How many amps is our alternator?

[jtoddk98]

I am thinking about upgrading my sub amp from a Pioneer GMD 8601 (24A continual power) to a Pioneer GMD 9601 (39A continual power). Can our stock alternator/power system handle this load? Currently, on the GMD 8601 amp, everything is good, no voltage drops etc. I have 2 runs of 6ga wire going to the amp if that makes a difference.

Thanks

 

[BiGMaC]

I am thinking about upgrading my sub amp from a Pioneer GMD 8601 (24A continual power) to a Pioneer GMD 9601 (39A continual power). Can our stock alternator/power system handle this load? Currently, on the GMD 8601 amp, everything is good, no voltage drops etc. I have 2 runs of 6ga wire going to the amp if that makes a difference.

Thanks

Dunno the amperage.  39 amps is not much load.  You should be fine. I personally would use larger wire for cleaner power.  Maybe 3 or 4 gauge.  If the lights dim (doubtful) add a 2-4 farad cap.

 

[Josephm]

You will be fine. If you do dim, buy bigger wire. More like 2 awg and stay away from capacitors. You would be 10x better buying a battery. A slow release battery.

Cliff note: change wire, if still dim check your ground. If still buy battery.

 

[jtoddk98]

2 runs of 6ga isn't enough? I put the ends together into the amp. Almost a 2-3ga wire when put together. Each has an 80A inline fuse


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[Josephm]

Your about to find out. If it dims, start with the wire.

 

[BiGMaC]

2 runs of 6ga isn't enough? I put the ends together into the amp. Almost a 2-3ga wire when put together. Each has an 80A inline fuse


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More than the gauge get wire braided fom the smallest wire fiber you can. Only surface electrons conduct electricity.  IMHO, a single 2 gauge with 1000+ strands is vastly superior. Power will be cleaner (less non-music noise) and with a sub the conductors are their for those instantaneous needs of the sub when it needs to hit a really low note. Also I recommend going oxygen free wire.

 

[SHOdded]

Bigger ga wire + second battery can't hurt!  Battery = giant capacitor   If you have the stock-sized battery (650 CCA), I would definitely consider a second, trunk-mounted battery.  You can PM Lanson see what he thinks (haven't seen him around here much lately).

The alternator (2010-12) looks to be 150 amps (that's what's listed for lower trim levels), 175 amps with heated/cooled seats, and 200 amps with the SHO.  Not so clear on the 2013+ ...
http://allusedparts.com/ford/taurus/2010/alternator/

BTW, any updates from the dealer visit?

 

[jtoddk98]

Bigger ga wire + second battery can't hurt!  Battery = giant capacitor   If you have the stock-sized battery (650 CCA), I would definitely consider a second, trunk-mounted battery.  You can PM Lanson see what he thinks (haven't seen him around here much lately).

The alternator (2010-12) looks to be 150 amps (that's what's listed for lower trim levels), 175 amps with heated/cooled seats, and 200 amps with the SHO.  Not so clear on the 2013+ ...
http://allusedparts.com/ford/taurus/2010/alternator/

BTW, any updates from the dealer visit?

im going to try out my 8601 amp first, got a good deal on 2 sundown audio 10s. They are rated at 500w rms and the amp currently puts out 800 rms(400 per sub). If I got the 9601 amp, it would put out 1200w rms(600 per sub) don't know if it would be a huge difference. And about the dealer, I'm going back in the morning because the sunroof is still leaking and they managed to break the driver side window switch panel out of the door. They now have to put in a whole new door panel because the tab that the switches go into is broken.


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[SHOdded]

Ugh!  Hope they get it buttoned up properly on the next visit.

As far as batteries & alternators & capacitors go, here are a couple of articles that sum up what you want to do & why:
http://cartech.about.com/od/Power/fl/High-Output-Alternator-Car-Audio-Questions.htm
http://cartech.about.com/od/Car-Audio/f/Do-I-Need-An-Extra-Battery-For-My-High-End-Car-Audio-System.htm
http://cartech.about.com/od/Car-Audio/a/Car-Audio-Capacitors.htm

 

[jtoddk98]

Good reading! I wonder if I'll even notice the difference between 400 and 600 rms per sub. The new sundowns are rated at 500rms but sundown is famous for underrating.


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[Josephm]

Sundown under rates everything. I remember seeing the sa-8 on 1k watts and it still sohnding good. I had there saz-3000d and it was rated at 3k@1ohm and it clamped close to 3400 at 1 ohm and almost 4k at .5 ohm. Thing was a beast

 

[wasinger3000]

On my truck I used 1/0 gauge wire going to a dry cell battery I put behind the seat next to the amp. That's the correct way to supply a large amount of amps. But I was pulling a lot more than 39.

Try the larger wire first.

 

[jtoddk98]

Would I see a big difference between 400 and 600w per sub?


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[4DRHTRD]

Would I see a big difference between 400 and 600w per sub?


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Double your power, increase output by 3db = doubling of sound output.
50% increase would be 1.5db, big difference to your ears/sound pressure.

 

[jtoddk98]

Current consumption for the amp is 39A and the average current drawn at 1ohm is 7.5A. So wouldn't 6 ga wire work since it is rated at 55A. Also, I am only running 10.5Ft of cable, not much.


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[SHOdded]

What is the peak draw on the amp?  39A is continual, right?  If you have at least 10% headroom from the peak draw (using the chart above), you should be good.  Just use QUALITY wire & terminations.

In the owner's manual, it says max is 1,000W at 4 ohms.  12v*83A = 1,000W.  So your wire should handle 100A load to be safe & with good sound, from my understanding.  If I am correct, you would need at least 4 gauge wiring.

 

[jtoddk98]

What is the peak draw on the amp?  39A is continual, right?  If you have at least 10% headroom from the peak draw (using the chart above), you should be good.  Just use QUALITY wire & terminations.

In the owner's manual, it says max is 1,000W at 4 ohms.  12v*83A = 1,000W.  So your wire should handle 100A load to be safe & with good sound, from my understanding.  If I am correct, you would need at least 4 gauge wiring.

found a Rockford Fosgate Lightning audio 4ga kit on Amazon for $40 and prime shipping. Should I go for it? http://www.amazon.com/Lightning-Rockford-Fosgate-Amplifier-Installation/dp/B00PB4BEE6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1422458933&sr=8-4&keywords=4ga+amp+kit


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[SHOdded]

From the looks of it, and the reviews, powerwise you are good to go, hopefully they include everything specified in this kit.  The signal cable may not be the best, but you'll have to try it to see what you think.  In theory, twisted pair should take care of most hum/interference.  If the RCAs fit tightly onto the jacks, that is also a plus.

 

[jtoddk98]

From the looks of it, and the reviews, powerwise you are good to go, hopefully they include everything specified in this kit.  The signal cable may not be the best, but you'll have to try it to see what you think.  In theory, twisted pair should take care of most hum/interference.  If the RCAs fit tightly onto the jacks, that is also a plus.

i actually won't need any of the other stuff in the kit other then the power stuff. I already have a sub in my car, I am just upgrading.


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[ZSHO]

I have a couple cars of mine with audio upgrades,always recommend to add a noise filter,for noise suppression. http://www.amazon.com/BOSS-Audio-B25N-Ground-Isolator/dp/B000LP4RMG/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=157BXA8A8907P38QDTC0  and of couse as mentioned by SHOdded a capacitor is suitable to prolong the battery life,efficiency.