Enough power?

[motorhead6776 0]

I have a 2003 mustang and I'm planning on buying an 12" Fi Q with the BP power option, a RF T1500-1, and a RF T600-4 to power the four corners. My car is 100% stock and i was wondering if my 105 Amp alternator and the big 3 fix would be enough to power all this. If not what should I do. Oh and why is it people prefer batteries to capacitors? Thanks, Matt

*Edit* The alternator is 105-110 Amps. Not that it makes much of a difference...

Edited November 29, 2009 by motorhead6776

[CrazyKenKid 64]

Matt,

Let me say Welcome to the thread! and enjoy your stay!

now will your stang make enough power to support the current draw of 1500rms plus a 4channel amp? i say it will be close! to better help you out i would recommend getting another battery and wiring it in parellel to the existing battery! as for a battery to get maybe look into a kinetik hc1400,1800,2000 or 2400 (2400for kicks)

I prefer a cap over a battery, b/c here is how i look at it, a cap is a mini battery (in my opinion) and they will get drianed a lot faster due to there small reserves and will need to be charged up again and they cost about the same amout of money as another battery cost, so why not just put the money towards something that will help you out even more! also give this link a good read and you decide for yourself!

[patented17 21]

You might want to look into a H.O alt, if you plan to upgrade in the future. You'll most likely get some dimming. I'd like to explain to you the nuts and bolts about batteries and capacitors, but I'm not 100% sure the exact words to use, so I'll let some one with better knowledge explain it.

[Sir-Lancelot 216]

Add big battery under hood and in back with the amp and you should be ok. IMO

If not HO it is.

[motorhead6776 0]

Awesom, thanks for the input. Now would i need both batteries or would i be able to get by with replacing the original battery with something like the kinetik 2400. I say this because i bought the car as a sports car and i often drive it like one. I plan on removing the rear seat assembly for this install and using a custom fiberglass enclosure or a simple mdf setup to try and keep the weight close to what it is now. Also i don't plan on upgrading in the future, i believe this will be more than loud enough to keep me happy.

[patented17 21]

Awesom, thanks for the input. Now would i need both batteries or would i be able to get by with replacing the original battery with something like the kinetik 2400. I say this because i bought the car as a sports car and i often drive it like one. I plan on removing the rear seat assembly for this install and using a custom fiberglass enclosure or a simple mdf setup to try and keep the weight close to what it is now. Also i don't plan on upgrading in the future, i believe this will be more than loud enough to keep me happy.

Well if your really worrying about weight, why not try something a little less demanding on your electrical system? That way you get your sound, and your don't have to put extra batteries and such to sustain the power consumption.

[mccleery3 166]

Replacing the primary battery with a larger one will be a fix of sorts but I would think you'll still have dimming at that power level. Perhaps you should give your goals, listening preferances, and a max price point so that everyone can offer more ideas. I'm sure you'll find lots of help from everyone here to get you within your weight limitations and overall goals. Good luck with the build!

[shizzzon 461]

just install everything as is and keep electrical stock. If you have voltage problems and concerned about weight at same time, replace stock battery with largest battery that can fit in there from kinetik, xs power, power surge, deka, stinger, odyssey, etc....

Also, add a 1/0 cable run from alt positive to battery positive, add 1-2 1/0 grounds from battery ground to chassis and run 1/0 from front battery to amp. If amp doesn't support 1/0, step it down through your inline fuse holder to 4awg.

[Impious 1,476]

I have a 2003 mustang and I'm planning on buying an 12" Fi Q with the BP power option, a RF T1500-1, and a RF T600-4 to power the four corners. My car is 100% stock and i was wondering if my 105 Amp alternator and the big 3 fix would be enough to power all this. If not what should I do. Oh and why is it people prefer batteries to capacitors? Thanks, Matt

*Edit* The alternator is 105-110 Amps. Not that it makes much of a difference...

No one is going to be able to tell you. You're just going to have to install it all and see how the electrical system responds. It is going to be highly dependent upon the health of your current electrical system, your listening habits, the draw of the other electrical components in the car, etc. If you do install it and you are having voltage problems, report back with a description of the issues you are having and we can try to assist you from there. We can't troubleshoot a problem that doesn't yet exist.

As for batteries vs capacitors.....this has been discussed ad nauseam. Do some searches here and the other various forums and you'll find thousands of posts in hundreds of threads debating the issue. The short answer is that a capacitor at best should be used for short term, transient voltage stabilization in an already sufficient electrical system, not provide large scale support to the electrical system. It's rate of discharge/ESR/etc is not designed in a manor that allows it to do so. Providing adequate power is the job of the alternator(s) and battery(ies).

[jcarter1885 995]

If your worried about not wanting to upgrade your electrical for a minute then dont get Rockford amps because they are power hungry, dont get me wrong they're great amps just will strain a weak electrical. Just my .02 but yeah do big 3 and get a voltmeter installed to watch your voltage then go from there if you have voltage drops.

[motorhead6776 0]

well my budget is $1500 or less including dynamat for the whole car. and I'm mostly concerned with sound quality because I listen to a large variety of music, but it does have to bump pretty hard too. I'm open to any suggestions as far as other amps and speakers go, especially if your familiar with what Ive been looking at and can compare them to what else you've heard. Thanks again for all the input, Matt

Edited November 30, 2009 by motorhead6776