must i upgrade my alternator?

[pwgus]

I have an aspire with a stock alternator, and I just installed a 1500w peak boss gt amp. When I run it dims the lights on the really hard beats, am I gonna ruin my alternator from strain or will I be ok?

[crazyrog17]

Yeah, your alternator wasn't designed for that.

If you're serious about the longevity of your system, a new alternator, new battery, new battery cables and engine ground strap as well as a decent capacitor are needed.

[JoDan]

Well if anything a capacitor will take care of the lights dimming

[eurotiva]

That might be why your car won't go 150 mph IMO.

[pwgus]

Lol 110 and I didn't have the sub till today. Also ya I wondered if a cap would be enuf. I was thinking I might use an old bell system pbx power supply filter cap I got that's rated for like 150k mfd.

[Festiva Time]

You need to upgrade your alternator output (B+) wiring to 4Ga. Stereo Power wire with an inline fuse holder, directly to the battery. A stereo cap will help with momentary dips in battery voltage.

[Damkid]

^^I'm guessing he knows how to install a stereo system.... I agree a capacitor will help for sure, it may not fully cure the dimming lights though, if it still dims too badly after you install a capacitor, then I would say a bigger alt would be needed

[pwgus]

Had to sell the damn car anyways....bloody DOT took my license for 2 years....now it looks like I'm going to be good friends with public transit for a minute.