im going to be running neon under the car, under the dash, 8000k xenon lights, numerous led accents, a sound system, ect . . . Will any of this drain my battery or kill my alternator? If so, what kind of precautions should I take before installing all of this stuff?

 

Okay.. with all that you might wanna consider a performance battery (I'll look into specific brands) and if it goes to that extent, a high output alternator may be a safe purchase. As far as the sound system goes, you'll definitely want a cap. (capacitor) You can find those anyplace they have audio equipment. I found a whole kit that has the amp power line (2 guage red wire), a chrome replacement battery terminal, and a 1600w cap. All this for only $80 at walmart.

 

If you know what amp you are going to use determine how many watts it uses. Watts divided by volts (car voltage) = amps.

If you are worried find a 130 amp alternator.

 

cool, thanks guys.

 

But don't bother with a cap. They're worthless. Get a batcap (google it, or www.batcap.net), which is a battery that discharges like a cap. And the performance battery is a yellow top optima. They're retail $199 but my buddy at autozone gave me his employee discount so it was only $160. With both of those, you probably won't need to spend hundreds on a new alternator. I'm running 6 led bars, 2 led strips, GPS, radar detector, radar/laser jammer, 5 dvd screens, sirius radio, and 2 amps (1000 watt and 350 watt) and I've had no problems whatsoever. And yes, I will be posting pics soon. When I get back from my vacation on Sunday.