I know the debate on Caps vs HO alternators(I'm getting ready to order a 300 amp alt shortly), but I still insist on running a cap to smooth out voltage.
I drive a 2001 Pontiac Bonneville, and my battery is located in the backseat, stock at the time. It is an alumapro 5 farad cap.
My question is should I run the cap between the alternator and the battery(my initial thoughts), or after the battery to the amp, like what is common? Or do a seperate run from the alternator to the cap(Ie: two wires from alt, one to b+, one to cap, then both to amp?).
I was going to PM this to M.S. but figured I'd turn it into a topic.
The companies that make capacitors tell you to install it in the amplifier's power wire as close to the amp as possible.
In reality it isn't going to matter what you do, since the capacitors don't provide any improvement. Save yourself this trouble and don't bother with it.
With enough capacitance capictors DO WORK. A small 5 farad probably won't help though(Or at all). Capacitors can act as filters and smooth out the power spikes by tiny bits depending how large of a capacitor. I happen to know a World Champ who uses a 50 Farad cap to help with consistency on the meter, go figure.
i'm going to be putting in a larger HO alt in my car. i currently now have a 5 farad stinger cap. will i not need the cap and/or shouldnt even use it once i put in the new alt?
so im putting a 3600W system in my car any suggestions??? amps and capacitor? i have an 98 acura cl so theres no room for more alternators or batteries.
If you don't have room for batteries you won't have room for capacitors. There may not be room for more alternators but you can change your stock alternator to one that produces more amperage. Check your thread.
