Fresh start on a system for a Ford Tempo

[shankumz 0]

Hello, before i begin my article I wanted to list out all the specs, measurements of everything i wanted to put in this car. To tell you I'm only 16 and i'll be getting my drivers licence soon and I wanted to put a system in right when i get this car.

Electrical specs: I would be having everything from battery to alternator that was already put there during the manufactor process.

So 1 200-300 volt hour battery with a regular stock alternator.

I will be buying 1/0 gauge wires going from the front to the back for the amp. A fuse holder that runs from the battery to the amp.

Amp specs: I have been looking around on the internet for a couple years now trying to learn what is the best of the best for it's price. I went to rockford fosgate and their amps are very well made but I cannot afford something like that. So i went to sundown and I seen their prices and their power when clamped, also how stable they are. I might be getting a saz-1500D amp and a nightshade 15D from the Speical deals in the SSA product section.

This would lead me to about 1-1.2k dollars to spend.

While khaotic enclosures are on hold. I have no idea how much they cost but i would love to by one already made from them. I dont think i have the space or tools to make a enclosure out of scratch.

If anyone can help me finding measurements of a 15" single ported khaotic enclosure i would be very pleased

The back seats in the ford tempo would be removed for space for my system.

SO my question is can stock batteries and alts handle such power from this amp or will i have to upgrade. I've spent a VERY long time, learning. I began loving car audio when I seen steve meade on youtube.

PLease send me a feedback ty

Edited February 23, 2011 by TehShankums

[edouble101 314]

The stock alernator in that vehicle is probably very old and not putting out rated power. I would consider a new factory replacement alternator and the "big 3" upgrade. BTW the Nightshade is probable overkill, condsider an xcon 15.

One more thing to consider....two 12s instead of one 15. I am building my first trunk (always had truck/suv/hatchback) install and I wish I would have went with two 12s.

[Dictator1992 6]

Old cars with stereo system with orginal alt's dont last that long fried two alternators with both my cars lol.

[shankumz 0]

So would a 12" SSA XCON D1/D2 and a Sundown Audio SAX-1200D be a good choice? ported at about 34 Hz

[Kanaworm$ 292]

Welcome ....

[sefugi 166]

Keep checking your options.

[Notorious97200 339]

I'd get the saz1500 for the Xcon. But it will work fine withe 1200.

Plan to buy a voltmeter to put in your car to check your voltage drops, if your alternator is weak.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

So would a 12" SSA XCON D1/D2 and a Sundown Audio SAX-1200D be a good choice? ported at about 34 Hz

That would be a heck of a combination. Welcome to SSA.

[Mac N Cheese 90]

So would a 12" SSA XCON D1/D2 and a Sundown Audio SAX-1200D be a good choice? ported at about 34 Hz

D2

[Frostedflakejake 148]

I for one will say that you will need a new alternator if the tempo has the same alt that it was produced with. Cars back then just didn't need as much electricity as they do nowadays so the alts didn't produce all that much! the stock alt in my 87' bronco is supposed to produce only 70 amps. Ain't gonna cut it friend!

[jcarter1885 995]

I'd get the saz1500 for the Xcon. But it will work fine withe 1200.

Plan to buy a voltmeter to put in your car to check your voltage drops, if your alternator is weak.

He wont notice the difference in 300 watts at all.

[shankumz 0]

Awesome thanks for all the help. Ill check up on here if I need any more help

[Shogen 325]

I'd get the saz1500 for the Xcon. But it will work fine withe 1200.

Plan to buy a voltmeter to put in your car to check your voltage drops, if your alternator is weak.

He wont notice the difference in 300 watts at all.

True.... But doesn't the SAZ line have a better build somewhat? As far as I have read, the SAZ's can put out alot more with 12v than it is rated for(in some instances)... I was looking at getting an SAX-1200D but the beastliness of the SAZ-1500D is way too nice to pass up so I'm waiting til I can afford it... Also the 1500D has 0awg inputs which is a nice thing to have.... Easier for wiring up...

[shankumz 0]

I for one will say that you will need a new alternator if the tempo has the same alt that it was produced with. Cars back then just didn't need as much electricity as they do nowadays so the alts didn't produce all that much! the stock alt in my 87' bronco is supposed to produce only 70 amps. Ain't gonna cut it friend!

I was planning on getting a new alternator. You think you could give me companies that give good cheap alternators? maybe around $100-200

[Shogen 325]

Denso makes alot of OEM and I forgot the others... Check on Pepboys or partsgeek.com ...

[emh9009 199]

That's a lot of power to be messing with on your first build/car. Remember to keep learning and have an open mind to what you see. A lot of internet jumbo can be taken with a grain of salt.

Just because a sub has a lower RMS doesn't mean it wont get loud. 2 12s with a 500 watt RMS have a lot of potential to get louder than a single 15 off of 1,000 rms. Cone area really helps. What do you have to compare to? What kind of systems have you heard/been in?