How many watts are you running on your factory electrical?

[02RedSoul]

I have an 02 SE and I'm getting ready to put in a 10" Type R. My current amp puts out 500w at 4Ohms and 900w at 2Ohms and I'm wondering which one I should send to sub since I know it can handle both. Now for my question "How much power are you guys running on your factory electrical setup and how does your car take it? What kind of dimming do you get and things like that? Thismean no big 3 done, no yellowtops, just factory wiring.

[theprodigy79]

Is this a Gen 1 / 1.5 exclusive question?

[02RedSoul]

I guess all Gen's. Just trying to get a good idea of how strong the factory electrical systems are.

[SolaraGuy22]

You're definitely going to have to do some upgrading. I have a yellow top and run into dimming. I have a 500/1 and 300/4 with upgraded 4 gauge ground wire as well. I also upgraded my alternator to the Highlander 130A.

I'm thinking I'll need a CAP eventually.

Good Luck

[theprodigy79]

The Gen 2 may have an upgraded alternator over the Gen 1 (and obviously the electrical system power/grounds are newer), but I used to run 1500+ Watts RMS (true continuous wattage, rated at only 12v, so in reality quite a bit more) on the stock alternator and an Autocraft Titanium (standard $60 battery) for quite a while without any issues. I later upgraded to an Odyssey Dry Cell battery, more because I wanted to than out of necessity, but I never touched the alternator or upgraded the grounds.

My system consisted of a Soundstream Rubicon 604 pushing more than 115Wx4 RMS @ 3Ohm and a Soundstream Class A 10.2 pushing more than 1000Wx1 RMS @ 1Ohm... All was wired with 0/1AWG cable and I had a 5 Farad capacitor wired in parallel with the amps. I emphasize the fact that the 1000W amp is a "PURE" CLASS A Amplifier! Meaning NOT power efficient!!!

IMHO, you should take the simplest route to find solutions... If you experience dimming lights and a lot of power drain go for an upgraded battery... If it still occurs, go for a grounding kit... If you still have issues, time for an alternator.

Just don't try to solve anything with a capacitor... That is not their purpose, just a nice "side effect"...

[Aotoyota]

I have a Gen2 with a stinger 1200 battery and running an Alpine PDX-4.150 (4x150) and a mono Alpine PDX-1.1000 (1000W rms)

[Aotoyota]

I have a Gen2 with a stinger 1200 battery and running an Alpine PDX-4.150 (4x150) and a mono Alpine PDX-1.1000 (1000W rms)

[theprodigy79]

Hey Aotoyota, how do you like your Alpine PDX series? I've been curious about them.

Sorry RedSoul, not trying to threadjack!

-James

[02RedSoul]

Hey Aotoyota, how do you like your Alpine PDX series? I've been curious about them.

Sorry RedSoul, not trying to threadjack!

-James

I was actually getting ready to ask the same question Prodigy. I love the fact that they have a smaller footprint just wish the prices were reasonable. I heard they are underrated also. Do tell Aotoyota....

[Aotoyota]

The PDX amps are very very effecient and sound great. I was using an older a/d/s amp before until I switched to the PDX line. Not only was it louder and cleaner but I had power to the motor again! power=spark=hp!

From what I am told, the PDX is about 90-95% efficient. my 4channel was rated out the box with 176w...

these are the last amps I ever buy!