Secondary Yellow Top Optima

[jeffcolburn]

I'm putting the plans together to run a 3000 watt, three-amp, four 12" subs, 8 component (all Audiobahn) stereo system. To make up for the power usage, I was planning on using a secondary Yellow Top Optima in adition to my factory battery. Do you think this will be enough? Will my alternator be able to handle the draw? I want to have it setup so the Optima will run the system, and the factory battery will continue to run the truck itself. Please let me know how much of a moron I am and loan me your tips and suggestions. Thanks!!

[x6369x]

I want to have it setup so the Optima will run the system, and the factory battery will continue to run the truck itself.
Instead of using an isolator to isolate the starting battery from the system battery, I'd run yellow tops for both batteries and run them in parallel. Of course if you bump it for too long with the truck off, you run the risk of killing both batteries, but with 3kw, I wouldn't bump it with the truck off anyways.

[Exalted512]

theres no way youre not going to need a new alternator...
why are you running 8 components? why not just get on really good pair up front instead?
-Cody

[OKLAGMCRUISER]

If you want my opinion I would NOT run all or anything Audiobahn...

Get a red top optima for starting and a yellow top for your stereo and accessories...get another alternator if your funds will allow...Wrangler would be the best way to go. Do the big 3 upgrade also.

[x6369x]

Get a red top optima for starting and a yellow top for your stereo and accessories
I heard that it's not good to mix batteries, so that's why I said to go with 2 yellow tops.
And as a bigger alternator goes, get the biggest that you can afford.
What's your budget BTW?

[OKLAGMCRUISER]

I heard that it's not good to mix batteries, so that's why I said to go with 2 yellow tops.
And as a bigger alternator goes, get the biggest that you can afford.
What's your budget BTW?
An Optima sales rep told me to go this route for my system a couple weeks ago.

[Exalted512]

its ok to mix batteries as long as you have an isolator. my duals are just hooked up directly in parallel so theyre the exact same.
-Cody

[OKLAGMCRUISER]

its ok to mix batteries as long as you have an isolator. my duals are just hooked up directly in parallel so theyre the exact same.
-Cody
yep...sorry I left out the isolator needed...oops.

[jeffcolburn]

To answer some questions:

Why Audiobahn?
I want to run Audiobahn because I have a buddy who is an Audiobanh dealer, and he can get me prices as his cost. I also like the looks, and it's the style I'm looking for.

Why eight components?
Maybe I'm using the word "components" improperly. I'm replacing my 8 factory speakers with all Audiobahn speakers. (4) 6.5"s, (2) 4x10"s, (2) tweeters.

What's my budget?
NOT limitless. The most I can really afford right now is the yellow top. It makes my wallet nervous when I think about upgrading alternators, but I'll do it if I have to. It will just take me that much longer to install the system.

BTW, what's the Big Three Upgrade?

Also, I'm not doing this for SPL comp. I'm just doing it for show and because I'm a bass-head. I just don't want to kill my truck by overloading it.

Thanks to everyone for their help!

[Exalted512]

positive battery -> alternator
negative battery -> chassis/frame
engine block -> chassis/frame
why dont you hold off on buying the rear speakers and get the alternator instead?
you will def. need to upgrade the big 3 as well. for alternators, id look into ohiogen.com. thats where ill be getting mine from, theyre based out of louisville...i dont know how far that is from canton so it might be worth checking out.
but like i said, theres no way youll be able to pull off 3000 watts on a stock alt and duals. im only running about 1800 and my voltage drops like a bitch with dual batteries.
-Cody

[jeffcolburn]

Louisville Ohio is only about 20 minutes away from Canton. I have heard of them, and I also heard they are pretty expensive but very good. I think I'll give them a call. I do want to do this right, and it's looking like a new alternator is unavoidable. Thanks!

[Exalted512]

very expensive but very worthwhile
-Cody