200 amp alternator

[G_Altima]

So after my stereo install, my headlights tend to flicker a little bit when the bass hits when I have the stereo cranking. If I upgrade to a bigger alternator, will this harm my truck if I am not running the stereo?? I know very little about electricity and these newer vehicles. Back in the late 90's my mechanic advised me not to run one in my Nissan Altima and due to the fact I was running dual batteries I fried my alternator every year. The flickering I'm experiencing isn't as bad as the headlight dimming I've had in previous vehicles but it's still enough to annoy me.

 

[PX8]

Hopefully someone else will chime in too, but I don't see a problem upgrading your alternator. I'm suprised your Cap doesn't keep that flickering from happening.

For everyone else this is a link to his stereo build.

http://www.ramforum.com/f51/alpine_kenwood_stereo_install-31481/

 

[G_Altima]

Thanks for adding the link to my build. I ran a single 12" Kenwood sub off of a punch 360a2 in my last vehicle and my lights dimmed like crazy. A 1 farad cap took care of the problem. Maybe I'm just being too picky.

 

[PX8]

Nah, I wouldn't want my lights to dim. I haven't noticed my doing it yet, but I think you've got a good bit more pwr running than me. The thing that's getting on my nerves with mine is I have a little ground loop noise, but turning the stereo up just a little bit you can't hear it anymore. I bet if I went with a new head unit and wasn't running a LOC it might go away too.

With the new alternator you might pick up some noise.

 

[bloombloom88]

I'm running a Rockford 700/1 for my two 10s and a JL 300/4 for my focals and don't notice any dimming. May just be how one has their amps tuned. Oh and I'm not using a cap

 

[Etroze86]

That XS bat should have you solid and shouldn't need that cap. I would defiently go over grounds to make sure they are solid and really you have to very power hungry subs that are probably giving that amp a workout. Upgraded alt won't hurt UNBROKEN has one in his truck and pretty much talked me into finding one for mine. lol

 

[UNBROKEN]

I didn't go back through your install thread but if you haven't done the Big3 then do that first.
To answer your question though, no a bigger alternator won't hurt anything.
I run a 250 amp DC Power alternator, XS Power D4800 battery along with the Big3 upgrade and have zero dimming with amps totaling about 2400 watts.
I have no capacitor...they're useless if the rest of the electrical system is lacking to begin with.

 

[WhiteExpress]

Well... Yea, what he said.

 

[BlkRamRt]

i agree the caps are worthless. i had one in my older car and light still dimmed...do the big 3 first and if it doesnt fix it upgrade the alternator.

 

[G_Altima]

Well i'm running around 1600 watts RMS and yes i did the Big 3 upgrade right away during the install. My subs can take 1000 watts RMS a piece but am giving them the full 1100 watts (to the pair) that my amp can push so i'm definitely pushing my amp hard. I will definitely give the upgraded alternator a try.

 

[UNBROKEN]

The best advice anyone ever gave me about car audio...buy more power than you need. The best sounding systems will have tons of headroom. Pushing an amp to it's max is only asking for clipping and distortion.

 

[G_Altima]

The best advice anyone ever gave me about car audio...buy more power than you need. The best sounding systems will have tons of headroom. Pushing an amp to it's max is only asking for clipping and distortion.

I couldn't agree more. When the funds are available I'll be stepping up to the Alpine mrx-m240. 2400W rms at 2 ohms. I know I'll need the alternator for this amp.

 

[joelstad]

Is there any danger is upgrading to a larger alternator even if you don't have the need for it yet?

Just curious, thanks.

--Joel