Will 1000w cause trouble with lights?

[03GTCruiser]

sorry. it's an 800W amp. not 1000w.

I've heard that the electrical system can not handle too much more than the stock. not sure how true this is, but before I start my install of my 800w amp and single 10" I figured I would ask here.

I have a stock 03 GT auto and the only things Ive added are a AM/FM/CD/DVD HU and a headrest monitor (2nd one is disconnected till I figure out how to fix the power button.)

It seems my lights dim every once in a while already, so I want to make sure I prepare my electrical system for the shock before I add the amp too.

What if anything should I get/add? Stronger alt? Better Battery?(Optima Red top)

[bobdole369]

I have a Nakamichi 35Wx2, Clarion 60Wx2, and Profile 200W mono. Properly set up and not clipping or pushing the amps too hard. On bass the headlights/interior lights dim. So that is not quite 400W and it affects everything. I've done hypergrounding and the battery and alt are just fine - I'm simply exceeding the capacity of the stock alternator. Its less noticeable at speed but still there.

A bigger battery won't help - whats going on is that when the power is drawn you soak up everything the alt has to give and voltage drops from 14.4V to more like 12V.

Bigger alternator will do it for ya. I can live with it but if thats a true RMS 800W (wowza thats a nice sub, my jl 10w3v3 gets 300W tops) you are gonna kill it pretty quick.

[03GTCruiser]

Well. The sub was toast before I started (only out $30 so not feeling toobad) traded my no name amp for a Rockford he2 and alpine 450 mono amp from a friend. Pics to follow soon

[bobdole369]

Good because I wanted pics of your 800W amp, cuz I wanted mounting ideas. You'll be much happier with at least an Alpine than any swapshop stuff.

[warped]

I hope I don't have to much problems Im putting full set of boston's (sl 60 componets, sl 80 plate in the rear and a boston ss12 gtuned box) and a 600.4 diamond audio amp running a solid 75w per ch (diamond said it is rated lower it will be more like 100w) and a old school fosgate making silly power (at 2ohm 12 volts will be 500w and at 14.4 it will be 710w).
Also all stated watts are rms!!!

Maybe I should add a cap!!

[bobdole369]

Caps are very situational. If you listen to pounding solid bass or metal all the time it never charges back up and won't help at all. Better for classical or jazz (dynamic music thats generally quiet).

The ultimate fix is to increase the capacity of the alternator. The battery won't really help as the dimming comes from the voltage change (down to battery voltage) from when you exceed the capacity of the alternator and start sucking battery current.

I don't have speakers in the rear - they only exist for your rear seat passengers and only detract from the front soundstage. No point in hearing music coming from behind you or spending money on something you can't hear.

[03GTCruiser]

Here are the pics of my setup.

First Sorry for the dust

Looking in from the back


My Sub in the Hatch


My Driver and Pass Headrest Monitors



Close up of the Speaker


Close up of Amp


Close up of my HU

[warped]

[QUOTE=I don't have speakers in the rear - they only exist for your rear seat passengers and only detract from the front soundstage. No point in hearing music coming from behind you or spending money on something you can't hear.[/QUOTE]

My kenwood has dual zone witch means I can turn off the front for a rear aux like the kids dvd player. And you loose alot of sound from no back speakers. I know the saying "Friends don't let friends use fill" But it make a diff in the cruiser!!

[Candyman]

Hey 03GTCruiser,

Clean set up you got their! Nice and simple, yet affective!

I was running

A Clarion DXZ785USB Head Unit

Rockford Fosgate X162S 6-1/2" 2-way Component Speakers, and tweeters with Crossovers in the front doors, and dash.

Rockford Fosgate T1682S 6"x8" 2-way Component speakers, and tweeters with crossovers in the rear pillars

Two Rockford Fosgate T1500-1bd 1500W Mono Amplifiers which are now driving the Subs

and a Boss 20 Farad Capacitor With Digital Voltage Display And Illumination to keep the lights from flickering, and added Dyna Mat insulation throughout!

I had a little flicker when the bass would hit. I wound up with an Optima and the 180 amp alternator and the dimming went away about 98%. It still flickers barley but only with solid bass from SPL.

I am now in the process of redoing my trunk set up including 2 more amps to finish off my 4350 watts. Lots of saw dust, and fiberglass but its ready for the paint booth for a little tangerine color by Wednesday, and re-assemble by Saturday!

Anyways, your stock alternator should be ok to push that many watts without much problem. If the lights flicker a lot, maybe try running a cap first, and if it persists, then try the bigger alternator.

Let us know how it works out.

Go easy,

Candyman

[03GTCruiser]

Originally Posted by Candyman

Hey 03GTCruiser,

Clean set up you got their! Nice and simple, yet affective!

Thanks. That was my intention (I'm not big on flashy) so my car is going to stay looking stockish (monitors being as flashy as I'm gonna get with the car)

The best part of my entire setup is that it only cost me about $220ish ($85 for hu, $85 for both monitors $50 for all wiring and self installed)