I have a 08.5 3i that came with the 6 speaker 6 CD audio system. I wanted to upgrade the system and did lots of research on here and other places before proceeding. Thanks to all of you who take time to advise newbies like me. I finished the install and it sounds awesome; however, there are a few minor issues like minor noise and alternator whine which I am currently trouble shooting (experimenting with ground locations, etc). I am also experiencing signal drop from the amp when higher electrical loads are required to operate the car (ie steering into a parking space with the lights on). May amp is only 400 watts and I didn't think it would tax the electrical system that much. My question to you experts is will I hurt my car operating it as is until I get the bugs worked out? I am concerned about the alternator and battery. Here is a summary of my system
-Stock head unit
-7 band EQ wired as high level with RCAs going to amp
-Rockforf Fosgate T400-4 amp running components in front doors and a sub in the trunk. The sub is bridged on the rear channels.
-Infinity 5X7 components
-Infinity Kappa Perfect 12.1D sub
I tried to read through the other posts so as not to repeat anything and perhaps pick up on some of the advice others gave and elaborate more, but I am too lazy sometimes.
So check it out, You are probably having a peak output problem. I can't remember exactly what it is but at idle (close to idle when you are turning into a parking spot, atleast I hope you are) the alternator is rated for maybe 75 amps at most (90 at peak power outside of idle). You can run some simple calculations to see what your actual power draw and output is during this time (amps are usually about 80-90% efficient, my pdx is rated at 92.5% i think, others tend to be lower). Although peak power is aweful to use as a way to compare amps, its very helpful in calculating power draw during those big bass thumps (those are times when your sub draws the most power).
So first 75 amps is probably not good enough to run all your electrical systems at full thump, especially if your amp has a high peak output.
I run a PDX 1.600 (peaks at most at 900) I get dim lights all the time, even at 15-17 only, but once the car is moving its barely even there if any and it depends on the songs.
If you can provide more information about your amp specs, that would be good. You should also look into "the big three" I won't explain them, but you can find information on car audio big three on any car audio forum. PM if you need one. The big three will make sure you get all the restrictions on your electrical components out (kinda like upgrading the intake, downpipe and turbo inlet pipe on the car).
