Need More Power

[ICUBYE]

Hello,

OK my problem.

I have just installed a system in my VS Calais 5.0litre. This is what im running
Pioneer DEH-8450 Head Unit
Pioneer CD-IB100-II iPod Adapter
Blaupunkt VPc-172 6.5" Splits (Velocity Comp Series 120WRMS front and rear)
Pioneer TS-W306C 12" SubWoofer (400WRMS, Each in a sealed box)
Blaupunkt VPA-4120 AMP (Velocity Comp Series 4 x 125WRMS running splits)
Response Precision AMP (4 x 130WRMS / 2 x 380WRMS Bridged running subs)
Power Acoustik 4 Farad Capacitor

Im getting massive power drain, when im pumping the system, the capacitor shows the voltage at 10V.

i think my alternator isn;t working right cos the voltage is as 13.3v when the system is turned off.

also im thinking about adding in a second battery for the system to run off, is this a good idea? if so how would i go about this? how exactly would i connect it?

if i do need a new alternator can i get a recommendation of what to get, obviously something that puts out more amps than a stock alternator for a VS V8 Calais.

any input on this would be awesome...

Cheers

[semi]

yep, alt sounds broke, shoule be 14V or more. Bosch make some high current ones, but if oyu're short on funds a standard 2nd hand one would be better than the current one

[ICUBYE]

any idea on the models of the bosch higher current alternators that fit a VS Calais V8??
I did enquire about the bosch alternators and i was told there was only 1 for my car.

I have a few friends that work for bosch so employee discount, hence all the blaupunkt stuff in my car, picked it up for $600 worth almost $1800.

[Tasmaniak]

Find a wrecked cop car, they have HO alternators.

[ICUBYE]

HO alternators?

[lieos]

HO = high output

[Brycestro]

your also in luck with the 5 litre. I believe you can get significantly higher output alternators for V8's compared to V6's.

Personally i'd probably sell the capacitor as there is a general consensus that they are WAY overrated (i.e. don't really do sh*t). For your system i reckon an alternator upgrade first, if having any power issues after that upgrade then check and upgrade all your grounding (i.e. make sure all grounding wires for amps etc are sufficient size - at least same size as power wire. then run another run of 4 gauge or 0 gauge cable from battery negative to chassis ground). If your still getting problems, then i'd upgrade your battery to an Odyssey, Optima, Orbital or Kinetik (if they're in the country by the time you do it). Let us know how it all goes.