1996 Grand Am Amp Question

[piko54]

I am having a local store professionally install my system(basically because I am lazy and my friend works there). I was wondering if anybody knows what the OEM alternator rating is because he mentioned needing a new one installed if the lights dimmed. I am running roughly 1000watts RMS. Since it is not connected, I am not sure if the headlights dim. Just am curious what the standard alternator rating is in the 96 and if that should be enough to run the 1000watts RMS. Thanks

[matts]

the odds of your lights dimming are pretty good. this is a shot in the dark because i really dont know, but im going to say the factory alt. is running 95amps. i wouldn't necessarily run out and buy a new altenator just because my lights were dimming. before you do that.......

1.) how big is your battery? too small of a battery and the biggest altenator you can squeeze under there won't help much

2.) run a big piece of power wire from your altenator to your battery. that'll let a little more juice flow to the battery, and you can just leave your factory wire alone and just add the extra piece.

3.) add a bigger ground cable from the battery to the chassis/engine block.

4.) since your friend works there. if your lights aren't dimming very bad throw a capacitor on there and see if that helps any. this of course after you put on the fat piece of power wire from alt to bat. sometimes if you're lights arent dimming very bad the little bit of energy the cap is going to store will keep the lights from dimming......unless you keep it cranked all the time.

5.) then after you've done all that then look into getting a bigger altenator. probably going to need one fairly quick anyway if it's the factory one. it's starting to get old, then you're going to be putting a load on it. so better start saving your pennies