Alright so I just picked up my new car, a 97 Grand Am with a 4 banger. I am going to stick in my system which consists of Clarion DPX1800 and Eclipse EA2000 amps. 1KWish total RMS, 120amp total fuses. I have an Optima Yellowtop that I am going to use for a battery. My question is, will this battery be alright as a starting battery with this system hooked up to it, and will I be alright using the factory 90amp alternator. I also have a capacitor, I know they don't do much, I just use it to see how low the voltage drops on impact.

On a site note, will I be better off with a run of 0 Gauge to a distro block or a run of 4 Gauge for the Clarion, and a run of 8/10 Gauge for the Eclipse?

 

According to my calculations, 1000W at 13.8V (assuming car running) is pulling 73A. Not running at 12V, you are pulling 83A.

Assuming you aren't constantly cranking it, you should be fine with your factory alt. I read somewhere that a car uses max around 35A or 40A just for its own systems.

You might experience some light dimming as you are drawing more amperage than your alt can deliver.

As for the yellow top, it is a deep cycling, quick discharge battery. It will be fine for starting.

Most people on the board will tell you that caps do nothing. Under heavy load, the caps discharge and become a burden on your electrical system rather than helping. I myself haven't used a cap in a long time and haven't seen a difference.

I would run 0 gauge to the back, that way if you upgrade later, you already have sufficient wire run to push more power.