amps and alternator

[focusboy12]

i am looking to put 2 amps in my 02 focus and i am unsure whether or not my alt. can handle them both. im looking at installing a jbl p180.2 and a jbl bp600.1. do i need a stronger alt. or should a capacitor be just fine?

[Wiley_Oompa]

your max rated wattage is 960 total output. At that total output your amps could draw 160 amps (theoretically). The standard alternator in the focus is 60amps. If you use 4 gauge wire or better to the amps, you will have some problems even if you are not pulling peak output. A capacitor will help but it wont solve your problem in the long run, eventually you will probably kill your alternator if you like to listen to your music loud. I actually did smoke my alternator but I expected that from what I was running. When I replaced my alternator I put in a 160 amp. That is what I would recommend. Buy a capacitor anyway because it helps regulate power spikes and assists the electrical system but the final answer is that you should upgrade to at least 100amp alternator. You will probably never pull more than that from your 2 amps even though the math says they could pull more. JBL amps are powerful but not that efficient so you should be safe with a cap, good battery, good powerwire/grounds, and a 100 amp alternator.

Brandon