Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio When do you need a cap?

I have 2 12"JL audio 12w0 subs and a Kenwood Excelon amp. For 2 Ohm mono my amp is rated at 400 watts RMS. That rating is at 12 volts, so i am sure i am getting a little more. Is my system big enough I would see any benifit from a capacitor. If so what size would I need? 1/2 farad? 1 farad? I just didnt know if a cap is recommended for any system or only bigger systems. Thanks

1/2 farad probably, maybe 1 farad. you would probably want to get one for your system. this will keep your power being drained from the rest of your car to power your subs. if you dont, when you turn your system up loud, and the bass really drops, you will probably notice your headlights, and any utility lights begin to dim in and out. the capacitor will just store power for when your system needs it, instead of taking it away from the rest utilities. i do reccomend it.

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98 Toreador Red GL 2.0 ZeTec ATX
Hyper White Fog Lights
"Zetec Inside" decals
Interior Blue and Red lights
Interior Red Lightning Rod
New Shift knob
Mirror Tinted Windows
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sony x-plod 4000 head unit
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two rockford twelves
white brake caliber and drumb brakes
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and other misc. mods

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http://www.geocities.com/marshlmathrs/My_Contour.html

[This message has been edited by MarshlMathrs (edited April 29, 2001).]

From "The Car Stereo Cookbook" by Mark Rumreich: "Considering the relatively high cost of power line caps, you should first make sure that you have done everything possible to reduce the voltage drop between the battery and the amplifier. This means keeping the ground cables as short as possible, using the proper wire gauge, and soldering crimped connectors to reduce their resistance."..."If you've done what you can to reduce line drops, and your dash lights still dim every time your subwoofer hits a strong bass note with the music turned up and your engine running, a power line cap could help you out."... "The commonly accepted rule of thumb for determining proper capacitor size is 1 farad per kilowatt of amplifier power. For example, a system running 250 watts would need a 0.25 farad capacitor. Choose a cap with a working voltage rating of 20 volts. Anything less is risky, and anything more is a waste of money."

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2000 SE Sport
Deep Navy CC Metallic
Midnight Blue Cloth
Production date- 09/30/99
Purchase date- 11/27/99
20k miles and counting...
Audio upgraded

ive got a cap for sale, its a 1 farad monitor top cap, made by lightning audio, polished aluminum finish for 100 plus shipping if youre interested
corey_pimp1@yahoo.com



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http://www.geocities.com/corey_pimp1/

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1998.5 Contour SVT
Silver Frost
In dash TV
Borla Exhaust
15.23@97.3 mph
6.7 0-60mph
MANY MORE TO COME>......