Help Please!

[blackknight99]

hey guys, just wondering how difficult it maybe for a 2nd battery to be wired into the car if I would have to get it professionally done, or if its not that bad, why do i need it because to much stuff is wired to the other battery and its taking longer to start the car and I don't wanna do anymore damage, I know its possible because ive seen cars with 8 batterys before, just trying to figure out if I can do it myself or what not.

[d1giPhux]

Not very hard.. you could probably wire it in parallel. I'm not sure however if this would cause any problems for you. It probably wouldn't.. but there seems to be lots of discussions online about this.

http://www.pacificpowerbatteries.com/ab ... rfaq7.html (http://www.pacificpowerbatteries.com/aboutbatts/Car%20Battery%20FAQ/carfaq7.html)

Your best bet may be to do a google search for any info you can.

Only problem that comes to mind right away is charging the batteries. I don't know if the alternator could handle charging 2 batteries.. and if it can, how long would it take?

If you wire them in parallel, they will still be putting out 12v, but would last about 2x as long. Not sure if that would really cure any of your problems to begin with.

[chuckthefuk]

d1gi's link is correct. Wiring two batteries in parallel will give you 12v and double the capacity but you should look into two things.

1) Switch to a Optima Redtop gel cell battery and do a test afterwards. The Optima style batteries give out an immense amount of cranking amps compared to acid batteries.

2) If the Optima does not solve your problem then go ahead and wire two batteries + -> + - -> - but you should look into a battery ISOLATOR

http://98.196.65.94/pics/dual_battery.jpg

Good luck
-Chuck

[blackknight99]

would i need a 2nd alternator or no, im thinking it might do some damage wiring both to one alternator,

[chuckthefuk]

No you do not need a second alternator. Please google "Battery Isolator" and you will see how this is just a switch that controls the flow of the alternator charge.
-Chuck

[d1giPhux]

Yeah.. you don't need a 2nd alt. That would be redic. You just need an isolator like chuck is saying. I knew you needed SOME other part.. just wasn't sure what it was! :lol:

[blackknight99]

yea that would be rediculous and ok thanks, i rewired the car last night without a 2nd battery so im gonna see how that does for a week and then if its still having trouble then ill add the 2nd battery and do all this other stuff haha :p

[Bataru]

whoops

[chuckthefuk]

I really strongly suggest an Optima Red Top battery.

http://www.batteriesxpress.com/Store/images/OptimaRed.jpg

I'v installed/run and seen these batteries take on 2x 1000watt amps w/ 4x 12" JL 4ohm's Volt meter showed a drop to the lowest of 11v on hard bass drops.

Alternators never died and never need a higher dosage of amps.

-Chuck

[d1giPhux]

^ i honestly don't think those batteries are worth it. I've owned several of them before.. and will never buy one again. They don't last very long at all. Not compared to other normal standard batteries i've owned in the past. Plus.. they are SUPER overpriced. Not worth it IMO.

[chuckthefuk]

I don't see how this is possible.

I'v had my Optima Red Top for 3 years now and pushed it to its brink many times.

A few others have had the same battery but with many many many more years were talking 5+

The only Red Top I'v seen fail was on my buddies Supra that sat in his garage for over a year on the floor. Dead as toast :-D

I can source these batteries for $200 canadian which personally is a nice price for peace of mind. I run my car with the lights on + radio for almost 2 hours and I have enough juice to crank my starter.

Even still Optima will warranty their batteries just give them a call.

Anyways to each their own.

-Chuck

[d1giPhux]

Yeah.. i'm not sure how it happened either. But after the 2nd one.. I gave up on them and will never buy another. Not sure why they died.. but they were FLAT out dead, and were over the limit for warranty. Not saying they are bad when they run, cause it was a decent battery.. but they don't last long. Or least for me they didnt :lol:

[blackknight99]

well i started it up many times today and it started up no problem so i think im good with the 1 alternator and battery but ill try that other battery because im gonna have to get a new one soon anyways

[ouch1011]

What problem are you having?

[blackknight99]

not having a problem, just wanted to know how hard it would be to wire a 2nd battery into my car if I ever had to come across it

[chuckthefuk]

Its easy I have a thread about it somewhere