I have an audio system that is taking too much power. I plan on installing a second battery in the back. how do I wire the battery in th front to connect to the battery in the back. I also plan on converting my alternator into a HO-140 amps with a smaller pulley. I read on older posts that the alternator might work too hard at higher RPMs , how do I solve this problem

 

You just run a thick battery cable from the positive terminal of your original battery to the positive terminal of the second battery. Being such a long strech you probably want to use at least '0' or '00' guage wire. As far as the negative post just ground it really well somewhere on the chassis.

If you want to listen to your stereo when the car is not running, and you don't want to run down both batteries you will need to install a battery isolater. This is a device that allows you to charge both batteries at the same time, but won't draw down both batteries when listening to your stereo. It "isolates" the batteries from each other.

But before you go spend money on another battery and possibly an isolater, it would be wise to have your charging system checked out first. Your alternator may be putting out the bare mimimum (~12.5 volts) at keeping your battery charged because of worn brushes or a bad regulator. A simple rebuild kit may solve your problem and save you some money in the meantime, but notice I said charging "system" and not just the alternator. Check the output voltage while on your vehicle with and without a load (headights, ac, stereo all on at the same time). If it falls below 12.5, you might have a problem somewhere in the system. But before you spring for a new alternator, check and clean all your connections, and if that doesn't solve the problem, then yank the alt. and have it tested seperately.

Sorry to write a novel for you, but unless you have some ungodly huge system, or you like to jam out while the car is not running, I think the addition of another battery is not neccessary. Plus the extra weight of the batt. will slow you down that much more in the quarter.

Good luck!

[This message has been edited by bigvic (edited February 26, 2001).]

 

I would try installing a good capacitor first, about 1 farad. Much easier to do than another battery.

------------------
86 Sport Coupe, 2.8 V6, dead stock, but not for long!

Daily driver:
2000 Pontiac Grand Am SE2

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Mike,

Good call on the capacitor. I was going to mention that, but forgot about it during the course of my ramblings.

 

Hey you capacitor guys.

just wanted to remind you that another battery can be had from Wal-Mart for only $25 with warrantee. It has much more capacitence than 1f, and it can start your car too.

Running one battery +1 cap, the battery can still be drained down low to cause problems with starting.
Running two batteries, even if they are low they will still start the car.

just reminding..
ODB