Capacitors??

Refer to my other post for application - But I am curious... how do you know which "farad" capacitor is needed for your sub and amp setup??

usually one farad for every 500 watts RMS of power...

you can never really go wrong with oversizing on caps though... just don't go buying a 10 hybrid cap for something like 2,000 watts or less... your just crazy then... even though they do look good!

True.. which amps would you suggest in that case matt?

caps won't help if you are getting dimming you need a HO alt

wouldn't doing the big 3 help with light dimming ?

Originally Posted by windycitygtp

wouldn't doing the big 3 help with light dimming ?

not without a HO alt

i do have 1 reported case of a cap helping. one of my TEACHERS kept screwing up his alternator with subs, then put in a cap and it quit breaking. I don't think it's a good way. Just buy yourself a good name-brand amp.

Read this!! If you have a good quality amp then the caps are already built into the power supply


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Originally Posted by TurboTrav

not without a HO alt

Depends on how many amps you are pulling.

Originally Posted by whiney

Depends on how many amps you are pulling.

Big 3 is trendy. It really doesn't help anything except maybe V droop unless you have higher output alts (as stated above) AND HARDWARE THAT UTILIZES SAID H.O. ALTS!

Again, most people utilize about 15-20 watts per speaker on average when they crank. Get some equipment and do actual readings if you want proof.

Originally Posted by whiney

Depends on how many amps you are pulling.

not to jack but the lowest i got yesterday was a 10.9V

Originally Posted by TurboTrav

not to jack but the lowest i got yesterday was a 10.9V

That could also be due poor connections or small guaged wire or LENGTH of said wire. Refer to the12volt.com to help with wire runs and determining power requirements.

I have a 4awg run in an 04 GP with ~1800(a/b power supply) watts on tap. In cold weather(30 or below no humidity) I go down the highway with 14.9 on the DIC and ~14.5 measured in the trunk.

Again, there's no way in hell I use that many watts. But if I run my subs incorrectly I can definitely strain the alt with dimmed lights. However, my voltage is still fine.

Originally Posted by TurboTrav

not to jack but the lowest i got yesterday was a 10.9V

How is your deck and amp still running?? How is your alternator not dead yet????

Originally Posted by whiney

How is your deck and amp still running?? How is your alternator not dead yet????

well i can hold it at 11.5 all day. and i'm sure the alt is on its way out

and fyi you can run it on that low of volts, just messes up the power rms
its 0 gauge wire no big 3 getting a HO alt thats when i'm doing the big 3

and the 04+ i'm pretty sure has a 130A stock mines a 110A

caps are junk get a deep cycle battery in your trunk next to your amp..way better

Originally Posted by ionroller

caps are junk get a deep cycle battery in your trunk next to your amp..way better

That makes no sense. If you are drawing more power than the alternator creates...adding another load doesn't help that. You'd end up having to recharge that batt every so often if your power use really did dictate its use.

Originally Posted by CTKGP09

usually one farad for every 500 watts RMS of power...

this is a good rule of thumb. especially for our cars which have fairly decent alternators. do the voltage upgrade too. and the big 3. and you'll be set!

a alpine m-1000 and your set..no cap to destroy your alternator needed

My buddy has an m-2000 and i have an m-500, those amps are awesome and underrated!