what should I do first?

Paralyzer · Post by **Paralyzer** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 9:59 pm

ok guys I know that this topic has been covered a couple of times, but this is to bring the topic back to life. I had a stereo systems in my car and it made my car throw fits because of it....throwing codes, dimming headlights, stalling the car, making the tranny get stuck in gear all due to draining the battery so much. Well I got tired of that system because it was old from another car I had so switched it over. So I went out and bought a new system since Electronic Express has a sale that started today. I bought a Sony Xplode amp 1200w peak(not sure about RMS), and one Comp VR 12". Used my previous box which holds two but I only want one due to needing trunk space. So I hooked it up today after getting it and turned it on, It sounds awsome! It was hitting so hard my girlfriend told me to turn it off because it was hurting her chest. plus I had so many vibrations it made it sound terrible on the outside. Now tonight as I was driving home I saw my headlights dimming even more then ever! Almost to where they would cut off and turn back on. My dash gauges are doing the same thing!. I need to know how to fix this really bad because I feel like I have a decent system, but it is imbarrasing with cars coming head on seeing my lights doing that. Plus I want to make sure that my car can handle this power. Like I mentioned b4 I had code problems and the error codes what that my Tranny solenoid was not getting the 3v required to function properly. So please anyone help me ASAP!

scneonchic · Post by **scneonchic** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 10:29 pm

I had problems w/ my lights dimming like that, althought maybe not as bad, becuase i tend to keep the bass down even though my sub is very capable of it.

I ended up investing in a red top optima battery. Wanted yellow, yellow is better for deep cycle things like audio systems that need alot of extra power. Try getting at least a red top optima, but get yellow if you can, I wish I woulve been able to get yellow instead.

That might not comptely get rid of your light dimming problem, if it doenst try www.excessiveamperage.com They offer custom built, high power alternators, I got one for mine and since Ive installed it, the dimming is gone, no matter how loud i turn the sub up. it was $290 shipped, but they also offer powdercoating (for around $320 shipped), which is kind of pointless w/our cars, since you cant really see it at all, but the option is there. Mine is 180amps, compared to I think 90? stock.

The guy's place is in alabama, so its not too far from you, so it might not take too long to get. but its worth the wait. mine took about a month to get here, becuase they custom make it when you order. its easier to call, their site isnt the best, but the owner, Nathan, is a really nice guy and he'll answer all your questions.

Paralyzer · Post by **Paralyzer** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 10:33 pm

ok cool, if this is what you say to do then that is what I will do. I just would like to not see all that going on with my car and worry about it doing back and doing what it did b4.....so annoying. I will give him a call tomorrow then and see about getting one. I hope this will fix it.

scneonchic · Post by **scneonchic** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 10:39 pm

Id try the battery before you order the alternator though. I think Autozone sells them, I know places like firestone can order them and have it next day. The yellowtop might be enough.

Id try that first, before putting in the order for the custom alt, when you might just need the stronger battery. Unless you already have one, then just spring for the alt

Paralyzer · Post by **Paralyzer** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 10:44 pm

oh ok I can pick one up on the way home from work tomorrow. I have a buddy that is a customer of mine at work that told me that if I needed anything like that he would hook me up with a discount. How much should I look for as far as a price tag?

scneonchic · Post by **scneonchic** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 10:49 pm

If hes hooking you up, maybe just over or just under $100. I know my redtop was around $125, w/ out a hook up lol

Paralyzer · Post by **Paralyzer** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 10:54 pm

ok cool

rOniN · Post by **rOniN** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 1:05 pm

If you don't want to upgrade your battery there is what is called a capacitor. They come in different sizes.

You would probably need a 1 farad cap. I have one on my set up and it doesn't let the lights dim.

What you do is put it in the trunk and you run the power wire to it and then to your amp.

What it does is hold power like a battery specifically for your sub. This will make your sub more responsive and crisp. It will also hold your amp at full power.

Rockford has a really good one. I got it off of ebay for $70 brand new.

Paralyzer · Post by **Paralyzer** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 12:18 am

I have heard that caps don't really work and not worth the money. I have heard they do help. I don't know who to believe...the "do's" or the "dont's".

scneonchic · Post by **scneonchic** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 12:19 am

Ive always heard caps arent worht the money...spend a bit more and get a nice battery and have more power than cap

Paralyzer · Post by **Paralyzer** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 12:20 am

yeah I went to get a battery today but they was sold out so I will get one in the next shippment. I hope this helps so I don't have to get another alt.

esteinmaier · Post by **esteinmaier** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 8:51 am

You need 3 things... An optima yellow top, a bigger alternator, and a fairly large cap. I need to do 2 of those things and I'm only running a 250 watt amp.

rOniN · Post by **rOniN** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 11:57 am

If a cap is done up correctly it will work just as fine as getting a new battery/alt.

A cap is good for taking away the strain on the battery and the alt since it is holding enough power to sustain the system.

Though I do suggest getting a new battery if you are modding your car since it will help the entire car and not just your system.

Floyd · Post by **Floyd** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 12:08 pm

esteinmaier wrote:You need 3 things... An optima yellow top, a bigger alternator, and a fairly large cap. I need to do 2 of those things and I'm only running a 250 watt amp.

Im running stock battery, stock alternator and no cap with 350 watts and i get VERY small ammounts of dimming.

Could be my 4awg "Big 3" thats helping so much

Paralyzer · Post by **Paralyzer** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 3:31 pm

I have heard a lot about the big 3 also and I have thought about doing that with mine....just don't know about what the kit consist of.