Hey All,

Does anyone know what a completely stock 2000 Jetta 2.0 (manual)
alternator puts out in the way of amps?

I have a couple of amplifiers hooked up in the car for a stereo system,
and I've noticed that when I'm running the stereo a loudly the
headlights dim a bit.

To get some obvious stuff out of the way: I've been doing car stereos
for more than a few years, and understand that headlight dimming is not
the end of the world, but I want to make sure that everything is up to
snuff.  Specifics?  The lights dim only at higher volumes, but once
those volume levels are reached they dim no matter what the RPMs are at
(though, the higher the RPMs, the less time the dimming lasts).  I'm
using one amplifier to push one 10-inch subwoofer (at 150 watts, RMS,
if anyone cares), and a different amplifier to push the two rear
speakers (at 60 watts each, RMS).  The two amplifiers have a combined
MAXIMUM current draw of 36 Amps (14 for the subwoofer, 22 for the rear
two speakers).  On top of that, the deck itself is powering the front
two speakers, therefore taking up power as well.  There is, of coarse,
all of the other normal power being used by the car as well.

So, what I'd like to know is whether or not my stock alternator should
be up to handling this load.  If it's supposed to be putting out more
than enough power (doubtful), then I can take the car in for a little
check up, and have the alternator and battery looked at - then have the
faulty part replaced.  Unfortunately, I suspect that I may be pushing
(or exceeding) the limits of the power capabilities under my hood.

My next question is this:  If the stock alternator for my car isn't
supposed to be handling such loads (likely), I have three options for
dealing with the power drain - and would appreciate input on these
options.

1)  Quit worrying about it, and leave it alone and deal with headlight
dimming.
2)  See if an alternator is available that puts out more power, and
implement it if possible.
3)  Install a capacitor for the stereo.

Each option has its drawbacks, but each also has specific advantages.

Anyone up for this discussion?

~The Lull