HI, I own a 2004 lancer which has an 85A alternator. Im running a 553W RMS amp and 2 12" subs are running in parralell with the amp. The problem Im having is that while Im driving and have the bass poundin my headlights dim quit badly. Will this damage the alternator??? and how do I stop this??? is it as simple as putting in a 3Farad capacitor ???

dude...your system is MAD draining your battery there dude...and making your alternator work hard...dude...putting in the capacitor...should help out a lot...if its still dimming your lights a lot...after you put in the capacitor...i dont know then dude...hehehe...im no guru...i just know some...hehehe...tell me if it doesnt work...ill try to find out why your still dimming...or dude...go and ask a local audio shop...

Hi,
553 W RMS is about 45A. Your alternator should handle that load even with your headlights on . A 3 farad 12 v dc capacitor would be bloody huge. To be honest you should check your battery and your alternator. It could be as simple as worn brushes. It could also be a poor connection to your battery, alternator or head light relay.
Hope this helps B)

check your alt and battery and if those are fine dont go get a 3 farad when a smaller one would suffice... honestly you dont need it... im running 3000w with a 1 farad digital cap and i have no problems with lights dimming or anything (i can even crank the system when the cars off and i have no problems)

Hey, I think that the best thing to do would just be to get an Optima battery and run your power through that. Unless you are running HUGE amounts of power through that your lights wont dim and you will get a little be quicker response from your subs if you mount it close enough because the distance it has to travel is less. But of course thats only if you have enough room for the battery to fit.

i think u should go and get a stinger alternator from your local car audio dealer. that capacitor will pull current away from your battery making your headlights dim. i have the same problem. i have a pioneer 760watt amp on a factory alt. and an optima red top but will be getting a 150+ amp alt from stinger soon.