Basically, how much power (in wattage, RMS and Max) can the stock battery/alternator produce? Who has put in higher powered systems and how high can it go before you get dimming lights and longevity issues?

I'm planning a system between 400W RMS and 700W RMS, 1100 W Peak and 1400 W peak - should I look into upgrading battery, alternator, adding a capacitor... or nothing?

Thanks in advance for replies, I couldn't find an answer through searching.



Leaning towards:
http://www.jbl.com/car/products/prod...at=SUB&ser=POS

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http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...&lang=en&tab=D

Haven't picked a HU yet.

 

And is their anything wrong with mounting a sub so it's face is pointing upwards? Ex. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ight=subwoofer

 

Subwoofers can face any direction you want. Whatever fits with your design or layout. Heck, mount it in the roof!

I'm currently running about 700+ W split between two amps and the headunit. I don't have any extra added but I do drain my small racing Braille battery in as little as about 10-15 minutes. If I need my music I run the engine. I don't think your power needs are that bad.

Battery upgrade- You can run a braille battery which is small in size with extra power. Tirerack.com sells- (http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/.../batteries.jsp)
21 lb battery $171 each 1380 pulse cranking amps
15 lb battery $152 each 1067 pulse cranking amps
11.5 lb battery $143 each 1067 pulse cranking amps (the one I use)
Check Optima batteries for options

Alternator upgrade- usually not needed
Cap- some people do add it

 

It depends on the year and model for stock alternators, but the spec sheet for an 05 MC: 120A/1680W and an 05MCS: 105A/1470W

You can search over at motoringfile for specifications and find spec sheets for other years pretty easily. Your setup would determine the draw though.

I don't know enough to make recommendations there, but I'd say caping a 12" sub is always a good idea.