After a search i found bits and pieces of info but not what i was looking for, i will be installing a sound system with peak wattage of around 5000w and i want to replace the alternator, i know the alternator itself is inexpensive, but i have heard the install is disproportionately expensive, if anyone has some numbers or insight please help.
thanks

 

The install shouldn't be that bad. Call some shops and just ask how much to swap the alternator for a new one. Don't mention anything about big sound systems and shit b/c that prob triggers an instant "ooo this dood is spending $$$, let's rape him for the install".

Do make sure you have a large enough alternator to support your system. What's the RMS power of your planned system? Only morons speak in peak (no offence, just start using RMS). I'm going to guess your RMS is about half your peak, so you are looking at around 200 amps continuous draw, and probably 100 from the car when the lights are on (might want to have a shop check the car's continuous draw with a clamp meter). Peaks should be handled by a proportionate bank of capacitors, for 2.5Kwatts I'd prob go ahead and do 3 farads. So you are looking for ~300 amp alternator.