Update on car hesitation with a loud stereo

[joe603]

What's up guys. I posted a problem, or replied to a topic, that asked why my car would hesitate when my stereo plays loud. (specifically when the bass hits...I have an 1800watt amp). Anyway, one of the suggestions was to get an aftermarket alternator. Couldn't find anybody who sold 'em, so I decided to go another route. I replaced the stock battery with an optima yellow top, and a 1F capacitor.

First, getting the optima to work in place of the stock battery required some modification to the plastic fuse panel that goes on the positive terminal. The stock, water-filled, battery had the terminals on the ends of the battery, and they were on opposite sides compared to the Optima! The ground wire had to be extended for the same reason.

With the Battery, Capacitor, and terminal hardware/wires and a digital voltmeter installed in the sunglasses holder the cost was over $500...but the problem went away!! No more lights dimming, car hesitation, or other weirdness when the stereo is thumping!

Just thought I'd share my success, and maybe help someone who has a similar problem.

[G_whizz]

Great info Joe!! Thanks for sharing!

Glad ya got that figured out.

Now...about that exhaust...

[joe603]

Ya well....the stereo cost $200 more than my estimate to the boss...cuts into the exhaust fund! lol