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Alternator power

S

Susquatch

New member
Hello everyone, I've just recently become a proud owner of a 2007 grandprix sedan. Im lovin it....This is also my very first post.
I had a Chevy Cavalier previously and upgraded my alternator for my stereo system, from 80 A to approx double the power. Does anyone know what the output is on a stock 07 Grand Prix (sedan) alternator? Depending on the Amps I might not not need to upgrade, my sub amplifier probably draws about 500-600 watts.
 


I really wouldnt waste the money buying a higher output alternator if your amp isnt rated that high... I think my amp is rated at 1200 watts (of course it probably never pulls even close to that much), and im fine. I had a 2000 cavalier and had 2 15" kicker solobarics and a 1200 watt mtx amp running off the stock alternator with no issues. You will probably notice the very slight diming of the headlights from time to time when your sitting at a light or parked, but you should be fine. If your that concerned, you can just pick up a cheap capacitor. Just my 2 cents anyways.
 
Using google, I saw 105 repeatedly, but that doesn't mean that that's definitely the size. Should you decide to upgrade your alternator, it definitely wouldn't hurt, as it would be great insurance for the future. As far as a capacitor, it's pretty much a waste of time. The best way to know if you need to upgrade is to grab yourself a voltmeter... Stinger brand voltmeters are very popular. I highly recommend connecting it to the amplifier and not the battery so that you can see what your amp is receiving voltage-wise. If you're dropping to 12 volts or below, it's time to upgrade some stuff. If staying above 12, most people don't worry, although some (like myself) get bothered by anything under 13 volts. However, I seriously doubt that a 600 watt substage is putting an excessive strain on your electrical system.
 
I have a Cap already, I think its a must. I was putting way too much strain on my stock alternator in my 99 Cavalier(it was also starting to whine, it was old)and the lights were dimming too much. I upgraded my Cav. alternator and it was benched up to about 160 amps. Funny enough the lights still flickered a little bit after the upgrade. Not sure how SHART had no issues pushing that much power with only a stock 80 amp alternator?
Im going to get my stereo installed at a shop this time, I'll see how it goes without upgrading the alternator. Im going to do my best to prevent flickering this time. Its bothers the crap out of me.
Thanks to all of you for all of your replies. Very quick!
 
Well i did have a capacitor when i ran that set up on my cavalier... you want to talk about bass... that was crazy.
 


I have a 2001 gtp... got it about 3 months ago... loving it so far.. I had a Mazda 6 before that was 5x more in cost and I'd pick the gtp over that any day.
 
Right on! I appreciate the quality and the sportiness of some of the imports, but I like the looks and feel of GM and other domestics more. I've wanted a Pontiac for a long time, they have a signature look that works for many different types of vehicles. Very sharp and aggressive, especially the Grand Prix's.....The supercharger must be nice, have you done any aftermarket stuff to the car?
 
A cap is a waste of time because it is a BIGGER DRAW on the alternator. It is a second battery that the alternator has to charge. When people who compete in high end audio competitions don't even use caps that should tell you something.
 
The Cap stays charged so I cant see that much draw on the alternator, since its a battery, it can hold its own charge. High end audio users most likely (or should) have a seperate battery altogether, so theres no need to worry about messin around with standard operations power. Even with a larger battery I have a hard time seeing large output amps and subs hooked onto a battery without anything in between. A Bass Cap also improves sound quality, not a whole lot but a bit.
 


Susquatch said:
I have a Cap already, I think its a must. I was putting way too much strain on my stock alternator in my 99 Cavalier(it was also starting to whine, it was old)and the lights were dimming too much. I upgraded my Cav. alternator and it was benched up to about 160 amps. Funny enough the lights still flickered a little bit after the upgrade. Not sure how SHART had no issues pushing that much power with only a stock 80 amp alternator?
Im going to get my stereo installed at a shop this time, I'll see how it goes without upgrading the alternator. Im going to do my best to prevent flickering this time. Its bothers the crap out of me.
Thanks to all of you for all of your replies. Very quick!
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your ground where crap.....
lets talk caps. @MidWestSPL finals the only vehicles that had them where the SQ guys, they just have them for looks.
personally i have never ran a cap and never will on any of my vehicles
so if i was you i'd sell the cap to some tool and have a free meal....
 
Susquatch said:
The Cap stays charged so I cant see that much draw on the alternator, since its a battery, it can hold its own charge. High end audio users most likely (or should) have a seperate battery altogether, so theres no need to worry about messin around with standard operations power. Even with a larger battery I have a hard time seeing large output amps and subs hooked onto a battery without anything in between. A Bass Cap also improves sound quality, not a whole lot but a bit.
Click to expand...

You have no idea how a charging system works.
 
I run an Optima red top in my car with upgraded audio and a stock alternator with zero problem friend. So i believe you should be fine without a cap.
 
Caps are good for adding points of failure to an audio system and dirtying up your ground. Aside from that, I've been unable to find a use outside of giving you a heart murmur when you accidentally touch both ends.
 


Caps do more harm than good... It just suckers the noobs in car stereo into buying one!!

Doin the big 3 will in most cases be enough for a decent daily set up. When u add more amps/watts you will need xtra bats and a HO alt...
 
Ha Ha Ha, "Stealthee", I have to agree, I dont know how a charging system works. Sometimes people tell you bogus stuff about stereo equipement. I find it quite crazy how everyone tells me (friends, car audio shops etc.) that a Cap is more efficient and helps with sound quality, yet I come onto this forum and 99% of the time you guys tell me they are a waste of time. Im very thankful for everyones input. Im going to look into the big three upgrade and also upgrade my alternator. Ill try that without a Cap. Funny enough, all of the equipment I have, was installed professionally (Sub, amp, cap, wiring and all).
Everything in my Grand Prix is still stock and I have everything sitting out and ready to go. I'll try a different approach this time.
 
Thats true. I'll leave it out and see how it goes. What do you think about the battery? upgrade as well?

Also....Would anyone happen to know if its possible to be able to use the stock front component speakers ('07 grand prix) with an after market deck?
 
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