My headlights and dashlights dim @ night when the bass hits...not even playing it that loud...only running a 200watt RockfordFosgate amp bridged to two 10's...4 speakers running off clarion 50x4watt deck...8g power wire, newer battery, newer alternator...any ideas? should I upgrade my alternator?

 

get a .5 farad capacitor, that should solve your problem

 

Either install a stiffening capacitor....or upgrade your alternator to a higher output model. Caps are pretty cheap. In general...run 1 farad for every 1000 watts of power your pushing with your amps.

 

Keep in mind that caps are not fixes to systems with low voltage readings, they stabilize the power to prevent dimming. If your volts are around 12 you need to install a HO alternator.

-Matt

 

What kinds of HO alternators are there? Do you know of any that use the factory brackets? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Oh yeah: 2.8L V6, NO a/c

 

well, what year is your car? i bought a HO (100-140 amp) alternator for my 84 v6 and cant use it on my serpentine 89. lemme know if this is the kind you're lookin for. oh, and i believe summit still has HO alternators that bolt right in.

 

Most of the aftermarket HO Alternators should bolt right up....or you can take your stock one and get it rewound for higher output. Probably not much cheaper though!

 

There's a kit that is from JCWhitney.com that you can rebuild your alt with. It really made to better charge your batt. during cold weather, but it puts out 140 amps @ idle.

Someone in the Electronics Board told me to get it, and it was one of the guys that knows their ****.

I didn't get it, but that's cause my old alt was just shot. I didn't have the time to wait for the order to come.

AJ

 

Be careful when buying a HO alt. There are many ways diff manufacturers rate them to sound good. Things like Hot and Cold ratings will affect the advertised output greatly.