1969 Beetle with 35 Amp Generator

[mi1stormilst]

The title says it all, I need to toss a HUGE system (-; in this bad boy. I am concerned about power draw. Will a couple of nice capacitors for my AMPS be enough to resolve this?

 

[Perry Babin]

I don't know how you define 'huge' but the only real solution is to replace the generator with an alternator of sufficient size.

When used in the often recommended ratio of 1F/1kw, caps will do virtually nothing Extra batteries are good for extended periods of operation with the engine off but they will always be an extra load on the alternator when the engine is running. An alternator is the only device that can supply power without needing to be recharged. It's also the only thing that can keep the voltage high when the current demand from the amplifiers is high. Capacitors can help to maintain voltage for a tiny fraction of a second but not much more. Batteries will do very little to help maintain voltage until the voltage gets below ~12 volts.

 

[dnsey]

Whether you use capacitors, an alternator or anything else, don't forget that the power is ultimately supplied by the engine.
A '69 Beetle isn't exactly overpowered in the first place, so once you've fitted your sound system, it may be loud but it'll be SLOW (and thirsty) too!

 

[mi1stormilst]

Well

I have decided to go ahead and try it anyway, I am just using the BOSCH generator and slapping in a battery system. Will let you know how it goes.

 

[Eva]

High efficiency loudspeakers and enclosures will be of great help when available power is limited, because an increase of just 3dB/W in sensitivity will half the power requirements.

 

[carstereogeek]

Batteries have 10 times the recovery speed of caps.
Back in the "old" days,we used to have VW alternators custom rewound.If I remember right,they put out about 60 amps.