Rep Power: 185

I'm looking to run a 400w amp and a 600w amp. Will the stock alternator be able to handle this? Would a big 3 ground kit help?

 
Rep Power: 211

It's probably on the borderline...that setup would draw about 80 amps at peak (which it would never likely hit) and the stock alternator can put out 80 amps peak as well, mind you there's a whole bunch of other electronics using it for power, so the amount of juice being used to charge the battery is less than that. I have an 850w/200w setup, along with a number of other aftermarket electronic components, and until I added the second 200w amp, I had no issues as long as the battery was good. After adding the second amp, I went through two alternators until I decided to get a 160amp alt which for the last year, has done the trick.

TL;DR:

You should be fine, just don't run both amps cranked to full volume whenever you leave the house lol

 
Rep Power: 0

it handle it long you dnt crank it up youl be fine

 
Rep Power: 812

well, stock alt barely puts out 60 amps on a good day, and remember any aftermarket electronics will not be recognized by the ELD (electronic load detector) so under certain driving conditions the alternator will cut out and you will be running on 11.5v or so. in which case your amps will slowly start eating away at the battery without the car knowing.

the alternator shuts off when the following are true, and this happens quite often on a normal drive. remember this is not counting the amp draw of the stereo equipment, which will be invisible to the car.

- Load below 10A
- Speed below 40 MPH
- Engine speed below 3600 RPM
- Coolant temp above 140 F
- A/C off
- Intake air temp above 65 F
- Brake switch off
- Fuel cut-off not active

 
Rep Power: 185

I'll go with two 400's to reduce my chances of trouble. Thanks for the help.

 
Rep Power: 812

if you put in a voltmeter, you can monitor the voltage readings and adjust your driving accordingly so that the alternator stays on more too. but it will still be annoying when the voltage goes from 11.5v to 13.5v and it does affect the rms output of the amps. same as with lights and anything electrical. most of the time, having your foot on the gas will cut off the alt, coasting will kick it back on, as will sitting still in neutral.

 
Rep Power: 185

I was considering installing a volt meter. I'll just have to see what happens.

 
Rep Power: 211

Volt meters have saved my *** a few times...also, I forgot you Americans have that ELD whatchama-call-it...Canadian made civics don't have it, so my alt runs at full power 24/7...that would also explain why most of you guys cam hit 40mpg when I come nowhere close.

 
Rep Power: 812

i guess if it really becomes an issue and you dont care about mileage or longer alt life, just find the ELD, remove it, and jumper the two wires together. engine light will be on, but alt will charge all the time. might be worth considering if you have big stereo. but voltmeter is still wise because the potential of overcharging the battery is there.

 
Rep Power: 211

I blew the voltage regulator in my last alternator and everything started acting crazy in the car...the shop that tested it said he let it go to 30v before he shut it off cause he didn't want to damage the tester lol....I can't believe nothing in the car got fried.