[ProbeGT]

Hi guys, i'm new here, i bought a 2008 touareg2 v8 and I really love it! I'm actually installing a new sound system in it with 5 amplifiers that are going to drawd about 3000watts max (rms) i'm going to install a 2nd battery in the trunk but I'd like to know what is the alternator power output?

I searched for about an hour on the net and the only thing i found about it is that I REALLY don't want it to fail cause it's a real pain to replace.

Would you guys suggest i install a 3rd battery? I'll use an optima, probably a d31 or 2 d34 if i need 2.

I want something reliable and i don't wanna cook my alternator.

Also to replace the head unit i ordered a direct replacement from a chinese supplier that has 2 way canbus (mfi still works) I hope the quality will be ok...

Thanks for any advice guys.

 

[krussellm]

At least 180

 

[ProbeGT]

I'm glad to hear that!

Then with one big d31 optima, i think I should be fine, and 1 4awg from the main battery to the second to keep it charged without pulling too much current from the alternator.

Thanks!

 

[krussellm]

No problem, just remember the alternators are sized large for the amount of electronics already in the vehicle. Extra battery should definitely help.

 

[nickm]

Its way overbuilt and liquid cooled as well...the V10 runs 2 batteries so you're taking the right steps in running 2 for your setup.

 

[Gimet]

Its way overbuilt and liquid cooled as well...the V10 runs 2 batteries so you're taking the right steps in running 2 for your setup.

The V10 also has very complicated computer controlled battery management which will have to be thought about very carefully. If the two batteries are not identical in size and capacity it's very easy to cook the smaller one.

 

[ProbeGT]

It's not a v10, it's a t2 v8

 

[Gimet]

It's not a v10, it's a t2 v8

I wasn't suggesting that it was a V10, just pointing out that with two batteries you have to be very careful with power management and charging if you don't want to cook one of them.

 

[ProbeGT]

So you're suggesting that instead of adding 2 batteries, I should add one battery and replace the car's main battery with the same one that i'll be adding in the trunk?

 

[that_kid]

In my dual battery V8 setup I use a smart battery isolator. It only charges the 2nd battery when the main voltage is 13.5 volts or more. The 2nd battery in my setup is a optima yellow top (forgot the model number). It runs my carpc, ham radio and amplifier as well as a 5 channel audio amplifier and everyhing else i've added.

 

[wvicary]

190 Amp unit. Are you going to use caps also for the amp power supply?

 

[ProbeGT]

Yes i ordered 6 1farad caps (1 for each amp and 2 for the 2 4awg inputs of the sub amp.)

Where did you get that smart battery isolator? Sounds like it's exactly what i need.

I dismantled the battery compartment today to wire my brake controller and there's space for a massive battery there.

 

[ProbeGT]

Ohh yeah, and today I learned what is a triple square socket! With a volkswagen, you. Never have enough tools for the job!

 

[that_kid]

I got the battery isolator from http://www.powerstream.com/battery-isolator.htm . I brought the controller from them but I used a200 amp isolator from another company as powerstream's isolators only covered up to 150 amps. I know that I wouldn't necessarily be drawing that much but I didn't want the isolator to be the weakest link.

 

[ProbeGT]

I ordered the isolator, thanx for the tip.

Now i'm wondering if i should install the optima battery or install 2 big marine batteries instead for the same price. An optima group 34 is 300$ here and it's 229 on their site but they won't ship to canada. My setup is getting really expensive...

 

[that_kid]

Things can add up really quickly. I learned to do my projects in stages just for that reason.

 

[Depiry]

Check into Exide Edge AGM Batteries,they look great,many new features and technology,Marty

 

[ProbeGT]

Well, i finally installed my chineese aftermarket unit.

I have 1 thing to say, don't spend 400$ on this...

1st, the image quality is great, radio looks nice and fits perfectly. Then i try the ipod cable, works fine, sync bluetooth, this was a little harsh but finally got it. Everything's nice now so i figured i should install it.

I try to insert my "fétiche" a/v install movie, Casino Royale to listen while i figgles with the wiring (don't ask why, it became a kind of ceremony every time i do an install)

Dvd can't gt fully loaded... Finally i found that i needed to remove 2 top screws in the unit, no big deal. Dvd loads, plays nice, superb image. Then, i try to find the MENU button... No menu button available... How stupid is that? Well, it's chinese, i must accept a few flaws...

Plug all my rca cables, gos antenna, bluetooth mic, swear for a good hour to insert the damn thing because the huge wiring harness/adaptor is always on the way...

Shut down the acc, open the door, the radio won't turn off... I always need to turn it off manually. (chinese, musts acccept a few flaws...)

Then i start the car, cruise appeara in amber.... Wharever, i play with the mfd buttons, no radio out to the mfd, in the add it was soecified to work with the mfd and the company's contact did tell me it worked... (chinese, must accept a few flaws... And bullshit speech from seller)

Try the car, no more cruise control available.....

Shut down the car, go to sleep, next mirning i get a call but phone does not ring, only vibrates... Found out that bluetooth never disconnect even when the unit is off...

So that is my experience with aftermarket chinese radio. It might work well with later year's touareg, or maybe it's because i had navigation but it just can't be used.

So tonight i ordered a new pioneer avh 8400, a pac rp4-vw11 (let's hope this one will work correctly)' a metra dash kit and antenna adapter.

I was looking toward the avic 140 but the 8400 seems to be more soundQ oriented, has bluetooth 3.0 and costs a lot less. The only problem is if i wanna upgrade to navi, the avic220 unit is outdated in terms of looks and functions...

I was also looking for the excelon 9980 but it seems to have a few flaws like freezing and slow cpu...

I will share my install when it'll be complete in a few weeks since i wait for more stuff, need to make speaker adapters and new subwoofer enclosure.