Need help with dual amp install

[Atreuce]

I'm getting ready to overhaul my audio in the tahoe, and I already have a mono amp run for my sub. I'm just running a regular battery, and alternator.

I'm worried about headlight dimming, and sound quality from having so much drawing off the battery.

My question is - Are capacitors really useful? I've read where they don't really affect it, and I should just get a better battery, and alternator combo.

source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzvx5-Z4v_o comments.
- I know... Youtube comments?! Some of them sound legit though.


What I'm installing: (all rockford fosgate)

Punch P400X4 - 4ch amp
Punch P165-S - Components (front)
Punch P165 - 2-way (rear)
Dynamat in all doors, and I heard doing the dash is good?

What I have already

Prime R250X1 - Mono amp
Punch P1S2-10 - 2ohm 10
Pioneer NEX-8000 headunit

I'm eventually going to upgrade to a punch 10 P3 (500w).

Suggestions?

 

[NathanJax]

I have a batcap, which is a battery and capacitor together, so it's the best of both worlds. I would do an extra battery before I just did a cap...

Make sure you do the big 3 either way...

 

[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

if yer running the stock alternator its like 130 amps you need at least 50 or so for the car
that leaves you 80 amps at 14 volts is roughly 1100 watts if yer amps pull more current then 80 amps you need a larger alternator caps and extra batterys dont create more current
add up all the fuses on both yer amps thats how much current they can draw

 

[SVTAddict03]

You have plenty of battery. Don't worry about it. I also wouldn't bother with the 4 channel amp. I am running a 10w6 with JL components in the front and infinity coaxles in the rear. The factory amp for the speakers is more then enough to keep up with that sub and it's more the twice as powerful then what you are running.

 

[Atreuce]

I don't have a factory amp. Mine didn't come with the bose system or anything..

Already bought the amp, and everything. It's just sitting in a box right now..

What's the "big 3" ?

 

[ccapehartusarmyINF.(ret)]

big 3 is changing all the wiring to your vehicles chargine system with zero guage

---------- Post added at 02:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:43 PM ----------

wich alternator do you have the 105 amp or 130 amp ?
how many fuses on both yer amps and what are there amp ratings?

 

[ccd_1606]

There is my setup, it's an 500 watt mono block and an 800 watt 4 channel. I run a 3.5 farad cap just to help a little. I upgraded the alternator wire and body ground to 4 gauge. I don't have a problem with dimming or anything on mine.

 

[Atreuce]

that looks pretty much like what i want to do. i gotta figure out how that carpet comes up to make it look clean like that lol.


as for my alternator - ive no idea what amperage it is, and my amps are still in the box. i'll pop them open this week and take a look. had to babysit this weekend is why i couldnt get back here to post

 

[ScottyBoy]

If your truck is a 03 or older, then your alternator is either a 105 or a 130amp. If you have a 04 or newer, then you most likely have a 145a alternator unless you have a completely stripped down work truck model, then you might have a 105.
But even if you have the 145, look into something bigger. In the mean time, do the "Big 3" upgrade. Just search for big 3 upgrade on Google and you'll see a lot if website showing what to do. You are basically upgrading the biggest 3 weak points of the stock charging system, the battery neg to engine ground, the engine to body ground, and the alternator charging wire to the battery. Some people even go a step further and connect a good ground from the frame to the body and frame to engine. Use at least 2gauge wire when making all these ground connections and alternator connections.

My truck came with a 130, and I upgraded to a 145. While that small upgrade did help marginally, I do still need to eventually get at least a 200amp alternator. My biggest problem is at idle when my electric fans kick on. Those fans draw a HUGE amount of current. If I am driving with the engine over 1500rpms, I have zero problems. It's only at idle or when stopped in traffic or at a stoplight or something.

 

[ccd_1606]

that looks pretty much like what i want to do. i gotta figure out how that carpet comes up to make it look clean like that lol.


as for my alternator - ive no idea what amperage it is, and my amps are still in the box. i'll pop them open this week and take a look. had to babysit this weekend is why i couldnt get back here to post

Easiest way to run the wires clean is to un bolt the middle row. You down have to remove it but once it is loose you can pick it up in the spot you are working in to help run the wires under the carpet.

 

[V84x4]

Just installed my 1oooW mono & 1oooW 4 channel
And my battery died in a week so i just bought a "Red Top" "Optima"
and it's all better now

future plans for second "yellow" top Optima just for my system

 

[SVTAddict03]

I don't have a factory amp. Mine didn't come with the bose system or anything..

Already bought the amp, and everything. It's just sitting in a box right now..

What's the "big 3" ?

You should have a factory amp. Mine doesn't have the Bose system and still has factory amps. Mine is located behind the glove box.

 

[YukonXL04]

You should have a factory amp. Mine doesn't have the Bose system and still has factory amps. Mine is located behind the glove box.

Not true. some have them and some don't. Mine is a 04 without Bose and I don't have a factory amp.

Also Just because your amp has 80A worth of fuse, doesn't mean it will ever actually pull 80A. Majority of the time you are looking more like 40A. Unless your at bass comps with it cranked way up on short bursts. Playing test tones and such then yea your going to be more in the 60A + range. And your 4ch will hardly even pull half of its fusing.

When installing the dynamat in the doors make sure to cover up all of the large holes in the metal. your goal is to truly separate the front and rear waves of the speaker.

As far as capacitors go, don't bother with them. spend the money to run larger wires lol. with your current amps you can easily run both of those off a single 4ga wire run and split of to 2 8ga to the amps.

 

[Atreuce]

Thanks for the info guys. I really appreciate it.

 

[03chevyhoe]

No need for a bigger alternator. i have 1500 watts in my avalanche and just have a kinetic hc1800 battery and big 3 and have no dimming. just use 0 gauge for big 3 and you should be fine.