11 replies to this topic

[ejs-1995]

Hi all, i am currently installing a 1600w 4 channel amp into my mini atm from which i will run 4 6.5 speakers. The question is, firstly will i have to upgrade to a 70 amp alternator. secondly, will i need to upgrade any of the cars wiring. I.e alternator wiring etc. sorry if the question is a tad basic but im clueless when it comes to ice and i've seen too many of my friends systems go up in smoke!!! thanks all

[Badboytunes]

The power to the amp needs to be of substantial quality and thickness. The erath lead needs to be the same. How much power is the amp drawing on load? You will probably need to upgrade to a bigger battery and I would recommend an uprated alternator. Just out of curiosity, why are you running such a pwerful amp for just 4 speakers. What speakers are you using, can they handle that amount of power?

[ejs-1995]

thanks for the reply! im sure it draws 30amps max i think? yeah im using some 600w 3 way beasts, didnt want to run more speakers due to the space. do you think this will be a tidy set up? what sort of battery do you suggest?

[Badboytunes]

I would get an 086 battery for a pug 306 diesel, have fitted one to ours. Whne you say 600w beasts, what make ? Just because they can handle power might nit mean they are particulary good. Is that 600w pmpo or rms? Thats quite an impressive figure for ( i assume ) 6x9.....

Also, what amp will you be using?

Edited by Badboytunes, 10 April 2013 - 06:44 AM.

[ejs-1995]

Also, when you say substancial cable to the amp, are you on about the thick red wire with a large fuse in it? I purchased a full amp wiring kit so have remote cable, earth, power etc

[ejs-1995]

Hi its all kenwood gear so i thought i would be half decent? to be honest anything is better than my current set up (singing to myself lol) as long as i dont have to change any alternator wiring then im happy

[Badboytunes]

Sometimes the red power cable in the kits isnt up to the job. If you can, get some 0 gauge wire, nice and thick. This will help with current flow and provide a steady stream of power to the amp.

Cheers

[Skortchio]

The gauge (thickness) of the wiring is dependant on a couple of factors - mainly the current they are to carry and the length they are carrying it.
If you can post the model number of the amp then you can get a clearer idea of what (if anything you will need) as amps have a rating to how efficient they are, less efficient need more power to generate the same signal hence more drain.
In regard to alternator and battery, you only need upgrade your alternator if it cannot cope with the load placed upon it, you say the amp has a max 30amp draw - that is at absolute max volume, if you have a 55amp alternator then that leaves you 25amp (at perfect condition) to power the car, add lights and heater to that you might be pushing the limits BUT and it's a big one, how often are you going to run your amp at 100% with lights and heater on?
For the moments when the alternator isn't quite up to the job, that's when your battery steps in to take the excess load.
You can if you wish calculate the draw on your system and decide if you need a larger alternator or you can try yours and see how it goes before sinking cash into parts.
Regarding batteries, again you don't need one unless yours currently isn't able to start the car or you are planning on running your new system for lengths of time without the car running, in which case a deep cycle battery would be a better option to be sure you can actually start the car again on 10% charge.
Where are you fitting your amp? You don't need 0 gauge cable. 0 gauge is good for north of 3000 watts on a 15 foot run.
You can calculate the numbers yourself here:
http://www.bcae1.com/
Or with detail of where the amps / speakers will be mounted and the model numbers we can help you.

[freshairmini]

As skortchio said, it all depends on the max draw of the amp, even then you won't be using its maximum potential (full volume).So no need to go buying bigger alternators or batteries!

I would fit it with the correct gauge wiring (8awg with a 50amp fuse) and see how you go, if you find that the alt struggles with the amp use with lights/heater etc. then think about larger battery or alt.

In my opinion you wouldn't need anything more as long as battery and amp are in full working order.

[ejs-1995]

Hi all thanks for all the helpful info! When i get home i will check for the efficency rating. Yeah im not really gunna be demanding 100% much of the time so i will just stick with the standard set up for now.
Thanks again all

[ejs-1995]

Oh yeah and the amp is going in the boot. Do I still require 0 gauge wire when its gunna be so short?

[Skortchio]

You don't require 0 gauge at all, not by a long long way :) Follow freshair's advice and use the kit in it's complete form, 8gauge wiring on a 1m run for ve+ (with 0.5m for ve-) will only drop 0.321v .