When are caps really needed?

Thanks Guys!!!

 

Caps are need when your amp or amps can overload the cars power system at peak output!

Matthew

 

In another word, if your intertior lights dimmed on a bass note, then you need a cap. Putting a cap when the lights are not dimmed doesn't hurt anything. It helps preventing loading stress on your alternator when you crank your system up.

 

cool, thanks guys.....

then when would you have to upgrade or rewhind (whatever) the alternator...I see that some peeps have to do that.

 

What amps are you running?

I was running a JLAudio 300/4 and an Alpine MRV-1507 with two one farad caps and the stock alternator was doing a fine job. I believe the JLAudio amp could pull 60 amps peak and the Alpine could pull 120 amps peak.

What you need to remember is that amps only hit peak power input on extreme use. So if you have two amps. One four channel and one two channel or mono block amp with a couple one farad caps or a block 5 farad and above the stock alternator will be fine. Unless your total peak power input of the amps excessed the stock alternator by two times then you need to upgrade. Most people will never need to upgrade!

Just my .02

Matthew

 

thanks Matt........perfect info

 

No problem, good luck on building your system.

 

PICS????????