Originally posted by MxRacer:
Originally posted by contourdude:
Allright. I usually dont turn it up that much unless im trying to show it off to my friends or something. Probly maxed out never more then 15 20 minutes. I just dont want to have to replace the alternator later if i can prevent it now with some 75 dollar fix. Thanks
using a cap won't ever help your alternator. if anything, it will hurt it. you are introducing another "mouth to feed" for your alt. so in addition to the amps and battery (and other running accessories), it now has to "refill" the cap constantly.
also, you should know, a cap will completely drain (and subsequently "re-charge") exceptionally quickly and often. it doesn't matter if you're playing it hard for 1 minute or 100 minutes. the cap will be "emptying" and "refilling" the entire time.
A 1 farad cap is not going to put a strain on our 130A Alt anytime soon. A cap adds capacity(storage) to your electrical system it holds current that is already available within the system. It does not create power. It holds energy until required and refills. This helps an amps power supply to work more efficiently since it has less spikes in voltage. As the name implies it is a stiffening capacitor. It keeps large spikes from occurring. The cap charges/discharges quickly to keep a constant voltage.
Now this works well with normal listening and music. Add Test tones for SPL and forget about it, then they are not useful.
If you goal is SQ, a cap is very helpful. Adding a second battery is my preferred choice, using both would be perfect for most applications.
Previous Owner of 00 SVT Contour #1077/2150 
95 Contour SE '01 3L 
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