I’m getting ready to put in a aftermarket sound system with factory head unit. I have a jbl 1000 watt 4 channel 400 rms amp to my 2 jbl 6x9s and 2 jbl 6 1/2s. At 4 ohms I’ll have 70 watts going to each speaker. I’m now concerned that the amps needed to power my amp will be to much for my factory alternator. Should I be concerned about my alternator not being able to power everything without dimming the lights? I’d really like to stay away from doing the big 3 upgrade. Thanks

 

Absolutely not, stock alt is more than adequate. And you do not need to do the big three either. I run 3500 watts on a stock alt and zero voltage drop at the rear of truck even when I am pushing the system hard. No dimming lights, nothing. Just make sure to run ground all the way from the amp directly to the battery and replace your factory ground and main battery to factory distribution block lead.

https://imgur.com/a/4HFzSfy

 

I was planning on running my ground wire back to the battery however, I would use 4gauge cca as my ground. I have knuconcept 4 gauge ofc amp kit but the ground wire that comes with it is only 2ft so, I would have to use 4 gauge cca wire because that’s what I got.

 

You’ll be fine. That’s not a 1000w amplifier. That’s a 280W amplifier at 4ohms. At 12V nominal, you’re pulling under 30 amps to feed it. Talking about an alternator upgrade or big 3 for a budget level amplifier is like talking about a built transmission to support the horsepower gain from a CAI. No upgrade needed.

 

Use the seat mounting bolt for ground. Your grounding point should be within 12” of the amp.

 

I am wanting to run 3200watt amp with (4) 8in 4ohm/ 700watt subs. Will I need anything extra or will the factory truck alternator be fine?