My amps are dying out (400W Kenwood 4ch running two Sony Xplod 260w 6x9's @ 4 ohms; and a 550w scosche 2ch running 2 400w 8 1/2" subs) and the lights dim when bass hits. I have a Scosche 500k Farad Capacitor to try and stop this from happening but when I put it on it still does the same thing. The wires are 8-gauge wires for 1000w systems. I think my alternator is weak or dying out because they only die out when the car is idling (mildly die out, the kenwood still plays the 6x9's though). Battery could be going too.

How much is a good alternator for a 1989 Chev Z24 and battery for audio/electronic purposes, and if there are any particular makes, models, or sizes, to also let me know. thank you.

Upgrade the big three before you buy a new alt, then try a new battery. I'd also upgrade your current 8g wire to at least 4g

since it's not included in the faqs that I see stickied, what exactly are "the big three"?

Wires:
Battery to Alternator
Alternator to Ground
Battery to Ground

if you used the search fuction there is a thread labeled that...

also, I went the route of taking my alternator to an electrician who rebuilt it for me after I blew mine and so it puts out roughly 140-145 amps and it cost me only $130 or so to get it done... just a thought...

You're alternator is naturaly going to produce less power at idle because the belt connecting the alternator pulley to the crank pulley is not spinning as fast. Like said above, upgrade your wires and see what happens.


-Chris

Rebuilding it would be good, as everything dims when the bass hits. The wiring is fine as far as I can tell, just a weak alternator and battery (because the stereo will play for about 10 seconds before cutting out, and the battery is at something like 11.5v when the car is off)