Got power problems?
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 72
From: Florida
Got power problems?
I just wanted to share my joy at not having to buy a second battery. Right now I have about 1400 Watts running off of the stock battery and a Batcap (which I highly reccomend over a regular capacitor!).
My voltage was constantly dropping when the bass hits, so I was about to buy another battery, when the guy at the car audio shop (who has a Camaro) told me to just replace the power wire from my alternator to my battery and the ground wire from the battery to the bare metal with 4ga. wire. Solved the problem perfectly, and for about $6 I avoided having to buy a second battery. Hope this helps!
P.S. It should be noted that in sound competitions, Batcaps are considered a second battery because of how powerful they are, but the Batcap is still being charged by the stock system.
My voltage was constantly dropping when the bass hits, so I was about to buy another battery, when the guy at the car audio shop (who has a Camaro) told me to just replace the power wire from my alternator to my battery and the ground wire from the battery to the bare metal with 4ga. wire. Solved the problem perfectly, and for about $6 I avoided having to buy a second battery. Hope this helps!
P.S. It should be noted that in sound competitions, Batcaps are considered a second battery because of how powerful they are, but the Batcap is still being charged by the stock system.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 526
From: Sacramento, CA
This is a common problem because the stock wiring is too small. These cars have big 140amp alternators but the wiring is insufficient. There is a guy that sells wiring kits that address the issue. His name is Gary here is a link:
http://www.geocities.com/sscruising@...?1081740294912
These are top quality cables and they work very well. Highly recommended.
http://www.geocities.com/sscruising@...?1081740294912
These are top quality cables and they work very well. Highly recommended.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 526
From: Sacramento, CA
The funny thing is that the stock wiring is only good to about 100 amps and they put in a 140 amp alternator.
1/0 gauge is the best.
Let me break down Gary's cables for those who haven't experienced this mod first hand:
Cost: Rediculously low for such high quality. It would cost more to try and make them yourself.
Installation difficulty: Easy.
Pros: More efficient starting, better battery charging, higher running voltage for better stereo sound and better running car, better gas mileage, etc.
Cons: None really unless you count the added weight of heavier cable but if that bothers you then run a lighter battery.
Conclusions: This mod is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
1/0 gauge is the best.
Let me break down Gary's cables for those who haven't experienced this mod first hand:
Cost: Rediculously low for such high quality. It would cost more to try and make them yourself.
Installation difficulty: Easy.
Pros: More efficient starting, better battery charging, higher running voltage for better stereo sound and better running car, better gas mileage, etc.
Cons: None really unless you count the added weight of heavier cable but if that bothers you then run a lighter battery.
Conclusions: This mod is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 526
From: Sacramento, CA
Originally posted by lastze4me
I knew it!!! I knew that the dinky power wire running from the alternator to the battery was too small. Time to upgrade that wire to 4 awg.
I knew it!!! I knew that the dinky power wire running from the alternator to the battery was too small. Time to upgrade that wire to 4 awg.
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