Boomin Stereo Kills Vette?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 183
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From: ca
Boomin Stereo Kills Vette?
Not sure what the problem is? Apparently if I run the car with the stereo loudly at idle the car wants to stall. Not sure what cuases this? Do i need a more powerfull altenator? Bad regulator? I have had a few issue with my altenator recently. It wasnt charging so I had it rebuilt, now charges fine but now I encounter this. Perhaps its it too much load? Any help is appreciated. BTW, its a 1980 vette with 1985 vette altenator, idle @ 850rpm.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Illinois, USA
What is the voltage across the battery when this thing is in a "near stall" condition? If the voltage gets too low, you'll have inadequate spark and that can lead to missing.
Load in the alternator could increase the drag it creates on the engine, but I don't suspect that it would stall it out (unless the A/C kicked on at the same time, further loading the engine)
Is this an auto? If so, are you in drive when this problem occurs, or neutral?
My first guess is you're seeing an undervolt situation, an that doesn't necessarily have to mean a bad alternator or regulator -- they don't put out 100 amps at idle, after all.
Brian.
Load in the alternator could increase the drag it creates on the engine, but I don't suspect that it would stall it out (unless the A/C kicked on at the same time, further loading the engine)
Is this an auto? If so, are you in drive when this problem occurs, or neutral?
My first guess is you're seeing an undervolt situation, an that doesn't necessarily have to mean a bad alternator or regulator -- they don't put out 100 amps at idle, after all.
Brian.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
A large capacitor and or a larger battery to manage the load from the amp could help. Maybe raise the idle a little bit as well. Most GM alternators don't have much output at 850. It also couldn't hurt to upgrade the alternator output wire to the battery. I can't remember the size of the factory one but I know I upgraded mine to 8 gauge when I did the LT1 swap.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
Originally Posted by ferndog4
Apparently if I run the car with the stereo loudly at idle the car wants to stall.
I have heard of guys replacing thier alternator pulley with a smaller one to get the alternator to spin faster.
Some automotive electrical shops can upgrade your alt for more power at less RPM. I have also heard of kits you can buy to do this yourself.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 1
From: Boxford Mass
I had a problem where my amp was cutting due to an under charge condition. I replaced my alt with a 100amp unit and that cured my problem.
Do you know how much power the stereo is drawing? I'm guessing its an aftermarket setup.
Do you know how much power the stereo is drawing? I'm guessing its an aftermarket setup.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
I agree with what was said....the alternator can't keep up with the stereo's usage. Update to a 100 amp unit and your problems are over...in fact there is a thread about updating the alternator...can buy a new one or get the kit and do it yourself.
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
I'm guessing that you have a big subwoofer or 2 in you system and when you say playing 'loud' you have enough bass to be heard blocks away. 
You probably need to add at least 1 1-Farad capacitor to the electrical system. Loud low frequency impulses draw tremendous amounts of power from the amplifier and the capacitor will provide extra power to help even out the peaks. You probably need a higher power alternator also.
Rick B.
You probably need to add at least 1 1-Farad capacitor to the electrical system. Loud low frequency impulses draw tremendous amounts of power from the amplifier and the capacitor will provide extra power to help even out the peaks. You probably need a higher power alternator also.Rick B.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 183
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From: ca
Trust me I love to hear my dual 2.5 exhuast and my solid cam clatter away but when on a busy freeway your hearing all the other cars/trucks too. So in comes the stereo, I never thougt it was too loud, just a tiny, single 8" JL Audio sub and some component speakers, and two amps two support them.
Now when comming to a stop on the freeway cuz of traffic the last thing i need is the car stalling out. Way embarassing. Justifies why the Tree Huggers want to get rid of old cars in california. I think i will try the capacitor, $40 on ebay and look into higher output Alt, and increasing my idle, in otherwords, all the above.
thanks!
Now when comming to a stop on the freeway cuz of traffic the last thing i need is the car stalling out. Way embarassing. Justifies why the Tree Huggers want to get rid of old cars in california. I think i will try the capacitor, $40 on ebay and look into higher output Alt, and increasing my idle, in otherwords, all the above.
thanks!
