Since I got all this new stereo equipment lately I have one question. Will I need a capacitor and what type? I don't know a darn thing about them. From what I've been told I suppose that they store energy for the big bass hits or was I told wrong. All I know about them is that they are rated in volts and farad capacity. So what volt and farad capacity should I go for? Any suggestions??????

- Mike Harvey -

 

well mike, i asked the same question awhile ago on here, when my headlights would get real dim when the bass hit. so, i was told to get a 1 fared capacitor, which i bought off ebay new for about $80, from wholesalesounds.com. the thing i like about mine, is it has a built in voltage regulator. they are very easy to install. your power wire to you battery now would go to the capacitor, then another wire, same gauge to your amp. the key is to try to get the capasitor as close to your amp as possible with the shortest wire. this way you don't lose any power from the capasitor to the amp. so yes, you were told right about it storing power. this helps with the drainage on your battery, and alternator. hope some of this help.

 

Right on thanx. So that would work great for me when I install this system. Then I can the JET Underdrive Pullies and not worry about my system affecting the alternator. Cool, thanx again.

- Mike Harvey -

 

No No No! A cap merly stores energy. When you amp demands alot of power (like for a bass hit), the voltage regulator in your alt cant switch fast enough to boost the voltage, hence you get the lights diming to the beat. A cap can discharge energy very fast, and when there is a votage dip, the cap will supply power to compensate. But this only lasts so long. Were talking fractions of a second. If your alt is not powerful enough to supply the voltage you amp needs, a cap will do nothing for you. Adding power pullies will slow down the alt. At idle, you will have reduced output. What ever your voltage is at idle, the cap will charge to that voltage. Ideally, you want 14 volts. For example, if your at idle and are at 11 volts, a cap will not boost the voltage to 14v, it will merly try to keep the voltage at 11v.

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-Justin-
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[This message has been edited by Justins86bird (edited October 25, 2000).]

 

i dont know how large your system is, but i have 2 amps and am about to get 2 tens. i will buy a 1 farad cap cuz i have a little less than 1000 watts. i replaced the alt and the battery just to be sure. if your alt is stock, i think even tho you have a cap you will still get dim lights when the bass hits. my advice is to upgrade the battery(sumthin with a warranty) and possibly a high amp alternator.

daniel

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86 camaro cpe(dont laugh)has 92z28 body kit with GTS covers, new red paint and a killer stereo. 2 amps, 8 speakers, disc changer, custom install with subs coming by the end of the summer. sawpped (or in the process of) 305lg4 for brand new 350. TES headers, flowmaster cat back, performer manifold, TCI converter, jet chip, kn with dual snorkel cleaner. and she still passed the sniffer!

"Cal Poly SLO is the shi#"

 

Well I've got a Diehard and a 110 amp alternator.

- Mike Harvey -