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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: Sarbot on September 16, 2004, 01:49:58 PM

Title: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Sarbot on September 16, 2004, 01:49:58 PM
Returning to the zuk scene after a bit of a hiatus, seeing some familiar names on this forum, so I thought it was time to start posting again, and get working on Samurai #2 (#1, aka Sowzuk, has been demoted to donor vehicle status.)

First question of the project: The new zuk (87 Samurai JX) needs a battery.  Seems like the ideal time to go ahead and set it up with dual batteries, anticipating a winch and other goodies in the near future.  What are you folks doing for dual battery setups, and why?  Isolators, continuous duty solenoids, boat type switches, etc?  Good and bad about your set up, anything you would change?

Also planning to relocate the batteries to the rear of the vehicle, trying to optimize weight distribution (looking toward that winch again).  Any suggestions on this?

Thanks in advance

Thom
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Mikerpm4x4 on September 17, 2004, 12:57:30 PM
I think dual Batteries is really an extreme overkill for a zuk. Id just buy a red top optima gel and call it a day. Im still running the same red top after several years of use. We run off road events and use my winch for extracting lots of vehicles... including myself. Its never let me down.

Mike  
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Speedracer7c on September 17, 2004, 01:43:45 PM
Is the red or yellow top optima better for the tracker? I don't have a winch but I have a stereo and it seems like most people with large systems run the yellow top. Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Maiden Hell on September 17, 2004, 01:58:40 PM
Mike, are you running a stock alternator?
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: steveofrost on September 18, 2004, 11:51:16 AM
This topic brings up my question: What would a good alt. and battery combo if I'm running a winch, mid-range stereo, CB and a 6 set of fog lights (two under, four on top). Can I stick with my stock alt? Also running an aftermarket electric fan.

steveo
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Speedracer7c on September 18, 2004, 03:23:03 PM
I think the stock alt would hate you runnin all that stuff. I am running a PPI pcx-2125 amp (500 watts) and a elemental designs b series 12 and my lights dim like crazy when i have them on and the music up.
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: HotRod on September 18, 2004, 03:27:46 PM
Quote
I think the stock alt would hate you runnin all that stuff. I am running a PPI pcx-2125 amp (500 watts) and a elemental designs b series 12 and my lights dim like crazy when i have them on and the music up.

What?
What?
What?
;D ;D ;D
Quote
Posted by: steveofrost Posted on: Today at 4:51pm
This topic brings up my question: What would a good alt. and battery combo if I'm running a winch, mid-range stereo, CB and a 6 set of fog lights (two under, four on top). Can I stick with my stock alt? Also running an aftermarket electric fan.  

Just don't run the Winch and all the lights at the same time.
Run the winch
stop
turn on lights
See what your doing
turn off lights
Run the Winch
and repeat
 ;D ;D
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Speedracer7c on September 18, 2004, 04:58:29 PM
Needless to say, I have a small stereo and the alt. Hates it with a passion. After my new top, an optima is on my list.
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Mike71 on September 18, 2004, 05:18:31 PM
wild has an awesome guy to deal with when it comes to high amp alts $220 bucks or something close

also i run 1k watts rms and my lights dim..its not THAT bad but it makes it so i can not run my stereo at full power. however the lights diming is just an inconvience really the alt still works just fine

something to think about though..the stock alts are seemingly indestructable..atleased with the torment i have put mine through..just something to think about before switching to another totaly different alt
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: steveofrost on September 18, 2004, 05:32:05 PM
Yeah, my alt. was just replaced. It was just over 12 years old. I'm pretty sure I did it in when I put the new stereo setup in.

I think I'll try the red top and maybe look at a bigger alt.
I haven't had any need for the extra fog lights, so maybe I'll tone that down to balance it out.

steveo
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Speedracer7c on September 18, 2004, 05:49:40 PM
Quote

also i run 1k watts rms and my lights dim..its not THAT bad but it makes it so i can not run my stereo at full power. however the lights diming is just an inconvience really the alt still works just fine



Must be a weak 1000 watts for it to not dim much at all. Or its a really nice amp with really good efficency.
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Mike71 on September 18, 2004, 05:54:09 PM
i like how u call my stereo weak w.o ever hearing it sigh

see me..i used to install stereos for a living so i think i know a thing or 2 i did it on my own not a best buy

and just so u know even with the handicap of the alt i still push 158db...
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Speedracer7c on September 18, 2004, 05:58:53 PM
easy there. I install systems too, hence me not having any of their off the shelf garbage in my car. I didn't say it wasn't loud did I? I said It must be a shitty amp or a really nice one......
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Mike71 on September 18, 2004, 06:02:21 PM
well i have had mine metered it puts out 504 watts a side at 12.2 volts since thats all my alt will support

and im tired of taking it easy..im sick of these "loud" systems that include the word bazooka or 8" somewhere in the sentance

or the idiots tellng me 158db isnt loud..in a car with the windows down
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Speedracer7c on September 18, 2004, 06:05:36 PM
Bazooka aww come on, what about X-plod??? Is that anywhere in there.  No doubt that 158 db is crazy loud. I just finished my friends setup in his yukon, 2 solo l7 15's ported tuned to 35hz. With two kx 1200.1's Eclipse deck and Diamond audio components front and rear. Sounds killer, haven't gotten it metered though....
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Mike71 on September 18, 2004, 06:14:56 PM
his l7s should be louder then mine

although mine seem to be louder then they should be i have 2 kicker CVR 15s..and for some reason the same setup in an exploder only hits 142db..with the same amp and everything technicly he should be louder since his alt can deff handel way more output

im baffled to that i have done 2 other CRV 15 setups those used ported boxs with a better amp and they hit 159-160 so i am kind of baffled as to why mine hit as hard as they do..luck of the draw i guess

i also have a very weak HU that only has 2v pre outs (yes yes i know when i get more money lol)
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Speedracer7c on September 18, 2004, 06:20:24 PM
His has friggen 8v..Hope his amps don't start clipping they shouldnt. Do you have a 2 door kick or a 4 door. The amount of airspace in a car is a factor. The smaller the car the harder it will hit. Get a line driver for your deck to give it a little more punch!  ;D
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Mike71 on September 18, 2004, 06:22:06 PM
Quote
His has friggen 8v..Hope his amps don't start clipping they shouldnt. Do you have a 2 door kick or a 4 door. The amount of airspace in a car is a factor. The smaller the car the harder it will hit. Get a line driver for your deck to give it a little more punch!  ;D


i have a 2..and about the little more punch lol im affraid the little more punch with be the straw that broke the cammels alt lol

edit also i dont know if my ears can handel it lol
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Speedracer7c on September 18, 2004, 06:23:13 PM
Well go for it man, it will give you an excuse to upgrade
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Mike71 on September 18, 2004, 06:26:24 PM
well we will see if i get a crotch rocket..

if u look down that is kinda what im doing..only the entire thing is being built outa state so hooptie 1 (the one in my driveway) might not be around to long since il have someone else to drive while hooptie 2( the one that will sit on 38s) is being built

its very complicated and expensive..if u really wanna know hit me up on aim or msn and ill tell u lol

aim - XZXMIke71 msn - mhn3773|removethispart|@hotmail.com
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: waltc on October 20, 2004, 05:14:59 PM
my alt. is failing now that I have my new radio and amp (~250W rms).  Before I install a new alt.  I had a few questions:

1. New stock alt is $173 - should I look for a bigger one for a few dollars more?

2. I have my bazooka behind the drivers seat because I use the back for hauling stuff. Where do you put your subs?
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Digger on October 20, 2004, 05:33:26 PM
When I upgraded my battery to help run my winch, I chose the optima yellow top for more reserve capacity than the red top. I figured that having more reserve would be a good thing. I agree that dual batteries seem like overkill...

Mike Hagen, I'm also interested to know, are you running a stock alternator or have you upgraded?

I had a bazooka behind the back seat for a while, but recently ditched it in favor of more room for recovery gear...
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: wildgoody on October 20, 2004, 06:16:59 PM
I have the Suzuki by Pioneer tape
deck in my Kick  :) Still rocks after
15 Years

Wild
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Whipp on October 21, 2004, 03:14:03 AM
Quote
I have the Suzuki by Pioneer tape
deck in my Kick  :) Still rocks after
15 Years

Wild


Me too!  My only complaint is that the knobs are too small.  Kinda hard to adjust when the roads are rough.

- Craig
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: wildgoody on October 21, 2004, 03:07:24 PM
I am thinking about some X-plod
speakers tho  :o

Wild
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Speedracer7c on October 21, 2004, 03:09:03 PM
Quote
I am thinking about some X-plod
speakers tho  :o

Wild


junk
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: wildgoody on October 21, 2004, 03:11:04 PM
What is OK and not $100 a pair ?
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Speedracer7c on October 21, 2004, 03:16:07 PM
You going factory size?
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: wildgoody on October 21, 2004, 03:21:22 PM
Ya, just want to replace the
factory speakers, they are
getting more noisy, I think
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Speedracer7c on October 21, 2004, 03:22:53 PM
http://www.ikesound.com/product-product_id/1569

there 33 bucks. Can't beat that. I have them in my kick and they look and sound bitchin!
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: wildgoody on October 21, 2004, 03:27:30 PM
Where would those be available,
like an electronics store like Best Buy
or a specialty store ?
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Speedracer7c on October 21, 2004, 03:29:31 PM
Well that price you would have to get them from that site, I get all my stereo stuff through them, they give you a 1 year warranty on everything. I've blown a couple amps and they've replaced them no questions asked. Best Buy stereo stuff is junk. If you want real quality stuff you need to goto your local specialty shop.
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: wildgoody on October 21, 2004, 03:34:36 PM
OK, thanks

I've never been really into
stereo equipment, I just
don't have an ear to tell
the difference

Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Speedracer7c on October 21, 2004, 03:36:56 PM
Well if you think about it, when a company manufactures stereo equipment for best buy or say circuit city. They buy it in such high numbers that its insane, and they have different quality specs for those units rather than the ones that they make for your specialty shop.
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: wildgoody on October 21, 2004, 03:41:20 PM
Ya, makes sence, make it
fast and cheep before the
next guy does it

Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: mrfuelish on October 21, 2004, 03:43:13 PM
I would run just one yellow top for a winch and a stereo,but for a large amp I would put one next to the amp also and make sure the engine is running with the amp turned up, the stock alt on my 16 valve checks out at 69 amps. the thing you have to watch out for is letting the battery get low, the computers in the f.i. rigs do not like low voltage, they can catch fire and burn up the whole rig, even if you only damage the ecm your still out a few bucks, optima reds are good but if you return one just don't tell them you ran a winch with it.
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Speedracer7c on October 21, 2004, 03:52:07 PM
I want an optima, Does it help with the lights dimming and stuff? I have a small stereo only a 500 watt amp and a 12
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: mrfuelish on October 21, 2004, 04:20:11 PM
only 500  ??? that is still about a 42 amp draw, don't forget the power to run the engine and other stuff like the stereo itself, heater,lights and brake lights and such,the more amps you have in battery reserve the better, but only a temp fix. make sure the amp hooks up directly to the battery, that should keep you from frying a fuseable link or your wire harness, but yes a deep cycle battery should help,I used to use two six volt golf cart batteries in series in a box inside the car that was vented to the outside, but two yellow tops would prob be better for safety's sake!
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: wildgoody on October 21, 2004, 05:32:16 PM
I had a bad alternator, going home the
battery got so low, the radio shut down,
just blanked out, but the trucklet kept
running and got me home, about 5 more
blocks, I was amazed  :o

Wild
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: mrfuelish on October 21, 2004, 05:38:57 PM
my Uncle lost his new chebby by his alternator going out, burnt the whole car to the ground trying to drive it home! he was about half an hour from home. maybe the zuks are a little tougher with the obd1 ver the obd2 ?
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: wildgoody on October 21, 2004, 05:42:52 PM
I drove my 98' Cavalier 2.4 L
Quad 4 engined home the same
way  :o  I must be very lucky
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: mrfuelish on October 21, 2004, 07:01:01 PM
you have a quad 4 and it's not in the zuk yet??
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: wildgoody on October 22, 2004, 03:09:03 AM
Why would I, the Turbo SideKick is faster
;)

Wild
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Maiden Hell on October 24, 2004, 03:51:22 AM
Quote
I drove my 98' Cavalier 2.4 L
Quad 4 engined home the same
way  :o  I must be very lucky


The very same thing happened to me about a year ago from now.  That's when I first joined Zukiworld.   :)
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: lil_Truck on October 24, 2004, 09:25:19 AM
I had the "got mud in the brushes and stoped working" thing happen a little bit ago.

Was out wheeling with my dad on Thanksgiving Day.  I could tell what was happening on the way home.  So off went the light, blower, raido...

The truck stalled and stopped infront of his house.  So I hoped into his truck went home cleaned up, grabed the charger and went back for dinner.

Next day washed the truck off, sprade down the alt. and haven't had a problem sence.
Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: lil_Truck on October 24, 2004, 09:33:27 AM
I thought about going to dual batteries, but on one of the boards I was on at the time ???  There was a realy good discussion going on about the pros and cons of single vs dual batterys.

In a nut shell,

     A single battery may drain quicker but it also can be charged quicker.  

     So in the long run if you go with two, you might be left with two dead batterys needing a long time to charge.

Anyway it was a long discussion and it convinced me to go with one battery and I'm planing on going with a higher output altenator.




P.S.  Another thing to do if your wenching, besides sutting off all electrical draws, is to put in something like a hand throttle where you can raise your RPMs up to 2000.  Your altimator will charge at peak outtput then, it can't at an idle.

Title: Re: Re-Introduction & battery question
Post by: Mike71 on October 24, 2004, 10:42:44 AM
u can always run a batt isolator so that only ONE batt is used for the car..and the other for the goodies

that is how my car was going to be setup