lights dimming w/ just HU and speakers, what to do

[Arctc Wolf]

I just upgraded my sound system finally from the stock 100 watt. I have 2 pairs of kenwood 1789 ie's run by a Panasonic CQ-C9700U. The Hu is rated at 26 wats rms, 60 peak. The speakers rated at 55 watts rms and 220 peak watts. When I have it turned up all the way, my lights dim when the bass hits. What should I look intoto keep more power going to all my electrical components. I know things that may help would be a grounding kit, higher output alternator, and in the extreme case, another battery. SOmething I don't know about would be a capacitor. COuld a capacitor be wired into my system and would it actually make a difference? Anything else I have missed that could work?

[dmw319]

upgrade the big 3
http://forum.sounddomain.com/forum/u...c;f=5;t=007801

also, get a high output alternator:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW

i dont think you can use a capacitor unless youve got some subs set-up, but i could be wrong.

[96firebird311]

Under normal conditions, you should have no dimming without an amplifier of some kind. That headunit isin't drawing but about 2 amps more then the stock headunit would. Something is a miss.

[Arctc Wolf]

I also have upgraded driving lights and MSD-DIS-4 and MSD coil packs. Would these combined with the stereo do it?

[IMTHEPUNISHER]

WHOA MAMMA!! Here's the best "Head's Up" you're gonna' get, Buddy...get yourself a LOAD BOSS alternator!! Immediately!! I got one, had it installed 4 awhile now (same as stock, size, bolts, etc.) , an' it's the doper. Thing is rated at 180A ("Police Package"), as opposed to the limp-wristed 105A, that came stock. A Capacitor WON'T fix your problem, however it's never a "bad idea" 2 have one anyway. It'll help "clean up" your sound, and keep the loads on the system lighter, in general. But, especially with the MSD's...lights..all O' that nonsense...Alternator's probably your way 2 go. Trust me bro, U could run the damn SPACE SHUTTLE w/ this alternator! Honestly, I think it only ended up bein' like $175 or so w/ shipping, as opposed to $200+ -$400 for a "custom built" unit. U should jus' B able 2 search on EBay, etc. 4 them...but if U end up havin' no luck, I can give U their (800)#.

[ May 12, 2005, 01:44 AM: Message edited by: IMTHEPUNISHER ]

[IMTHEPUNISHER]

P.S. Also make double sure all O' your body grounds R nice an' clean. I use the Acid/Leak Detector-cleaner in a spray can...U can get it at WalMart, etc. Might jus' wanna' take 'em apart an' clean 'em up, anyway...like I did ;) I'm currently runnin' an Optima "Red Top" battery, also...that one's probably "overkill"...but, hey..."F" It. 'Bout the "Alternator Situation", I smoked the diodes outta' a BRAND NEW stock one...I'm seriously surprised U haven't, by now. I also use a Goodyear "GatorBack" belt...jus' 2 keep things spinnin' proper.

[Arctc Wolf]

I know for sure I'm gonna get a new battery because mine's over 4 years old now. IMTHEPUNISHER, do you have a website that I can look at for the alternator? I don't need a new belt yet becuse I replaced my old one when I got the electirc wp since it doesn't need a belt nemore.I might end up making my own grounding kit for the car in the future once I get a general idea what I will want and need.

[IMTHEPUNISHER]

Not sure if they have an actual page. I found mine on EBay, but it was brand new. Might just have to search. Here's their #: (800) 607-0016. They offer a 4-gauge wire kit with it, for an extra $25...I think is how much it was. It's pretty much a "necessity", though. By the way...watch your "abreviations"...there are Nazi's on the prowl, that'll accuse you of "typing Ebonics" ;)

[96firebird311]

$25!??! For 3-4 foot of 4g wire? Go to www.knukonceptz.com and pick out any color you want. Snag a pair of ring terminals to clamp on the ends and BAM! Money saved.

[CAMAROWIDBASS]

check your ground on your new radio, NEVER use the stock ground with an aftermarket radio.

-CWB