alternator/speaker questions Options

[captb]

ok, i am a noob when it comes to electrical and audio stuff so i need your guys help. right now i got the stock alternator, jvc head unit, and just installed a 500w mono amp with 2x 10" alpine type-e in parallel(custom box,etc. by me). my car just died on me today, this is the first time i drove with the speakers installed and all the accessories on(minus the a/c). the headlights would flicker at the higher volumes, so i lowered it and 5 min later it just died. so my battery is undoubtedly dead now but what do i need to fix it? i ask you guys because you are familiar with the capabilities of the celica/alternator. i didnt upgrade the big three yet would that solve my problem? or is the alternator more than capable of handling this and this is only signs that the alternator is going bad? i also noticed the positive terminal tends to corrode alot, i bought gold plated terminals, will this minimize the corrosion? and 1 more thing, i am about ready to do the big three. what size wire should i use? i am using and 8gauge for my amp, if that helps.

can you guys help me, i know this is the best place to ask.

this is what i got:
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=SWE-1043&lang=en&tab=F
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=MRP-M500&lang=en&tab=F

This post has been edited by captb: Oct 1, 2008 - 4:28 AM

[TRD_Ian]

i have a kinda similar problem..im running a 400wat rms 1200 watt peak mtx amp and infinity speaks all around and a pioneer deck and at damn near full volume/peak on the amp my car feels different when im driving....could i be sucking out to much power?? iv got a stinger cap and my lights dont flicker like iv had happen in other vechiles with different systems but...i have hid's i unno if they would flicker at peak or not....any ideas? car just feels laggy