So my car is a 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis GS, I have had a sound system for about a year now. One of the amps decided to start crapping out out on me because it was a cheap brand. Anyway, I paid a little more snd got a mid-level HiFonics 1800 Zeus. I also have a JL Audio 400 watt (4 channel) to power my speakers (Rockford Fosgate Power putting out 85w RMS)
Anyway, the amp for the interior speakers is great quality snd never had any problem. The new one I installed works great now, but when I really blast it, I can see the little needle move down on the alternator current.
So I bought a high output alternator from RockAuto that’s brand new. The stick one puts out 130 amps, this one will is rated for 215?amps.
is there anything else I need to do to masker sure that I don’t have any more power issues, especially in winter if I’m running lights, defroster, the rear defroster, etc. or should this be fine? Is there any other wiring I should change or do to make it problem-free from Joe on? I’ve heard people mention The The Big Three and I’m not sure what that means do hoping you all can help me with tips. Thank.
Replacing the alternator won't do much. The 215 amps is theoretical. This is peak power measured at some high RPM, and it assumes perfect connections with no conduction losses and so. They probably overrated it too. You will never see that much. But the biggest gotcha is that no matter how powerful the alternator is, they all suck at idle. The engine just isn't going fast enough so you'll only get around 30A or so anyway. Plus , your car's factory wiring was designed around the factory alternator.
When you're idling , much of your power comes from the battery, and most batteries just weren't designed for sustained loads. They're built to crank a starter motor for 30 seconds or less and that's it.
So you're starting to journey down the path of big spending. (and all to destroy your hearing?)
One thing to keep in mind about all the "Big 3" advice out there .... I see so many people do this really badly and end up turning their car into a giant fire hazard. They bypass the factory fusible links, and run cables willy nilly through door jambs, or drill holes through stupid things, and just generally do it with no thought to cable management or safety. Using household wiring marrettes/wire nuts, and stuff like that.
Do it properly. Have a schematic in hand and use common sense. Grommets, wire loom, cables ties, crimp connectors, fuses etc.
If you're pumping that much audio power into a closed automobile be sure to invest in the quality hearings aids you'll need in a few years.
Yup it doesn't take long to do some serious damage to your hearing.
The big 3 refers to upgrading, and adding to your grounding and power cables. I ran some extra stuff like Amateur radio in my 4Runner years back, and I did beef up the ground wires, and I think the power cables too, along with a few other things like Battery. Here is a good article for you.
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-Vbvkx3pm2RJ/learn/big-3-alternator.html
Well I used to know again Houston but he sold out and now it's a coffee shop. You might try heming's Auto news online guys there so just about everything
Thanks Scotty. I tried Hemings but had no luck. I see plenty of them on eBay that claim 300a output but I’m weary of eBsy parts.
the alternator just can’t keep up at times.
We already told you ...
If your battery stays charged then there's nothing wrong with the alternator. It's doing its job. Alternators were not designed to supply output for high power amplifiers. They are fundamentally not designed to for instantaneous high current response. Especially at idle. If your lights are dimming at red lights, then you will best served by a separate battery for your amps. Of course this will stress your alternator and engine more, so you're cruising for spending oodles of money to destroy your hearing.
The answer won't change no matter how many times you ignore our advice and re-post your question.
Please do you research. I highly recommend this website "Basic Car Audio Electronics". It's great for beginners.
I would add a second battery like in stinky peet
Car is 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis, 102,500 miles. I’m upgrading my sound system one component at a time. I’ve already got the headunit, two subs, two amps, and I’d say I’m about 70% done. I’ll upgrade to better subs in the future but that’s not my priority right now. One reason for the upgrade is because I hate the lights dimming at times if I play it loud, plus I just want the added peace of mind knowing it has sufficient power to handle all my gear.
Next upgrade I’m doing is a high output alternator. I can get an AC Delco Gold 215 Amp, brand new, about 330 bucks. The other option is an original Ford Motorcraft that came with the police package P71s. Also brand new, but this one is closer to 495 with a lifetime warranty. I can’t find it online too easily so this is from one of these big box stores. It’s 190 amps.
I’m honestly leaning more toward the Motorcraft one because it’s new and OEM with a lifetime warranty. The AC Delco Gold is slightly more powerful but made for GMs originally and I’ve had mixed experiences with them.
it’s a big savings but what would you do?
It’s for my sound system. It’s about 3000w RMS, and the alternator just can’t keep up at times. I upgraded it to the Police alternator putting out 190 amps, but it still needs more.
Does anyone know a good reputable site or brand I can start looking for s compatible alternator? I am looking for something like 260-300+ amp alternator.
Any suggestions are appreciated.
This was part of the same topic you posted about previously and should have been added as an addition to that thread. Please note the following in the forum rules for future reference. Thank you. (Topics merged.)
Noted. Thank you.