The headlights dimming is an indication your charging system is not adequate.
Most factory car alternators are 35-60A current supply.
Add up the fuse rating of your amplifiers. You will find an approximate current draw. If you are anywhere NEAR the output of your alternator - you have to remember the vehicle accessories are also drawing current... putting you over the alternators rated output.
Since the headlights are dimming - you have already damaged your alternator - and it is only going to get worse. A bandaid many shops will try and sell you is a capacitor. It is "recommended" to have 1 Farad for every 1000W.
This will only prolong the life of your alternator - because music plays in transients - and often bass notes are longer than the few seconds it takes the capacitor to discharge - and you're back to running off the alternator again.
Another recommended quick fix is to add batteries. However what this does is discharge its stored energy, and makes the alternator work HARDER to charge them back up - as they do not charge as fast as the capacitor would. A battery bank should be utilized only if you plan on running the system with the vehicle off for any length of time.
Your only CURE for this dimming is to increase the output of your alternator. And that can come in the form of rebuilding the one in your vehicle... and adding about 20A or so.... purchasing an OEM direct fit re-build from a company like Ohio Generator - which put out approximately 140-180A, or modifying your mount and belt to accomodate a larger (or second) aftermarket alternator capable of over 210A.
Answers & Comments
The headlights dimming is an indication your charging system is not adequate.
Most factory car alternators are 35-60A current supply.
Add up the fuse rating of your amplifiers.
You will find an approximate current draw.
If you are anywhere NEAR the output of your alternator - you have to remember the vehicle accessories are also drawing current... putting you over the alternators rated output.
Since the headlights are dimming - you have already damaged your alternator - and it is only going to get worse. A bandaid many shops will try and sell you is a capacitor. It is "recommended" to have 1 Farad for every 1000W.
This will only prolong the life of your alternator - because music plays in transients - and often bass notes are longer than the few seconds it takes the capacitor to discharge - and you're back to running off the alternator again.
Another recommended quick fix is to add batteries. However what this does is discharge its stored energy, and makes the alternator work HARDER to charge them back up - as they do not charge as fast as the capacitor would. A battery bank should be utilized only if you plan on running the system with the vehicle off for any length of time.
Your only CURE for this dimming is to increase the output of your alternator. And that can come in the form of rebuilding the one in your vehicle... and adding about 20A or so.... purchasing an OEM direct fit re-build from a company like Ohio Generator - which put out approximately 140-180A, or modifying your mount and belt to accomodate a larger (or second) aftermarket alternator capable of over 210A.
Thanks for using FixYa!!