Thread: Audio Upgrade Power Install

Alright currently running two 12" 4 ohms DVC RF 500WRMS in parallel at 1 ohm with a 1000WRMS Hifonics amp. I am currently running 4ga wire back, and grounding out the amp to a clean strut post. I currently have some dimming of the lights at higher sound levels. I have upgraded all in the big 3 minus battery negative to block with 0 gauge wire. I am looking at going with 2 12" 4 ohm DVC 1000WRMS subs and a 2000WRMS Hifonics Brutus wired in parallel to 1 ohm.. I am planning on upgrading the battery negative to 0 gauge, along with power wire going back, and amp grounding wire. Obviously I probably won't be able to provide the Brutus with 14.4V.... but is there anything I should do to help get closer to that? Outside of adding a cap or bigger alternator.

Add a second battery and bigger alt., cap's are over rated but may help.

I actually thought about running a second battery in the trunk. Plus I'm not so sure they have H.O. alternators for the '05... but I haven't searched too hard.

They do. DB electrical has some on the budget end... some people love em, some people hate em, based on what I've read on the audio forums. Mechman makes an alternator for our cars as well, as would a few other major companies as the 3800 is still everywhere. Check with DC or Singer Alternators for other alternatives. Do your research on DC though... awesome product, but "interesting" to deal with at times. There's also the large-case alt conversion. Google will help you find that, should you be interested in going that route.

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db electrical is junk, mine didn't even make it 2 years, Ohio Gen is what I'm running now and love it. Also keep in mind that when you wire at 1ohm it won't play at 1ohm. Example: I have my subs wired at 1ohm and it usually has gone up to 2.3 to 3ohm. Also keep in mind you won't get rated out of most amps unless your voltage is good. Either way if you want to play with 2kw your gonna need a HO alt and a good battery in the back.

That is what I figured as a HO alt at least bare minimum. And I also know that I won't be getting the true wattage... because good luck feeding it at constant 14.4V. On top of that all my lighting is HID so there is a decent draw right there.

Plus I was under the impression that only 04 and 05 alternators work as the connector is different. Any ideas?

Eh, even if you had no voltage drop, music is dynamic. Box rise is a fact of life. An XS Power D3400 to replace the stocker and a decent 250 amp although should hold you on 2k, assuming you don't play for long periods of time sitting still lol. Local impala has that and is running an AQ2200 along with some 4 channel, don't recall which. Just keep an eye on your voltage and you should be OK.... but an additional small battery in the rear wouldn't hurt. 2500 or so (assuming sub and 4 channel) isn't an outrageous amount of wattage to support.

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Vet... where would you go about learning and gathering parts for the upgraded stock alt? That really sparks my curiosity now. I still love listening to Quad Maximus back before bad bass drops was found mostly in dubstep.

As for sound deadener.... if I do go through with a 2k I will eventually get there.

As for HiFonics I know that they are not the most efficient amp, but are not the worst by any means.

Per lights dimming: Tune your amp at night.

Originally Posted by NegativeOne13

Plus I was under the impression that only 04 and 05 alternators work as the connector is different. Any ideas?

Idea #1: Learn to solder (Oh wait..you already know how to! )
http://www.grandprixforums.net/showt...ght=alternator

CS144 baby! And I'd suggest a better ground. The strut bolt you are hooking to is connected to the strut plate which only goes through what was a painted hole in the body. I had the back seat out, and went to a solid bolt for a seat hook etc. Can't rust, won't corrode...

Bill... glad to see you chime in! Haven't talked to you in forever it seems. Anywho so you suggest just case swapping a CS144 then soldering on the leads for the connector board? As for ground I was actually planning on picking a better ground as well as grounding out my battery to the block as well for the amp. As far as the per say big 3 upgrade, if you did it, what did you ground out your battery to for the body? Currently it is on the front passenger strut tower as well. I heard it helps a lot to be able to nut it so you can tighten it to get the best possible contact.

And a donor alternator such as this? http://www.ebay.com/itm/150-Amp-High...-/250329603285

And thanks for the input so far guys... it has been greatly helpful.

I'm saying if you want more power from a stock alt that was meant to put it out forever, that's an option.

Me, I had my back seat/deck out and in a cubby in there found a nice big stud/nut for something like a seat hook or baby seat holder. Clean, direct to the body and not in an area where you worry about any rust or corrosion.