I did some searching and reading but couldn't find what I am looking for. I am looking to add an amp or two for subs. At what amp size do you recommend upgrading the alternator? 500w, 1000w, 2000w? And, if I use a cap, does that change the need for a different alternator?

I really don't have any additional mods done to the car. The only thing added is an Escort Passport 9500ix.

 

I started selling of things i kept in my RX-8 2008. Only problem i had were to fit the 2x 12" in the trunk. But i built the subwoofer box inside the trunk.

such as
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...#ht_964wt_1167

So you can install it like a real navigation system for the Mazda's

Also i used a 2000watt rockford fosgate amp.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_812wt_1139

And 2x 12" rockford fosgate subs with it..

The grill i had for em are here.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...#ht_500wt_1154

 

I just installed the Pioneer AVH-3200BT with a 900 watt Kicker zx.750 amp, and 2 kicker 12" CVR's..With the custom RX8 subwoofer box on ebay. Kept the bose amp and speakers. THIS SYSTEM ROCKS! Oh and I added a 2 farand Cap which seemed to help a little

 

Stock alternator is 100A I believe.

 

thanks for the info.

adamci24, are you noticing any dimming with heavy loads?

 

No I havn't noticed any dimming yet. I used to have an Altima with 100A alternator, with a similar setup and the lights dimmed. The RX8 doesn't. Also, if you get the molded box for like $120 of ebay, it fits so perfectly in the back there is no air space, so the bass is so smooth and give zero rattle. I can crank this setup so loud it hurts and it sounds great inside and outside the car.

 

It not so much how many watts the alternator can take, as much as it is how many AMPS. (As in amperage, not amplifier). Class D amplifiers are far more efficient than class A, B, or A/B.

 

Well, if you are talking about the output of the amp, I do agree with that as the watts output of the amplifier generally doesn't match that of the fused rating. But, for an average, it will be more than enough than what I am looking for. It's easier than asking owners what size of fuses are in their amp.

As far as amps and watts, it doesn't matter which one you are working with, or a combonation of both. Watts = Amps x Volts & Amps = Watts / Volts

 

I have a 10inch kicker l5 with a 750watt kicker amp(dont remember the modle) and a cap, but my interior doome and reading lights dim, and when the car is at a stop light and the music i at around 20 and the sub turned alll the way up my RPM flickers lightly and i can for sure tell the diffreance in the cars performance, also if i turn it all the way up and turn my steering wheel everything in my car dies for a sec and my wheel jerks like crazy...

im sure i need a bigger alternator, where can i get one?

 

Ahhh but it does. In the discussion at hand, we need to look at amplifier efficiency. Having a 1000WRMS class A/B amplifier and a 1000WRMS class D amplifier is a night and day difference regarding electrical load. So although you're spot on with your Ohm's Law, it doesn't give us the whole picture we need for this discussion.

 

Thanks. I have been lookinng at the Alpine class D amps. That is probably the direction I am headed.