's happening to your vehicle is the system is pulling more power than the Alt can deliver, which drains the battery (no matter what type or how many you have) and you get 10 volts. The caps are not "dropping down." This is impossible. Caps will always be the same as system voltage. If you have volt meters on the caps they are simply indicating the system voltage. The absolute ONLY proper solution is a HO alternator.
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Support the12volt.comIf i do swap over to a HO alt, am i going to risk damaging the factory electrical system? Also, what altenator from which cmpany would you recomend? As far as upgrading altenators i know just about nothing! Someone also recomended running two batteries in parallel....would this aid my system, along with the upgraded alt? Thanx again!
Two batteries in parallel will definately help the storage situation, but without a better alternator it would actually hurt, as it just places more load on the system when it needs charged. Yes, it is possible to damage some electrical systems with HO Alts, especially GM vehicles as some have the voltage regulators built into the alternator. If this is your case (I don't know enough about the 2000 Monte Carlo to know) you need to get the right alt designed for a GM vehicle. Contact an auto electrical repair shop or dealership service center and ask. Tell them what you want to do (upgrade the alternator) and see what they advise. Buy locally if you can, in case you need service.
There are several good HO alt. companies. I have personal good experience with Ohio Generator, Zena, Stinger and Delco. Otheres on this forum can recomend the brands they are familiar with.
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