I have read a few things that say that a 2nd bat. is useless unless competing because in some comp. the motor is off.... as i do not compete i was wondering if a 2nd bat would be usefull to stabilize voltage or a HO alt. I have a 2002 grand prix gtp with the big 3 done in 4awg knu knocepts wire and some 4awg monster cable. I have a sae-1200d.v2 and i am going to be getting 2 sa-12s. I am hoping to have both loud and good sq system in my car? just wondering what others are thinking and comments... thanks

Upgrade to 0 gauge wire before anything else.

Upgrade to 0 gauge wire before anything else.

x2, 4gauge wire isn't sufficient.

Do you have a budget? Can you afford an h/o alt? Is adding 30-50lbs of battery weight in the rear a concern?

I do not know for sure but, I believe that a HO alt would be better to keep your voltagee stable. Two batteries would help but ask yourself what is better, 2 batts being charged at a moderate at best rate or a single batt being charged at a rapid rate. Also, if you plan on running your system at near fullt tilt for a decent amount of time you could possibly be draining the batts at a faster rate than they will be charging. For this reason, I would go with the high output alt initially and just add batteries later if needed.

I dont think a second battery would hurt you at all, i would FOR SURE try that route before spending the money on a HO alt.. specially if thats the only amp you plan to run. and like was said 1/0 gauge wire before any of that. .. unless you have the money layin around and you want to buy one. A high output alt would give you some room to grow with your system i would say.

i planed on it...

I would do this in order:

- Voltmeter

- 0 gauge

- New AGM battery under the hood

- New AGM battery in the trunk

- H/O alternator

That being said every vehicle is different. What size alternator (stock) do you have? Do you have any other amplifiers(running component/door speakers)?

Upgrade each step and make sure to monitor your voltage.

money is a concern just cuz im a college student that works in a pizza place for like 10 hours a week during school. but i dont mind saving for one. i will plan on running a sax100.4 in the future also... i maybe upgrading the sae-1200d to maybe a 2000 or 2500d in the far future... I currently have a 105 amp alt stock i do believe. i have see 2 diff for may car 160 or 105... im pretty sure its 105... and an ho alt is bout the smae price as a bat... Sheriken skbt120... so 300 and bout 300 for alt.. so either way it will be bout the same

Ultimately an alt is better. I am running a Sundown Sax 1200d and I have a second battery and I cant run long at all before dippin low if I turn it up. ( This is also due to me only having a 70amp alt stock ) But IMO an Alt is FAR better than batts as it is what actually makes the power, the batts just store the power. If you can save for the alt then deff. get it, I wish I could!! -- but you may also want a good agm battery upfront to keep it stable on big surges

i would get the 1/0 wire first for the big 3.

With that size alt and amp i think the Battery should be fine. Get a volt meter and check what happens.

Personally i bought my bat. first. Plan to save for my alt next. Bat helped a bit, but still needs more. I'm in the same boat as Jd277, i only have a 60amp alt, so upgrade is a must either way.

Get yourself some 1/0 and redo the big 3 first.