Hey guys, I'm running 2 MTX 5500 subs on a Lanzar 800 watt amp (200 rms x 2) amp & 4 Sony components on a 600 watt (55 rms x 4 )amp.

I'm planning my big 3 upgrade. I'll be getting a 130 amp H/O alternator in the summer. I already have my 4 gauge wire and a 150 amp inline fuse.

My battery is a redtop duralast. I know every one will say upgrade to optima or kinitek but I'm on a budget.

Can I get by with my current battery right now or whenever even though I'm not gonna be running no huge system and will have the H/O alternator?

 

Have you noticed dimming? I highly doubt that lanzar actually puts out anywhere near 400wrms (2x20amp fuses means 40amps total power, 40*12 = 480w maximum, and that's at the "800w @ 2ohms".) I'd guestimate the total power of that amp at maybe 150wrms, meaning ~75wrms per channel. If your other amp is in a similar vein as I suspect it may be, total power draw of your system is likely to be under 60 or 70 amps at volume levels that don't distort to an absurd amount.

My bet is you'd be fine running your current setup on the stock charging system, at least for a while. If you notice your battery getting weak or the lights dimming, it's time to do the big 3 and look into a better alternator. By the way: make sure you do the big 3 with 0 or 1 gauge.

 

Joeshmo. There is dimming. And I'm not getting a cap. I just read up on the actual rms and it says 125x2 for the lanzar. I'll be upgrading to a 1000 watt amp though.

I've also read 4 gauge is sufficient for a 130 amp alternator. I know all the gismo stuff about bigger is better. But I don't think 4 guage will hurt.

 

where did you get your H/O alternator?
link?
thanks

 

4 gauge is sufficient for the run to the trunk, but you need 0 or 1 gauge for the big 3. You don't really need all that much of it. Better to do it once and have room for larger systems in the future.

 

You can get a 165 amp for $137 from more_amps on ebay. Steavemeadedesigns buys from him.

 

I'm not gonna be running no bigger system. I've read many post that 4 gauge is ok for up to 150 amps and I'm getting less than that.

The original question is do I need a better battery for the big 3 or will the H/O be enough?

 

The big 3 will help on it's own.

 

what is the stock amp output on the 91 civic's?

 

I'd guess 60-65 amps. I don't think any car is made with lower than that.

 

is there any way to test amperage at home

 

Maybe you can but I wouldn't unless I reasearched. but you can bring it to autozone.

 

It's always best to build any system (not just sound system, but anything, period.) on top of a good foundation. There cost difference between 4awg and the bigger cables isn't that much compared to the total cost of your sound system, and practically nothing compared to the cost of your car. It's always enticing to spend your money on the "money parts" and skimp on the things that "don't do anything", but in my experience doing that tends to disappoint in the long run.

There's some math you can do to determine your vehicles power output relative to your sound systems power demands. Check out this video for an example: