The BIG stereo install

[Squirrelsmith]

Been a long time coming, I havent had my sub and amps in a vehicle for about 3 years... maybe more. I'm going to try to do this like a build thread and document nicely what I do... we'll see how well that works haha. I'm just starting to hoard parts here is what I have so far. 1998 2 door tahoe by the way.

from my previous vehicle
12" jl audio w7 in the pro wedge box
jl hd 1200x1 amp
jl hd 600x4 amp
jl bass knob

bought specifically for the tahoe
metra 95-3003g double din dash kit

Progress will be slow but it should be interesting. I'm making a custom amp rack, putting 6x9's in the back component 6.5's in the front and a backup camera. Also considering doing some... or a lot of sound deadening.
Possible dual alternator, high output alternator or extra battery maybe both. I know these amps will dim the headlight on a optima yellow top so I have to do something

 

[SnowDrifter]

Don't need a ton of alternator for that much power. Grab one from mechman or singer. Good stuff.

And to be frank, your headlights are going to dim regardless of how good of electrical you have. Lot of the bass head guys go to LED or HID. You could also get a dc-dc regulated power supply and toss that inline too. Just cause your electrical can keep up doesn't mean you won't have small fluctuations that you'll see in halogen/incandescent lights

 

[Squirrelsmith]

Don't need a ton of alternator for that much power. Grab one from mechman or singer. Good stuff.

And to be frank, your headlights are going to dim regardless of how good of electrical you have. Lot of the bass head guys go to LED or HID. You could also get a dc-dc regulated power supply and toss that inline too. Just cause your electrical can keep up doesn't mean you won't have small fluctuations that you'll see in halogen/incandescent lights

I knew i needed that $250 led headlight kit! I just knew it!!!

 

[Squirrelsmith]

The headlights on these tahoes are crap anyways. I have my current alternator of course and one i got at a junkyard. Im a machinist i can make the bracket, i have the extra rollers already. It a question of convenience (high output alternator) vs. Cheap (dual)

 

[SnowDrifter]

Dual ain't cheap. You'll feel the extra parasitic drag for sure. It'll impact power and fuel economy. Necessary evil if you need the power. But if you can avoid it; get a nice 240a single unit from a reputable manufacturer. Should be a hair over $300. And it'll be built to handle a high duty cycle without frying.

Speaking from second hand experience on this one.

 

[Squirrelsmith]

Dual ain't cheap. You'll feel the extra parasitic drag for sure. It'll impact power and fuel economy. Necessary evil if you need the power. But if you can avoid it; get a nice 240a single unit from a reputable manufacturer. Should be a hair over $300. And it'll be built to handle a high duty cycle without frying.

Speaking from second hand experience on this one.

Cheap for me, all i have to buy is a belt. If a alternator goes out its just a trip to the junkyard i think i paid $30 for the one got. That way im not slave to a special $300 alternator

 

[Squirrelsmith]

It would be really nice to just slap a fancy one on there though!

 

[Squirrelsmith]

First big purchase!
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_145243_Kenwood-DDX9705S.html

 

[Squirrelsmith]

Small progress. Double din is cut and usb's added

 

[gat0r]

would you need a 1/2 or 1 farad capacitor?