At the risk of sounding like a know it all, I'd like to share a piece of information that I learned a long time ago. I've been doing stereo installation for 15 years, and been in many competitions. Capacitors are a waste of your hard earned cash. Unless you are going to go all out spl comp, using a burp switch, and plan on using a crap ton of them, don't do it. They won't keep your headlights from dimming, your bass hit harder, or any other myth you've been told. They bleed off there power surge quicker than you can tell it happens.

Again, hope this save some people some cash.

 

Even if your building a competition system a capacitor is like putting a band aid on something that needs stitches.


J

 

completely agree. always start with the "big 3" and if you've got a bigger system, upgrade the alternator

 

Better words have not been spoken,

 

I only run a capacitor on my system so that the next time my advanced brand battery dies during the warranty period, they don't give me any crap about replacing it due to running an amp without a capacitor. I had one die a couple months ago that was only like 8 months (premium level battery, not the cheap economy one) old and they at first didn't want to replace it blaming it on my amp, and they said I needed to put a capacitor on it to prevent unnecessary battery drain. For 50 dollars to make them happy and not give me trouble honoring the warranty if it dies again, it's worth it.

 

caps are bandaids as stated, thats all. Steven if they tell you its from your amp tell them theyre smoking crack because rule #1 in car audio (or 12 volt in general) is that the SOURCE (alternator) needs to be the supply of voltage, if the alternator cant hang it drains your battery because the overhead voltage isnt enough to run your accessories (lights fans heater) andyour system all at once, best move with know it all parts jockeys is to blow them away with information lol

Im running a mild system in my car with no cap, big 3 done etc. DBdrive 4 channel and monoblock running 2 W1's in a baffle board, no headlight dimming (also wiredthem up on a relay harness it helps a ton btw) there are times where if i have the bass **** up and im idiling at a light it will kill mycar, but my voltmeter is also pulsing when that happens, im used to it, you can be proactive and just turn your musicdown OR tap the gas lol ultimately its my battery though, its from 07 and i just keep banging on it til it fries, stinger battery is next lol

 

Have you looked into Kinetic, or DC Power for your next batteries? They have a GREAT reputation and are companies I TRULY stand behind.


J

 

Kintetic is good my work is a stinger dealer so I get a killer discount on the red batteries lol can't beat the price of company cost

 

That you cannot.


J

 

This might sound like a silly question, but does anyone know what the amperage is on our factory alternators..? (91 RS 305 TBI).. my lights are dimming as well, and it's a really mild amp. Getting ready to change out the factory original alternator for a good one. Stone

 

I haven't ran stinger batteries in several years. Unless they have greatly improved, I'd definitely go Kinetic. I had a lumina with 3 memphis hpo ten's with 4 st1000 amps strapped in pairs, each to 3 coils. 4 stinger batteries. Ditched them for optima's. Much better service.

 

If not mistaken, it's in the neighborhood of 105 amp.

 

The stock on my 86 camaro is 78 amps without AC, 94 amps for the one made for with AC. Don't know if it varies any for other years.

I plan to put a 140 amp maybe a 160 amp in mine when I get around to it. But I'm mainly doing it cause I'm going to be putting a second battery in to run some more advanced electronic devices I'm going to be installing (namely a carputer).

 

At the risk of sounding like a retard, what are the "Big 3"? I am only 21, have no clue about doing a sound system and would like some 1 on 1 help if possible. Keep in mind I listen to heavy metal and dont need a crap ton of bass.

 

Was thinking the 91 had the small case alternator which were mostly over 100. I'm probably off on my years though