There alot of talk about the big three but not much about what it actually does or why it can help your system or why it would hurt you if you dont do it, plus when is it actually needed. I have 4 speakers with 40 watts rms right now and i didnt do the big three, is it damaging my alternator or something. This summer im gett 2 subs and another amp with all of that i would need to upgrade when i do that right.
Not needed unless you're running a strong sub system.
I'm not running a high watt system, I have an Optima Yellowtop and just recently did the big 3 and my gauges inside the car still dim when the bass hits hard and my headlights still dim slightly.
__________________
Bagged 1995 Toyota Camry LE I4 92k
1999 Lexus SC400 153k
will a bigger battery fix the dimming lights or do you really need a new alternator, ive seen setups where they have a battery int he trunk that i assume runs the subs, but how do they charge that abttery, run a wire from the alternator? is tha theyir only battery, they just dont have one under the hood?
Last edited by Bruce Campbell; 11-20-2005 at 03:31 PM.
I'm not running a high watt system, I have an Optima Yellowtop and just recently did the big 3 and my gauges inside the car still dim when the bass hits hard and my headlights still dim slightly.
The big 3 is not a fix all. It is basically opening up the floodgates to allow more power(if you know what I mean)
The only way to get more available power is through a stronger Alternator.
A second battery is good for if you like to listen to the system with the engine off. It won't help with dimming, in fact it might cause more dimming because now your alternator has to charge another battery.
The best thing you can do is get a stronger alternator, do the big 3 and get a battery with a high CCA. The Optima Red Top will probably help stop dimming more than a yellowtop will, but the Yellowtop will be better for the person that likes to listen with the engine off.
I prefer the oddysey PC1700MJT or the stronger 2150, but not everyone can fit these things. Luckily I can
will a bigger battery fix the dimming lights or do you really need a new alternator, ive seen setups where they have a battery int he trunk that i assume runs the subs, but how do they charge that abttery, run a wire from the alternator? is tha theyir only battery, they just dont have one under the hood?
A bigger battery can help a little. Read my above post on the second battery.
What vehicle do you have btw? I might know of a cheap solution for you.
man im retarded i didnt even see your post above me, i need a break from school my brain is fried. I have a 94 camryright now i only have a pioneer hu and a 40 rms X 4 alpine amp powering my 4 alpine x-tyoe coaxials, and i have no problems with dimming. but im adding what i hope to be 2 12" ed subs and either an ed NINe.1 or a NINe.2x amp and im just wonding if that would give me problems with dimming and what i am going to have to do about it when it does
sweet so do i just go to like a junkyard and find one or can i buy it online or something, and would that be an easy swap install or would i have to ahve it done, and what do you mean by cheap?, i guess i have an 80 amp alternator right now, i was looking at highlander v6 4wd alternators online and they hadd 100 and 130 amp ones i assume thats what your were talking about, those would fit into my car, and do you think my system would over draw 80 amps, i guses the only way to find out is by hooking it up and seeing but would you ahve a ball park of how much it would be with the specs i told you
Last edited by Bruce Campbell; 11-20-2005 at 07:24 PM.
Yeah the '94 Camry V6 is the same engine(basically) as a highlander. It should bolt right in, there's a thread about it, search the Camry section for the keyword Highlander. You can probably get a remanufactured one from your local parts store. They will ask for yours as a core, but you can keep it and pay the difference.
A highlander with the right 130 amp alternator is probably going to be a tough find, I;d rec a auto parts store, or maybe a business that specializes in alternator's and starters.
I'm not sure the price but probably under a 100 with core exchange, call around.
A H.O. Alternator is going to cost at least 250-275 bucks.
I think the 130 amp alt should be enough for your planned system.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
