Aftermarket amplifier affects on mpg

I use the JL HD900/5 with a good capacitor and no noticeable difference.

 

It is easy to estimate the impact on MPG. Each 150 watts of electrical power load will lower highway MPG by about 1% in a Prius (a little more in low speed driving).

JeffD

 

With everyday volumes set to a comfortable 15, I have not seen any difference. Were I to play it like the neighborhood getto-box all the time, I'm sure it might drop a few ticks.

Where I see the biggest change in mileage is with short trips when it's cold, and driving over 60 on the freeway. Combined, I have seen it drop almost 15 MPG from my "average".

 

It is for this reason I'm looking to get a smaller digital D-class sub amplifier like a JL Audio 250/1. Digital amps are more efficient. I've got a 600RMS watt Zed audio amp but it's a power hog

A quick look at the specs on this amp shows that all 5 channels are D-class (digital).

 

wyun, if your looking to pump 2000 watts and play loud rap all day long, you will loose some mileage, and some hearing too. Your system will draw juice based on demand (volume). It will not run 2000 watts just turned on and playing at a considerate level.

With regards to my amp, it is one of the most efficient ones you can buy. I strongly reccommend it.

My actual MPG US figures are: Worst tank=40.9, Best=61.3, Average=54.7.

My stereo system: Kenwood DNX9960 with Toyota Trim, JL HD900/5, Hertz HSK 163, Hertz HCX 165, Hertz HX 250D 10" with custom box, Axxess SWC and Sirius. Hatch and all 4 doors have sound mat.

I repeat, you will notice most "real" MPG loss from poor driving habits and conditions. If you choose to loose your hearing though, just drop a nickle on the freeway and keep the rabbit off the pedal. Good luck and enjoy you car.
:rockon:

 

MPG loss is negligible in most cases. I think I still had the most powerful system on PriusChat and I've never had a problem nor have I experienced a big MPG hit.

ThatBeing said, I think you could see a MPG hit if most of your miles were driven in town. In this scenario, there are many more instances when the engine could turn off but may not due to a low 12v battery. Since the majority of my miles are freeway, my engine is almost always on and charging batteries.

 

The thing to remember for any toyota hybrid is that there is no 12V alternator. I have seen in my Altima Hybrid that has 4 amps (two of them are power hungry 4 channel Mcintosh amps) turn on the ICE from my system putting a strain on the DC to DC converter that is providing 12V from the traction battery. The prius DC to DC converter max output is 100A if I remember correctly. My prius only runs one PDX4.150 amp and I have not seen the same affect and no mileage drop.

 

frodoz737,
Not to hijack the thread, but would you mind elaborating on how you installed the HSK 163's in your Prius?

 

Will post full details of the installation with photos later. The 163's were fairly easy. Woofers in the doors with an MDF adapter and Mid-Tweets were direct replacements for the Squakers. The Tweeters were placed in the A-pillars a few inches above the Mids, facing inboard and slightly forward. Cross-overs mounted below Drivers seat.

 

I look forward to the photos. I am also considering the 163's in our Prius, but was worried about how well the 3" would fit in the squwaker space and fire through the factory grill. I was also not feeling so "warm & fuzzy" about cutting holes in the pillar panels for the tweets. How did they end up sounding? Sounds like your system is very similar to ShawnB2's system....was that the inspiration?

 

Now you piqued my interest... what did you find (make/model) to replace the dash squakers? Was it a good fit (w/o modification)? Thanks!

 

Another option is the build a pod into the dash windows. It's not a great option but you don't have to make any permanent mods to the car.

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...iamond-audio-midranges-installed-finally.html

 

Sorry about that F8L, I hosed that last sentence up.

Your mod looks great, though I wouldn't want to block those side windows... they do help.

What I would really like is a great combo ~3" tweeter/midrange to replace the squaker that is there. Second option is to place a nice tweet on top of the squaker grill and call it good.

 

http://www.hertzaudiovideo.com/Doc/Hertz_HiEnergy_HSK163.pdf The Mid is 3". Installer said no cutting was required to swap the squawker, just moved the nut clips out. This is a 3-Way, so you still need the tweeter.

 

No worries. I know the mod is not for everyone but I wanted to present another option.

 

Here you see only cut made, which was for the Hi-Tweeter, later painted to match and reinstalled straight. The 3" Mid-Tweeter replaced the squaker under factory grill.


Placement of crossovers under drivers seat (unbolted).



:focus:


My JL mounted below passenger seat (unbolted).

If you are set on an Alpine, try the PDX5. They are both digital and offer single amp solution. The JL does 100 watts x4 +500 watts to the sub. The PDX5 does 75x4+300 to the sub.

It's all about choices, this was just mine. Hope that helps and sorry we side tracked wyun.

 

Dude, I can't see any of those photos. Can you repost as attachments? Thanks.

 

Sorry. Never posted a picture on a forum before. Wife had to help.