I just got my system put in the other day and I noticed if I'm stopped at a light and I have the radio BUMPIN all my lights begin to dim. Will an upgrade to a Blue Top OptimaBattery do the trick or do I need to upgrade my stock alternator, and do the even make upgraded alternators for our cars???? !!!ALL INFO WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!! :wow: :wow:

 

Upgrade your alternator.

all info courtesy of Austin519...

http://www.**********.com/forums/sho...threadid=19635

(edit)oops...copy and paste link with a c u r a w o r l d in place of the ******

If you still feel the need to upgrade the battery, go with the yellow optima...not the blue.

But, there are a few more intricacies related to your electrical system that you should also consider...ie. ground, cap, etc.

I am running two 10w7 each powered by a 500/1, components all around(not 6x9's in the back) with a 300/4, yellow optima, alternator recoiled to 150 amps, two 1 farad caps, upgraded wiring, ground, etc. and my lights still dim when I crank it.

If possible, try to upgrade your alternator higher than mine.

 

well you shouldnt use a blue top for cars anyways. the blue top optima batterys are marine batterys only for boats. get a yellow top and upgrade your alternator 160 amp should be fine. the 160amp alternator can handle up to 2200 or 2400 hundred watts. thats what i want to get but dont have the money right now.

 

Do they only dim when the bass hitts....if yes then i would suggest getting a cap or two if you dont have one already......... you maybe only starving for power during the peaks.

 

Trying using a larger Cap...maybe a 15 farad. I know when I had 4 amps running my system the 15 Farad Alumapro cap worked perfectly, no dimming lights what so ever even when turned up.

 

i would have to agree with the alumapro caps.. they are amazing... but if that does not work i would say try the battery 1st if that does not work then replace the altenator...

 

I'd personally go with a second battery, ran through a battery isolator, not a relay. This will isolate both batteries from one another and completely eliminate dimming lights.

 

Just a question but is not the dimming of the lights due to a voltage drop because of a insufficent amount of current when the amps are under peak load???

 

I do believe that to be correct...the amps when under a peak load (i.e. when there's heavy bass) draws more current from the allternator causing it not to be able to "keep up" with the current demand from all of the other accessories on (i.e. lights, heat, etc...) That's why a good sized capacitor should work. It'll store extra current until the amps need it. When the amps demand that extra draw the CAP supplies it so the alternator doesn't have to work harder.

 

how much does a cap run?

 

Depends on which make and what size you're looking at. My 15 farad by Alumapro was $300 and change. It was worth every penny though.