sirfei

I'm pretty new at this car stereo install here, although I know terms and such (have worked in the music industry). However, where I fall short is more of how the car works.

Here's the system I want to install:
JVC KW-XC770 CD/cassette deck
Crossover unit (which kind, I am yet sure of what to get)
x2 10" Rockford Fosgate subs (100w RMS, 200w peak)
x2 Pioneer 6.5" speakers (30w RMS, 150w peak)
x2 Pioneer 4" speakers (20w RMS, 100w peak)
Sub Amp Kenwood 2ch **

These are the items I'm pretty sure I'm getting, except the crossover. The crossover will depend on how many amplifiers I have in the system (which is partly my question). I'm installing this system into a 1990 protege 4wd with a 65 amp output alternator (stock). This also has a stock battery hooked up as well... I'm considering using two more amps, one for each set of speakers (front and rear). However, I don't know what size I should use or if I should just go with one amp to power the lot of the 4 speakers. If so, what amp size would be best to work with my alternator? Basically, I need to know what I can add max to my system without over doing my car and what I can add to my car to help.
If anyone can help me solve this riddle, it would be greatly appreciated! Also, any suggestions are very welcome.

**not sure what WATT size the sub amp is. Currently, it's in my '88 Chev pickup under the seat and mostly hidden. I bought the truck with it already installed, and have been using it for my 2 rockford fosgate subs, but want to move it into my car now and use the car (due to gas prices rising). I believe it's either a 400w or 600w, more-so the latter. I will know definitely later and will post.

demoninvictus

wow, where to start... well, the alternator topic has been covered quite often, some say just install a cap, some say get a better battery, some say you'll eventually cause too much strain on your alternator and shoot it. my opinion based on concensus, get an optima red top battery and shim underneath it to snug it in tightly. you can also run two batteries in your system, as is typical of some installs with multiple amplifiers. additionally, you can get a cap... what type, you'll need to ask somebody else (mazdaspeedwest, dave cameron, etc.). also, what kind of protege or mazda do you have that you want to put 4"inch speakers in the front? as far as i was told, we all have stock 5 1/4" inch speakers which can fit 6 1/2" inch speakers in the front doors? at least for first gens... unless the 90 4wd didn't have big speakers in the front. if you want to eventually amp your speakers, i would personally go with some boston acoustics or some infinity components in the front and some 6 1/2 2 or 3 ways in the rear, preferably something better than pioneer (i'm not terribly impressed with pioneer speakers). jvc headunit... good pick i would guess, groharlem is/was happy with his jvc and still has his if i am right. also, something you didn't mention, but you might want to do, when you start this install, at least when you get to amp wiring, go with 1/0 or 4 gauge wiring with a terminal from the positive, all the way back to a distribution block, running 4 or 8 gauge to your amps and grounds. subs, i love my rockfords, they have been taking a ROUGH beating for the past 4 months and haven't let me down yet, still tight and tactful as the day i unpacked them from crutchfield. your kenwood amp sounds like more than enough, i have 100x2 running to my 10 rocks and they hit like a ****. as for crossovers, the only recommendation i have is if you are truely thinking of amping everything, go with something made by cadence or eclipse (i think they make crossovers, lol.)
peace

sirfei

I agree, the alternator topic has been out there quite a bit, but I had to be certain myself, even after reading most, if not all of them. I've read much about it, but still get a little lost and unsure. Basically, I wanted a second opinion which you gave me. Thanks! I will probably need to know more information on a cap, and I did think of putting a better battery in my car. I've heard of the yellow-top and red-top batteries which I've seen such as at Car Toys.

I did have a question on the front speaker. I have never measured it myself, but I have been at a few websites and when I put in the Protege (not all of them did I get to enter that it was a 4wd), it would give me a stock 4" speaker for the front. However, if I can fit bigger, ROCKON! I will have to measure for myself now.

I found out what my amp was... it is a Kenwood KAC 624. I looked it up on Kenwood's website and found some specifications on it.... I guess it looked a bit bigger under my truck's seat as this shows it being a normal 80x2. I may have to find something a little bigger, perhaps for my subs (which I've been using for nearly a year and they still have been giving me a good thump).

Thanks again for the advice and suggestions!

1st MP3 in NH

The only thing that will determine an alternaotr upgrade is the amps you use. That is the only info you are missing so it is imposible to tell.

A kenwood amp marked 600 watts is typicly 300 at best. You need to take the 12 volt RMS rating and then add them up for all the amps. if you get say 800 total divide that by 12.6 volts. that would give you about 60 amps of draw on the alternator. You can exceed the alternators rating no more then 120% before damage occurs so with a 800 watt system in your car I wouldn't crank the hell out of the system and have the lights and A/C on. Caps will help the situation some keep 1 cap per 500 watts rms.

hihoslva

I say install everything, and worry about caps/batteries/alternators/nuclear reactors later on.

Just try it and see. Any of those items (except the nuclear reactor, of course) is no harder to install afterward, so why buy something you might not need.

Hook it all up, and if you have any electrical issues, solve them then. Besides, your Pro might surprise you.

~HH