Capacitor/Misc Help

[Immortal 10+ year member]

Hello again, you've probably noticed Ive had a few threads lately asking for opinions on various things I intend to add to my car (secondskin: CHECK), and now Im looking into capacitors.

I want to stick with a Rockford Fosgate cap because 1) I love RF 2) they are a name brand 3) they're all about the quality, and I have found two VERY good deals on the fosgate capacitors sold.

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_details.asp?cat_id=5&series_id=40&family_id=87&item_id=108313&locale=en_US&p_status=

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_details.asp?cat_id=5&series_id=40&family_id=87&item_id=108312&locale=en_US&p_status=

The top one is 2 farads and is the hightest tier cap that RF makes short of their most expensive model. The bottom is one only 1 farad but it seems ok.

My question now is: do I need a capacitor in the first place? I intend to upgrade my amps this summer, ideally with the fosgate 1500w replacing my current 1000w

with this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ROCKFORD-FOSGATE-T1500-1BD-POWER-MONO-1500W-AMPLIFIER_W0QQitemZ130202381267QQihZ003QQcategoryZ64570QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

and a smaller 4 channel to run my speakers. On a side notemy system right now was set up with a 4 channel amp running the speakers but im only using channels 3 and 4 (bridged), can I get away with a cheaper 2 channel amp rather than a multi?

Since the RF amps are underrated in wattage as is, will I need to add a cap AND/OR buy smaller guage wire for my amps when I buy bigger wattage (1000w to 1500+w mono, 200w to 500w or so 2 channel) . Would a cap help?

I appreciate all feedback

Click to read more...

 

[USCFAN 10+ year member]

If you want a RF cap...get this one. I brought this same one for my system from this place. Its only $20 plus like 8-15 shipping. It cost me $30

http://www.zerpan.com/Shop/Control/Product/fp/vpid/4398169/vpcsid/0/SFV/32396

 

[Immortal 10+ year member]

wow that is cheap. I assume because it is the 2003 model? Unfortunately that is the cheaper 1 farad model but ill def keep that in mind

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

what problem are you having that you think you need a cap?

 

[whiteZ714x4 10+ year member]

Run run run away from Caps. They are a band-aid to the problem and essentially worthless.

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

research caps on ca, there is lots of usefull information on caps....i for instance use them for holding the back glass open, as my lift supports have crapped out on me

 

[Immortal 10+ year member]

well my thinking was that I might need a cap to suplement the power being generated by my car to power my new amps. Sounds like caps arent particularly popular here :/

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

You could try using them for that but they do a pretty miserable job at it. The size caps that you are looking at would be able to provide 10A of current for less than 1/10th of a second and would then have to recharge. If you think that will help your electrical system out, by all means drop the cash.

 

[kickerlivinloud 10+ year member]

You could try using them for that but they do a pretty miserable job at it. The size caps that you are looking at would be able to provide 10A of current for less than 1/10th of a second and would then have to recharge. If you think that will help your electrical system out, by all means drop the cash.

Listen to this guy!!! He knows more then all of us combined!

Jon

 

[Immortal 10+ year member]

lol word, ok a cap is out. im glad you guys saved me some money. As long as my car will run the amps and the sound system fine without me losing power to my headlights or during the music or something.

 

[bigbangtheory 5,000+ posts]

If your worried about your lights dimming and what not, then you can try the Big 3 and see if that helps, which there is a sticky in one of the sub forums, might even be under general section, just cant remember. If that don't help, then try upgrading to a bigger altenator.

A cap really isn't necessary.

 

[Immortal 10+ year member]

I looked into that, but it seems like I would be effectively rewiring my engine and I dont believe I have the time or the skill to do that. Can I pay for the big 3 to be upgraded in a shop, especially if I provide the parts?

 

[bigbangtheory 5,000+ posts]

Is not really all that hard. If I can do it, anyone can and yes I will use that line. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif And is not effectively rewiring your engine. Trust me on this, is not all that hard.

You can have a shop do it, but a lot of shops don't like to use the thick wire, which I suggest 0/1g to do it. They will also charge you a pretty penny to do it.

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

Is not really all that hard. If I can do it, anyone can and yes I will use that line. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif And is not effectively rewiring your engine. Trust me on this, is not all that hard.
You can have a shop do it, but a lot of shops don't like to use the thick wire, which I suggest 0/1g to do it. They will also charge you a pretty penny to do it.

I am a 2 gauge guy...both of my cars have the 2, really depends on how much power you will be demanding

edit: and yes as stated above it is easy, and you can not harm anything as you will not be removing any stock wiring...you can do it