2006 GT - Stock Alternator Headroom?

[112 dB]

Long story short - I used to be an installer and I had a nice Sound Quality competition system in my old car. After 13 years I finally bought a new car two weeks ago (2006 Legacy GT Sedan). Love the car, hate the stereo. I've been out of the install business for about 8 years now so I'm at a bit of a loss when it comes to advancements and events in that arena.

 

My question is - how much headroom does the Stock Alternator have - i.e. under normal operating circumstances how much current can you expect to use for a sound system before you start to strain the stock alternator?

 

I'm planning on a small system - either 2 RF Punch 45 (new 25 to life series) or finding an old 60ix to compliment a 40i I've had in mothballs since I bought it. Either way, the system should have about 400 w and draw about 28 amps. (400w/14.4v)

 

Of course, music is dynamic and the current draw will also vary, so it's a little bit harder to tell how the amps will affect the car's electrical system. I plan to use at least 1 farad of capacitance as part of the install.

 

Does anyone have experience or advice on how much strain you can put on the stock alternator? Sorry for the long post - it's my first one, I signed up today and am really excited by the expertise and courtesy I see in the other posts.

[msmith]

I have 850W in mine...No problems at all, but I'm not a terribly abusive listener. I wouldn't go over 1 kW total RMS power under any circumstances with the stock alternator.

 

 

 

Stock Alternator

2AWG main power wire

Amp ground to the side wall of the spare tire well

[sportwagon]

I have 800 watts in mine... plus tons of other electronics! A OK!