amp hookup help needed

[DannyD28]

Im trying to install an amp to the stock head unit, to run a 12 inch sub. I think I have everything figured out now, except, I dont know how to hook up the high level inputs on the amp. I dont know which wire behind the HU to splice into. Or should I be hooking it up behind the panel at the stock amp? I guess what I basically need is a wiring diagram or something. Thanks for any help, im way lost.

 

[MSTNGGUY88]

Do you have RCA outputs on the back of the radio?

 

[DannyD28]

No, its the stock 95' JBL head unit, no RCA's.

 

[DannyD28]

Also, Is 8 gauge power wire thick enough for a 1200 watt amp (600 rms) ?

 

[greengeeker]

i've hooked up several on one of the rear speaker outputs(l or r), directly after the deck. you could attach after the stock amp, but the sound wont be as clean. it isnt going to sound as good as RCA's but a hellova lot better than no sub at all. couldn't say with certainty whether the gauge is big enough...sorry.

 

[greengeeker]

i just poked around then internet a little and i think it would be better to go with 4. you could check out www.crutchfield.com or call 1-888-955-6000. you may be on hold for a while though. best buy usually has someone in their store that would know. anyway, good luck.

 

[DannyD28]

So I dont need to hook anything up behind my HU? And the amp will turn on as soon as the radio does?

 

[TarHeel085]

OK< HOLD UP. go out RIGHT NOW and get 4 gauge wire. then go buy a new HU, but really you need a $30 adapter to use the stock HU. good luck.

 

[DannyD28]

Dont have money for a new HU, what could happen if I use the 8 gauge wire? Also, what is this adapter you speak of?

 

[Keith]

You need a high low converter. I used one on my moms 96. Also if you use a gage wire that is to small you will:

a) Continue to blow the in line fuse every time the amp tries to draw to much current. With 8 gauge wire I believe 20amp fuse should be used.

b) Start a fire.

 

[yob_yeknom]

Using to small of a wire will also starve the amp. It won't be able to pull enough juice through the small wire. This will severely shorten the life of the amp. Also, it won't sound as good as it's full potential.

 

[Yng_pnk]

i used 8 befor! DONT USE IT

I have an 800.2 rockford, I used the 8 awg wire and it caught fire when i put in my PG breaker (140amp). I have 4 now. But idealy i would get 1/0 if your getting anything bugger than the 800 I suggest you get a cap too, I was told it reduces the heat, and reduces wear on your altenator system.

 

[Yng_pnk]

ONE MORE THING

Look on ebay for a wiring harness, they are like $5 or less +shipping, And the HU's are really cheap too, i got my drx9375r for only $205 shipped, And a new amp kit, only 29-39 dollars for the 4 awg, I would also get a breaker, with that much wattage you mst me poping fuses like mad. I must have wasted 60 dollars on fuses befor i got a breaker.

 

[nosaj122081]

Re: i used 8 befor! DONT USE IT

Originally posted by Yng_pnk
I have an 800.2 rockford, I used the 8 awg wire and it caught fire when i put in my PG breaker (140amp). I have 4 now. But idealy i would get 1/0 if your getting anything bugger than the 800 I suggest you get a cap too, I was told it reduces the heat, and reduces wear on your altenator system.

Is the RF the only amp you're running off that cable? If so, 140 amps is WAY too much, you need more like 60 amps. You don't wanna go too big, if something were to happen, 140 amps is ALOT of juice... I have a 800a2, a 60ix, and a couple of other gizmos (maybe draw 10 or 15 amps total) and I only run a 120 amp fuse, and even thats a shade bigger than what I need. Just a word of warning, current like that will make a massive fire in a short amount of time, I've accidentally grounded 1/0 with a 120 amp fuse for a fraction of a second, and it was enough to weld a spot on the floor pan, and it didn't even make the fuse blow.

 

[Yng_pnk]

60 amp fuses

I used to run 80 amp fuses and they would blow everytime i turned it up past 12 on the deck, I went to car toys and they said i should have at least a 100 amp i got the 140 so i could use a distro block for a 800.4 RF as well

 

[nosaj122081]

You may wanna check with Rockford on this one, I'm positive that amp is supposed to be run off a 60 amp fuse... There might be other issues involved, I'd ask the source. Could actually be problems causing the amp to overdraw, but I wouldn't take advice from anyone that disputes what the instruction manual said. RF has a good tech department (they've sent me several manuals after I've "misplaced" them), if you email them they'll respond real quick.