What farad compacitor would I need?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: San Diego CA
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 83 Trans-Am (Recarro)
Engine: 305 4bbl
Transmission: 5 speed manual
What farad compacitor would I need?
I'm using a 12" JL sub with 200 watts and my amp is 400 watt max. When sometimes running lights my amp cuts out at idle. I would like to use my system at the drive through movies but what good would it do if I cant use my sub on battery for 2 hours. So I need help choosing a what farad I need?
#2
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: KS
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 84 Monte
Engine: 355 Chevy HSR
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.90 Ford 9"
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
I personally run 2 12" Rockford HX2s of a Rockford 501s Amp advertised 1500 watts (not likely) and an additional amp maybe 400w max, I don't know it's an old old Alpine amp for the 6x9s all off a Tsunami 10 farad cap. Don't waste time on those 1 farads they don't cure anything. However, I still wouldn't trust running it for long lengths of time with the car off. Best bet IMO would be a 2nd batt for the drive in movie thing.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: N. Virginia
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 Firebird - 1998 Z28
Engine: 2.8 - LS1
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
10 farad? So you have a 10,000W system?
I put a .5 farad cap on my 1200W amp with one 12"
and it did the trick.
I put a .5 farad cap on my 1200W amp with one 12"
and it did the trick.
#4
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Pepperell, MA
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: LQ9/L92
Transmission: 4L60E
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
magadith,
what have you done to upgrade the underhood wiring? that will make a big difference. not a fan of caps unless you've done everything you can to upgrade the electrical system. Also, a cap is not going to prolong the time you can play your system; only a bigger battery will do that.
what have you done to upgrade the underhood wiring? that will make a big difference. not a fan of caps unless you've done everything you can to upgrade the electrical system. Also, a cap is not going to prolong the time you can play your system; only a bigger battery will do that.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Corner Brook, NL
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1984 Z28 HT,2006 2500HD
Engine: 5.7L, 6.6Llbz dmax
Transmission: 700R4, 6 speed allison
Axle/Gears: worn out 3.73 posi
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
dont waste your time with a cap. do the big 3 instead. i got a 2 farad cap on my 1800 watt (max) amp and its 40 bucks ill never see again. but generally the rule to go by is 1 farad per 1000 watts
#6
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Newington, CT
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 88 IROC
Engine: 5.7 RamJet
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Dana44 4.10
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
Wiring, and or alternator issue.
Deep cycle second battery, or AAA
Deep cycle second battery, or AAA
#7
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Fairhope, AL
Posts: 2,529
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 89RS(other cars & pics in vBgarage)
Engine: LO3, 305 TBI Mildly Modified
Transmission: BakerBuilt 700R4 w/B&M Megashifter
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Auburn Pro Series LSD
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
i only got 600W to mine with no cap, and have no issue with it, im also running a powermaster alt to, a cap on a 400W system is a band-aid, caps to me are for rice, its something to "look cool"
Trending Topics
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: N. Virginia
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 Firebird - 1998 Z28
Engine: 2.8 - LS1
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
Why do people say caps are pointless?! i put one in my car and it made a HUGE difference..
#9
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: San Diego CA
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 83 Trans-Am (Recarro)
Engine: 305 4bbl
Transmission: 5 speed manual
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
magadith,
what have you done to upgrade the underhood wiring? that will make a big difference. not a fan of caps unless you've done everything you can to upgrade the electrical system. Also, a cap is not going to prolong the time you can play your system; only a bigger battery will do that.
what have you done to upgrade the underhood wiring? that will make a big difference. not a fan of caps unless you've done everything you can to upgrade the electrical system. Also, a cap is not going to prolong the time you can play your system; only a bigger battery will do that.
The Alternator is fairly new too and I have no room for a second battery since my trunk space is all speaker box.
#10
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Pepperell, MA
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: LQ9/L92
Transmission: 4L60E
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
Again, if your goal is to be able to prolong the playing of your system (like at the drive in), a cap will not help you. The only option you have here is to either get a spare battery or get more efficient amplifiers (class d and similar).
However, you really should not be dimming on only one amp. What amperage is your alt?
However, you really should not be dimming on only one amp. What amperage is your alt?
#11
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: calgary alberta
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 camaro rs
Engine: edelbrock350performer crate motor
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
look into kinetik batteries you can use them on there own or in line with your normal car battery
#12
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: San Diego CA
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 83 Trans-Am (Recarro)
Engine: 305 4bbl
Transmission: 5 speed manual
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
Again, if your goal is to be able to prolong the playing of your system (like at the drive in), a cap will not help you. The only option you have here is to either get a spare battery or get more efficient amplifiers (class d and similar).
However, you really should not be dimming on only one amp. What amperage is your alt?
However, you really should not be dimming on only one amp. What amperage is your alt?
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Corner Brook, NL
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1984 Z28 HT,2006 2500HD
Engine: 5.7L, 6.6Llbz dmax
Transmission: 700R4, 6 speed allison
Axle/Gears: worn out 3.73 posi
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
do you know what a cap is or what it does? it basically regulates the power going to the amp. if you cant feed this cap to recharge it in time after the amp sucks the power out of it, it is rendered useless. soo you need to upgrade the wiring, and if done right the cap isnt needed at all. now keep in mind im no capacitor expert, im just a 2nd year electrician but thats the way i understand caps if im wrong someone please correct me
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Batavia Area, NY
Posts: 467
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 Firebird, 06 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT
Engine: 3.1L, 4.7L
Transmission: 700r4, 45RFE
Axle/Gears: 3.23 open, 3.55?
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
Capacitors DO make a difference. I personally said screw paying that kind of money for a cap when you can just run a secondary power source just for your audio. I personally got a Kinetik power cell. Check out there site at http://www.kinetikaudio.com/2009/default.asp.
My local car audio place sells these so i got a used one from a guy there who needed the HC2400 for his system(its crazy). Im not going to down a capacitor but for the money you can get something with alot more "farad per dollar." I ran my system on full blast at a buddies grad party from college for an hour straight. The car started right up perfectly and guage was exactly where it should. I still am running the OEM alternator and never have any charging, dimming, or any power related problems (well my windows take forever to go up, but this is not a power problem...lol).
Either way lets get on to "does it make a difference". OMG it was night and day to me. Check out my profile for pics of the power cell and my system. Dont get me wrong it hit hard before...but now its so much cleaner and it hits alot harder. Ive never had one person tell me that my system wasnt nice(both loud and quality). The power cell really helped me out and i love the fact that i can bump with the car off and not have to worry about losing a charge.
...as of right now i have the system all out cause it weighs so much and it was causing bad gas mileage. I also want to upgrade to componet speakers all the way around with a 4 channel amp. I like loud but i like quality sound and im just not gettin that with the 4x6 and 6x9's that i have now.
To rap it all up...sry for the long post....Go get yourself a power cell. You wont regret it. I paid $150 for mine from a buddy(it came in the orginal box and was only used for 2 months). The model i have HC800 retails for $199 and is as powerful as 200 1 farad capacitors. Read the site if you dont believe me.
My local car audio place sells these so i got a used one from a guy there who needed the HC2400 for his system(its crazy). Im not going to down a capacitor but for the money you can get something with alot more "farad per dollar." I ran my system on full blast at a buddies grad party from college for an hour straight. The car started right up perfectly and guage was exactly where it should. I still am running the OEM alternator and never have any charging, dimming, or any power related problems (well my windows take forever to go up, but this is not a power problem...lol).
Either way lets get on to "does it make a difference". OMG it was night and day to me. Check out my profile for pics of the power cell and my system. Dont get me wrong it hit hard before...but now its so much cleaner and it hits alot harder. Ive never had one person tell me that my system wasnt nice(both loud and quality). The power cell really helped me out and i love the fact that i can bump with the car off and not have to worry about losing a charge.
...as of right now i have the system all out cause it weighs so much and it was causing bad gas mileage. I also want to upgrade to componet speakers all the way around with a 4 channel amp. I like loud but i like quality sound and im just not gettin that with the 4x6 and 6x9's that i have now.
To rap it all up...sry for the long post....Go get yourself a power cell. You wont regret it. I paid $150 for mine from a buddy(it came in the orginal box and was only used for 2 months). The model i have HC800 retails for $199 and is as powerful as 200 1 farad capacitors. Read the site if you dont believe me.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Corner Brook, NL
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1984 Z28 HT,2006 2500HD
Engine: 5.7L, 6.6Llbz dmax
Transmission: 700R4, 6 speed allison
Axle/Gears: worn out 3.73 posi
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
Capacitors DO make a difference. I personally said screw paying that kind of money for a cap when you can just run a secondary power source just for your audio. I personally got a Kinetik power cell. Check out there site at http://www.kinetikaudio.com/2009/default.asp.
My local car audio place sells these so i got a used one from a guy there who needed the HC2400 for his system(its crazy). Im not going to down a capacitor but for the money you can get something with alot more "farad per dollar." I ran my system on full blast at a buddies grad party from college for an hour straight. The car started right up perfectly and guage was exactly where it should. I still am running the OEM alternator and never have any charging, dimming, or any power related problems (well my windows take forever to go up, but this is not a power problem...lol).
Either way lets get on to "does it make a difference". OMG it was night and day to me. Check out my profile for pics of the power cell and my system. Dont get me wrong it hit hard before...but now its so much cleaner and it hits alot harder. Ive never had one person tell me that my system wasnt nice(both loud and quality). The power cell really helped me out and i love the fact that i can bump with the car off and not have to worry about losing a charge.
...as of right now i have the system all out cause it weighs so much and it was causing bad gas mileage. I also want to upgrade to componet speakers all the way around with a 4 channel amp. I like loud but i like quality sound and im just not gettin that with the 4x6 and 6x9's that i have now.
To rap it all up...sry for the long post....Go get yourself a power cell. You wont regret it. I paid $150 for mine from a buddy(it came in the orginal box and was only used for 2 months). The model i have HC800 retails for $199 and is as powerful as 200 1 farad capacitors. Read the site if you dont believe me.
My local car audio place sells these so i got a used one from a guy there who needed the HC2400 for his system(its crazy). Im not going to down a capacitor but for the money you can get something with alot more "farad per dollar." I ran my system on full blast at a buddies grad party from college for an hour straight. The car started right up perfectly and guage was exactly where it should. I still am running the OEM alternator and never have any charging, dimming, or any power related problems (well my windows take forever to go up, but this is not a power problem...lol).
Either way lets get on to "does it make a difference". OMG it was night and day to me. Check out my profile for pics of the power cell and my system. Dont get me wrong it hit hard before...but now its so much cleaner and it hits alot harder. Ive never had one person tell me that my system wasnt nice(both loud and quality). The power cell really helped me out and i love the fact that i can bump with the car off and not have to worry about losing a charge.
...as of right now i have the system all out cause it weighs so much and it was causing bad gas mileage. I also want to upgrade to componet speakers all the way around with a 4 channel amp. I like loud but i like quality sound and im just not gettin that with the 4x6 and 6x9's that i have now.
To rap it all up...sry for the long post....Go get yourself a power cell. You wont regret it. I paid $150 for mine from a buddy(it came in the orginal box and was only used for 2 months). The model i have HC800 retails for $199 and is as powerful as 200 1 farad capacitors. Read the site if you dont believe me.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Batavia Area, NY
Posts: 467
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 Firebird, 06 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT
Engine: 3.1L, 4.7L
Transmission: 700r4, 45RFE
Axle/Gears: 3.23 open, 3.55?
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
Your absolutely right. It is a deep cycle battery. In the car audio sales world they call it a power cell it help boost sales. haha you know how it goes. I personally run a Optima Red-Top battery up front due to being good for starting and run the power cell out back to power my audio. I do have them wired together as to assist eachother so its not a true stand alone secondary power system. Like you stated its great idea to have. Personallly i think its the best way to go.
#18
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 camaro rs
Engine: 350
Transmission: 5 speed
Axle/Gears: stock for now
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
If your overloading your alternator, you should get a higher amp alternator. I Would personally go with a high amp alternator and a Batcap. Its a battery and capacitor hybrid, they work very well. Also how many amps is your systems drawing and what gauge wiring are you using?
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: N. Virginia
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 Firebird - 1998 Z28
Engine: 2.8 - LS1
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
do you know what a cap is or what it does? it basically regulates the power going to the amp. if you cant feed this cap to recharge it in time after the amp sucks the power out of it, it is rendered useless. soo you need to upgrade the wiring, and if done right the cap isnt needed at all. now keep in mind im no capacitor expert, im just a 2nd year electrician but thats the way i understand caps if im wrong someone please correct me
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Corner Brook, NL
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1984 Z28 HT,2006 2500HD
Engine: 5.7L, 6.6Llbz dmax
Transmission: 700R4, 6 speed allison
Axle/Gears: worn out 3.73 posi
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
The cap in easier terms just takes the strain off of the alternator. at least thats what i've noticed. My car without the cap would have the lights dim all the time and since i put the cap in my lights and electronics run fine. And my battery has not died yet like it would
#21
Supreme Member
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: West of Toronto
Posts: 3,041
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes
on
7 Posts
Car: 89 IROC
Engine: 305 TPI / ZZ4 cam
Transmission: Stage 2 700R4, LS1 driveshaft
Axle/Gears: Strange 3.42 w/ Auburn
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
Caps are a HUGE waste of money. Do the big 3 and go from there. Big 3 is the BEST bang for the buck. If you still have issues...then a cap won't help.
#22
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Grand Forks ND
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1989 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 V8
Transmission: Auto
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
1st off caps are by no means a long type of storage there made for QUICK bursts of energy.... for example i have a curcit breaker on my system i turn it off the subs pound hard about 2x more times b4 the cap is out of electricity.....
by adding a cap in series you will actually get slightly less voltage to ur system..... because it adds resistance (less voltage = less power)
caps are a good bandaid by helping even out the current drop on the cars electrical system
caps help take slightly take stress off of alts but so would a 2nd batt
your amp isnt all that big so the best idea would be to just get a good batt if ur planning on running the system off for a long time a 2nd one would proably be the best idea.
if dimming headlights are also an issue BIG 3 BABBY!!!!!!
by adding a cap in series you will actually get slightly less voltage to ur system..... because it adds resistance (less voltage = less power)
caps are a good bandaid by helping even out the current drop on the cars electrical system
caps help take slightly take stress off of alts but so would a 2nd batt
your amp isnt all that big so the best idea would be to just get a good batt if ur planning on running the system off for a long time a 2nd one would proably be the best idea.
if dimming headlights are also an issue BIG 3 BABBY!!!!!!
#23
Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 92 Chevrolet Camaro RS
Engine: 3.1L V6
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
where do you guys put your second battery without removing the spare tire, putting in the back seats, or in the trunk? I can't possibly think of place where you could put a 2nd battery in our cars without giving up one of the three.
#24
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Pepperell, MA
Posts: 3,079
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 1987 Trans Am
Engine: LQ9/L92
Transmission: 4L60E
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
Any reason you'd be against putting it in the "cubby" on the driver side? Remove the cardboard liner (if it hasn't disappeared previously) and toss it in there. Out of sight, out of mind. just make sure to get a battery box and vent it if its a lead acid battery.
#25
Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Wyoming
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 92 Chevrolet Camaro RS
Engine: 3.1L V6
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
it fits? that thing is tiny
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Batavia Area, NY
Posts: 467
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 Firebird, 06 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT
Engine: 3.1L, 4.7L
Transmission: 700r4, 45RFE
Axle/Gears: 3.23 open, 3.55?
!
I have a Kinetik HC800 Power cell in the "cubby" aka the lockbox in the back. Check my profile in the album...i have a picture of it in there....also leave any comments you have on my work in progress!...thanx
#27
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 camaro rs
Engine: 350
Transmission: 5 speed
Axle/Gears: stock for now
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
you could put it in the compartment in the trunk on the driver side. Its out of site and I really dont use it.
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Cheektowaga., NY, USA
Posts: 862
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 91 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI LO3
Re: What farad compacitor would I need?
I agree with the theme of these posts - cap is a waste of money. Upgrade to an optima or stinger deep cycle, and upgrade the big 3 and you'll be good to go. I'm running about 1400 watts between my subs and interior speakers, and all i have is an optima. Still gotta upgrade the big 3 - but never had a cap, never needed one.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post