i have two 800w amps and 2 15's. i called around and every shop i talk to they tell me that they can't 'beef up' my alt. and that i should add a second battery. what does everyone else think.


96 RS
Houston TX.

Well first off, adding a second battery will only hurt you alternator more. Now it has to charge TWO batteries instead of one. You should be able to find a high output alternator, but be warned, they aren't cheap. A good 150-200 amp alternator will run anywhere from 300-600 bucks, depending on the brand, where you get it, ect..Check out www.mechanicalman.com, i know they are good to work with, and have many applications. Adding batteries will only help the power of the "car off" time, letting you play your system longer with the car off. Now if you have a high output alternator, and then adding a second battery will be fine, since it can charge both without any problems. A second batter, if the alt can keep up, will help with sudden power demands like heavy, instant bass. Be sure to use a good audio battery, like optima's yellow top, its a very good battery. I've personally beat the crap outa em, and they still go strong..

I believe our alt's stock are around 90 amps or so full output, so if you really have 2, true, 800 watt amps, you really should be ok with the stock alt. I wouldn't slam around for long time periods, but i used to have 2 15's and 2 1100 watt amps in my old Grand Prix, and the alt was about the same output as the clipse. I never had any problems with it not charging enough, but it will kill the alt more quickly though by putting that much demand on it. If you got the cash, get a better alt, and use at least one good yellow top audio battery...

He's rite

A battery will just add on to your current demands and alts are expensive as shit my 200 amp Ohio Generator alt was $615.00 as far as a battery get a deep cycle battery like an Optima yellow top they store juice really well.

Anyone know the load that our stock alternators can handle?

If you want to add extra batteries, get a battery isolator so it splits the load and doesn't kill your alternator beefed or not. Our stock alternators will actually handle a $hit load of abuse and not bat an eye. But if your happy on the bass levels, make sure you wire in 1 or 2 caps to your power lead, that way you won't have to worry about the light dimming effect. Think you can pick up an isolator from most reputable shops for less than 100 bucks.......