what is the "Big Three"?
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 66
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From: Saint Peter Minnesota
what is the "Big Three"?
I'm ignorant and looking to learn. What is the "Big Three"? What will it do for me? Currently having an install of JL 450/4 and 500.1, Diamond D9's, D6's and a JL Stealthbox, Eclipse 7100, Viper 5002 security. Will the "Big Three" eliminate the need for a upgraded alternator, battery...? Thank you.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 193
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From: Pembroke Pines Fl
The big 3 -
Additional wire (typically 4 ga)
Alternator to ground
Battery to ground
Alternator to Battery
Are you experiencing noticable signs of inadequate power such as lights dimming while you are playing the system? I am running very close to same system now without a problem. This may solve your issue though if so. At the very least your battery will charge with a greater efficiency.
Additional wire (typically 4 ga)
Alternator to ground
Battery to ground
Alternator to Battery
Are you experiencing noticable signs of inadequate power such as lights dimming while you are playing the system? I am running very close to same system now without a problem. This may solve your issue though if so. At the very least your battery will charge with a greater efficiency.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,995
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
St. Jude Donor '08
The big 3 upgrade is an inexpensive and simple upgrade that i reccomend for any system that runs over 300W total power. Since the stock charging cable is what appears to be an 8gauge thick stranded wire, it's capacity is in the neighborood of about 100amps. The stock alternator puts out up to 110 amps (if it's a french made valeo) or 140 amps (if it's mexican made) this means that the stock power wire simply can't carry the amount of current the alternator can generate. The addition of a audio grade 4 awg or larger wire significantly increases the current that can be moved and decreases the voltage strain needed to push the electricity through the thin 8 awg wire.
based on your system needs, your peak amperage draw should be 80 amps. (950 peak watts / 12volts = ~80amps) Keep in mind you will probably never get to your peak draw because the both amps will never need to push their absolute peak at the same time. Your gain settings and volume control regulate the power your system will use. If you have your gains set at half, you amps will only push to half their max power output. The average daily driver (not the crazy kid driver) usually has their stereo running between 20-40% peak volume most of the time. This means that you're only using 16-32 amps of power just crusing.
based on your system needs, your peak amperage draw should be 80 amps. (950 peak watts / 12volts = ~80amps) Keep in mind you will probably never get to your peak draw because the both amps will never need to push their absolute peak at the same time. Your gain settings and volume control regulate the power your system will use. If you have your gains set at half, you amps will only push to half their max power output. The average daily driver (not the crazy kid driver) usually has their stereo running between 20-40% peak volume most of the time. This means that you're only using 16-32 amps of power just crusing.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Redsox, Pats, Celts & Bruins !!! Redsox Nation !!!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Very simple install. I did it while I did the system install. I purchased a 20 foot roll of 4 gauge wire from knuconceptz.com. Along with a 150amp fuse and some ring terminals. I wrapped all the blue wire in black loom, you would never know it was there until I showed you.
Now with the system up as loud as I can stand it (which is loud, I am deaf) The voltage never drops below 13.6 I am running 1700 watts of total power at a 3/4 gain setting.
Now with the system up as loud as I can stand it (which is loud, I am deaf) The voltage never drops below 13.6 I am running 1700 watts of total power at a 3/4 gain setting.
