do I need a cap for my amps??

explorermike94 · 02-11-2004, 06:35 PM

hey guys I have 2 amps in my ex I have a 400 watt and I think a 150 watt. I also have the 130 amp alternator I dont have any light dimming problems or anything but I was curious should I get a a cap for my system? What benefits do they offer? and what exactly do they do?

Mike

410Fortune · 02-11-2004, 06:39 PM

Yes you do.

Everone with an amp can benefit from a capacitor.

basically when your amp hits hard, like at high volume with a big bass hit, it pulls all the current it can from your electrical system. With a cap the current it needs is already stored up, so it doesnt have a hard time getting the power it needs.
So the answer is yes you could use a cap, but it is more important to first make sure all your wiring is up to par....your system wiring is more important than a cap, the cap should be one of the last things you do.
If you already have top notch wiring then the cap may be your next step.

I am guessing with your system (sounds like 2 amps, about 600 watts) you will need a 1/2 farad cap, should be sufficient.........

explorermike94 · 02-11-2004, 06:57 PM

Im pretty sure my wiring is all good Its a rockford fosgate dual amp wiring kit and since my second amp powers my door speakers I did run all new wires for the doors. I will start looking around for a good priced cap. do you know of any good places to start looking?

zzimzimma · 02-11-2004, 09:26 PM

ebay

93exploder · 02-12-2004, 02:25 AM

in my opinion, no.

99explorer5.0 · 02-12-2004, 05:42 AM

If your lights arent dimming when the bass hits then i would say no you do not need one at this point. I dont have a cap for mine and its fine at lower volumes if i crank it up then the battery meter bounces with the bass and my lights dim but i dont have it cranked up at maximum volume enough to justify buying a cap.

davesexplorer · 02-12-2004, 12:33 PM

Instead of buying a crapacitor upgrade your battery first, and your wiring (the big 3).

HotCtyPlaya · 02-12-2004, 02:10 PM

Its not just the wiring to the sub and to the amp that are important your chassis ground is one of the most important upgrades you can do. Also make sure your battery is newer and getting a battery that is a little stronger then you common stuff will be even more of a benefit for you. Cap should be your last RESOLVE. If anything upgrade your alternator first it will be up the electrical like you wouldn't believe....

But to reitterate....chassis ground very important....

explorermike94 · 02-15-2004, 07:01 PM

i already have a new high output alternator and my battery is an optima yellow top

*expo5.0* · 02-15-2004, 07:06 PM

i have a couple of mobil spec caps for sale that i'll let go for $75 shipped. the are as nice as ANY 1 farad cap and far nicer than many. Let me know if your interested.

Fhantazm · 02-17-2004, 08:28 AM

If it were me, id buy the one Expo is selling. In general a capacitor is a capacitor. Theres really nothing one can do to bulld a better capacitor, except for maybe an led readout and better terminals. In the end its still a big cylinder, filled with electrolyte.

*expo5.0* · 02-17-2004, 09:10 AM

and of all the caps i've seen this one has the nicest terminals too. i wish i had a close up of them.

draft · 02-17-2004, 06:06 PM

dam man..

took the truck cruising over the weekend with some of my street buddies with lightnings/is300's and all that crap. so I busted the system pretty normal with all my lights on... right behind my friends truck, and I can see my headlights and gauges going in and out slowly... I just cussed out loud- thought my system didn't eat that much power, but eh, looks like i'll be getting one sooner than i expected, since i was only listening to it on like 40/60.

davesexplorer · 02-17-2004, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by explorermike94
i already have a new high output alternator and my battery is an optima yellow top

wow, then you really dont need a cap, unless you just like the way they look?

And draft, if your lights dim and such with just a rockford 851S, I'd check out the battery and the alternator, cuz thats not exactly a huge drawing amp. Try (if you haven't yet) either a new battery, or a HO alternator. And if you hadn't yet, upgrade the batt ground wire, alternator power wire, and engine ground wire.

draft · 02-17-2004, 08:55 PM

Yeah, well, I didn't expect any dimming at all really either. I mean, it was nothing drastic, just noticeable to my eyes during the night, which in some cases if a little tired.. doesn't always pick up the small things like that.

Not that they draw alot of power... but I did have those gauges running, all sylvania upgraded front bulbs, low fogs, upgraded tail bulbs, and of course the system, plus the box was pounding like a mofo... I tried one of Jay-Z's new songs on it, and christ, I play it any louder than 25 or 30 (out of 60), the pounding just overdoes the music.. depends on the song I guess. Thinking of readjusting my amp settings anyways in these next few days, sounds like some of the gains got thrown off.

I want a red top soon anyways, so I'll probably just do that. You'd be surpised what I can pull out of that amp... bleh, who knows.

02-11-2004, 06:35 PM	#1
explorermike94 Wannabe Elite Explorer Indiana 94xlt Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 42 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	do I need a cap for my amps?? hey guys I have 2 amps in my ex I have a 400 watt and I think a 150 watt. I also have the 130 amp alternator I dont have any light dimming problems or anything but I was curious should I get a a cap for my system? What benefits do they offer? and what exactly do they do? Mike __________________ 1994 xlt 3in body lift, coil spacers, aal, full sound system

02-11-2004, 06:39 PM	#2
410Fortune ELITE BRONCO2ERER Crawlorado B2 Mod Join Date: Aug 2000 Posts: 22,099 Vehicle Specs	Yes you do. Everone with an amp can benefit from a capacitor. basically when your amp hits hard, like at high volume with a big bass hit, it pulls all the current it can from your electrical system. With a cap the current it needs is already stored up, so it doesnt have a hard time getting the power it needs. So the answer is yes you could use a cap, but it is more important to first make sure all your wiring is up to par....your system wiring is more important than a cap, the cap should be one of the last things you do. If you already have top notch wiring then the cap may be your next step. I am guessing with your system (sounds like 2 amps, about 600 watts) you will need a 1/2 farad cap, should be sufficient......... __________________ 96 Explorer daily driver build-1996 XLT 5.0L AWD to 4x4 conversion complete on 33's 88 BII 5.0L conversion - BII 5.0l drivetrain thread My Bronco II - 1988 Bronco II 4x4 V8 on 35's - registry and updates Wifes 07 FJ build - 2007 FJ cruiser locked and lifted

02-11-2004, 06:57 PM	#3
explorermike94 Wannabe Elite Explorer Indiana 94xlt Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 42 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Im pretty sure my wiring is all good Its a rockford fosgate dual amp wiring kit and since my second amp powers my door speakers I did run all new wires for the doors. I will start looking around for a good priced cap. do you know of any good places to start looking? __________________ 1994 xlt 3in body lift, coil spacers, aal, full sound system

02-12-2004, 02:25 AM	#5
93exploder Wannabe Elite Explorer Lubbock, TX - Texas Tech 93 XLT 2wd Join Date: Jul 2000 Posts: 557 Vehicle Specs	in my opinion, no. __________________ Clint 1993 Explorer XLT 2" lift - 31" BFG's Pioneer and JL audio system - XM Roady2 Grill Guard w/ Hella 500's

02-12-2004, 05:42 AM	#6
99explorer5.0 Wannabe Elite Explorer RI '99 XLT 5.0L Join Date: Oct 2000 Posts: 1,136 Vehicle Specs	If your lights arent dimming when the bass hits then i would say no you do not need one at this point. I dont have a cap for mine and its fine at lower volumes if i crank it up then the battery meter bounces with the bass and my lights dim but i dont have it cranked up at maximum volume enough to justify buying a cap. __________________ 99 EXPLORER XLT 5.0L AWD, KKM, Gibson Stainless Cat-Back, Sony MDX-C6500X Mini Disk, Sony 10 Disk CD Changer Rockford Fosgate BD1000.1, 15" Eclipse Aluminum 1000watt Sub, SilverStar Headlamps and Fogs 2002 Mustang GT 5 Speed with a few goodies

02-11-2004, 09:26 PM	#4
zzimzimma Wannabe Elite Explorer Long Island, NY 98 Explorer XLT 4.0 SOHC Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 47 Vehicle Specs	ebay

02-12-2004, 12:33 PM	#7
davesexplorer Wannabe Elite Explorer Central PA 2001 F350 7.3 Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 2,808 Vehicle Specs	Instead of buying a crapacitor upgrade your battery first, and your wiring (the big 3). __________________ 2001 F350 Extended Cab Long Bed Lariat 7.3 Powerstroke 4x4 1999 Mustang GT 5spd vert

02-12-2004, 02:10 PM	#8
HotCtyPlaya Wannabe Elite Explorer Jamesburg, NJ '98 Durango SLT Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 442 Vehicle Specs	Its not just the wiring to the sub and to the amp that are important your chassis ground is one of the most important upgrades you can do. Also make sure your battery is newer and getting a battery that is a little stronger then you common stuff will be even more of a benefit for you. Cap should be your last RESOLVE. If anything upgrade your alternator first it will be up the electrical like you wouldn't believe.... But to reitterate....chassis ground very important.... __________________ If first place ain't good enough I'll just pop everyone and take their trophies too.... 15" DD 9015, 2400W Concept Amp running down at 1 ohm for full power, Pionner 3 Way 6X8 Team Kronix and Kronix Car Audio present the (dot)Com of the century http://www.kronixsound.com One Sub....One Solution....Just try and prove me wrong....

02-15-2004, 07:01 PM	#9
explorermike94 Wannabe Elite Explorer Indiana 94xlt Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 42 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	i already have a new high output alternator and my battery is an optima yellow top __________________ 1994 xlt 3in body lift, coil spacers, aal, full sound system

02-15-2004, 07:06 PM	#10
expo5.0 Elite Explorer Red Wing, MN 1996 xlt Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 7,306 Vehicle Specs	i have a couple of mobil spec caps for sale that i'll let go for $75 shipped. the are as nice as ANY 1 farad cap and far nicer than many. Let me know if your interested. Attached Images __________________ C43 ///AMG 390/440 @ wheels + tasteful show ICE and cosmetics Explorer Roadster- 5.0, bags, all one-off body, hasn't moved in 3 years- parting out. Tahoe and G35x daily drivers- stockish Specialized S-works and p2, Giant Trance X, Marin Pine Mountain

02-17-2004, 08:28 AM	#11
Fhantazm Wannabe Elite Explorer Bristol, Tn 91 Navajo LX 4X4 Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 880 Vehicle Specs	If it were me, id buy the one Expo is selling. In general a capacitor is a capacitor. Theres really nothing one can do to bulld a better capacitor, except for maybe an led readout and better terminals. In the end its still a big cylinder, filled with electrolyte. __________________ -1991 Explorajo 5 Speed 4X4 (Navajo LX converted to an Explorer Sport) *Finally gave up the ghost at 230,000 miles RIP!* -2003 Isuzu Rodeo LS

02-17-2004, 09:10 AM	#12
expo5.0 Elite Explorer Red Wing, MN 1996 xlt Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 7,306 Vehicle Specs	and of all the caps i've seen this one has the nicest terminals too. i wish i had a close up of them. __________________ C43 ///AMG 390/440 @ wheels + tasteful show ICE and cosmetics Explorer Roadster- 5.0, bags, all one-off body, hasn't moved in 3 years- parting out. Tahoe and G35x daily drivers- stockish Specialized S-works and p2, Giant Trance X, Marin Pine Mountain

02-17-2004, 06:06 PM	#13
draft Wannabe Elite Explorer Los Angeles, CA Mounty Sport Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,477 Vehicle Specs	dam man.. took the truck cruising over the weekend with some of my street buddies with lightnings/is300's and all that crap. so I busted the system pretty normal with all my lights on... right behind my friends truck, and I can see my headlights and gauges going in and out slowly... I just cussed out loud- thought my system didn't eat that much power, but eh, looks like i'll be getting one sooner than i expected, since i was only listening to it on like 40/60. __________________ 98 Mountaineer Sport

02-17-2004, 08:55 PM	#15
draft Wannabe Elite Explorer Los Angeles, CA Mounty Sport Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,477 Vehicle Specs	Yeah, well, I didn't expect any dimming at all really either. I mean, it was nothing drastic, just noticeable to my eyes during the night, which in some cases if a little tired.. doesn't always pick up the small things like that. Not that they draw alot of power... but I did have those gauges running, all sylvania upgraded front bulbs, low fogs, upgraded tail bulbs, and of course the system, plus the box was pounding like a mofo... I tried one of Jay-Z's new songs on it, and christ, I play it any louder than 25 or 30 (out of 60), the pounding just overdoes the music.. depends on the song I guess. Thinking of readjusting my amp settings anyways in these next few days, sounds like some of the gains got thrown off. I want a red top soon anyways, so I'll probably just do that. You'd be surpised what I can pull out of that amp... bleh, who knows. __________________ 98 Mountaineer Sport