hey was curious I have a 2005 cavalier and the only alternator I can find for it is 180amp for $375 and it'd be nice to get a 200amp. I bought a MA Audio HK1998 and a Pioneer GM-6200F to power my system now and now am scared to install it all because with a calculation I did off a website the current draw would be 178.58. I am currently running a bazooka 500.1 on my two 12" subs and noticed once in awhile I get the dreaded headlight dim. Any idea's of what I should do would be greatly appreciated. attached is my system I'm going to install but am afraid rightnow to install it (its all sitting in my room waiting to be installed)

 

You know, taking in consideration the amps you are running, you probably don't need an alternator bigger than 120 amps. The trick is to go to a shop, where they check your alternator performance for free. They will connect a device, which reads out the voltage, and will ask you to turn everything on. Or you can just try it with your system blaring, and look at the voltage drops. Chances are you are ok with smaller alt. Hope that helped a little.

 

I run A LOT more power than that on a 140 amp alt. with 3F cap.
Like he said ^ the trick is oversized wire and good Grounding to prevent voltage dropping.

 

For your system you dont need an extra alternator at all, you'll be FINE with 1/0 wire and the Big 3 upgrade.

 

you have a pm

 

sorry i didnt notice where you are from but if you go to kitchener to highland starter and alternator you can get the cavalier alternator sized up to 200 amp i believe for 150 thats what i did

 

lol never been over to ontario so I cant say the trip would be worth $150excessiveamperage.com has quoted me $315 for a custom built 200amp but I think I'm going to do the big 3 before I do this, i always thought the bazooka 500.1 was drawing too much power because it makes my headlights dim

 

ya i got a 200 amp alternator last year for my saturn from excessive amperage and the housing bracket was too small, lucky they still took it back after a year to make it fit. I am just awaiting for return after it arrives with Nathan.