alternator help
 

now i know this has been discussed because i have done a search and read them all. i could not find anywhere where someone said anything about where to get one or who makes them for the protege or anything. if i have skipped it in one of the other threads please let me know. my problem is that i have 2 sony 760 amps running 2 12'' sony p5 subs. i dont have a cap. at nite if i turn my subs up a little bit the lights dim when the bass hits. also when i have the subs up i cant turn on the a/c because it just stops working. i have had them both tested and there seems to be no problem. im thinking i can get a better alternator and the problem should go away. even if it dont then ill have a better alternator out of it. if anyone can help me that would be great cuz i love bass and im planning to upgrade but wont be able to if i cant even push 2 sony subs. thanks a lot to all.

john

Do what Blue says. If you upgrade your amps however, go with Class D amps because they are more efficient. My lights dim too mainly do to the Class A amp drawing so much current to drive a 1 ohm load from two 12s. I am getting a ground kit to help resolve the problem and Blue suggested upgrading the power wire to the alternator from the battery. First try what I am going to do (it's the cheapest way to get rid of dimming problems), then if you have to, upgrade the battery, and lastly when you purchase a monster system that draws more current than what your alternator can handle, get your alternator re-wired for more amperage. Just my two cents.

MiStEr T

Two Sony 760 amps would not be enough of a draw to really need a new alternator. It is load related though, the symptoms you describe including headlights, Air Conditioning and the heat of the summer - those two loads and the loss of efficiency due to the heat will eat up most all the capacity of the alternator and the battery.
I have used in the past,and have some high output alternators in my shop right now, but I would encourage folks to not be dropping in High Output alternators unless they are looking to use the car as a competition vechile.
First this can be a warrenty voiding issue. Always remeber that supplementing factory systems are fine, but replacement of core systems such as cams, radiators and alternators will toss most all dealer support out the door. It is not a big deal if the warrenty is already out, or you have a great mechanic.
Second the larger alternator is hard on the car. Yep- hard! There is a certain torque to the spinning shaft of a alternator. That torque is factory specificed tolerence. More amps output means alot more of a torque load to spin that shaft. The motor will have to carry that additional load. Not good at all for smaller motors. One reason that older larger US of A cars are favorites of the competition crowd.
Honestly for the vast majority of folks getting a larger battery, improvements to the stock wiring and an understanding of the standard loads of other car systems will do more for you than a new alternator. Try the recommendations of Mister T first!
If you are going to get one, get one from a known company, the delco iceberg is good, but the Ohio generator is the classic. I personally prefer powermaxx, I have used them in the past and keep a couple around.
Good Luck and let us all know what you find to finally solve your power problems. :cool: