Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Alumapro 15 farad capacitor

I will be installing a 4-sub/4-6x9/ 3 amp system running around 1500watts give or take a few.
I am going to upgrade the factory battery to an Optima Redtop first. I already have experienced the dreaded 'dimming' and wish to eliminate this. I had a Lighning Audio 1 farad capacitor on the last system I had installed in the SVT. It worked pretty good to 'mask' the dimming the sub amp was causing. I also know the rule of thumb is 1 farad for every 1000watts, but that still doesn't completely eliminate slight dimming at higher volumes. I am wondering is it worth $400+ to purchase this 15 farad CAP as opposed to shelling out the $400+ for a high output alternator from Stinger. I know what a 1 farad did for me, so a 15 farad is probably going to be the equivilant to buying the upgraded alt. Any suggestions and input is well appreciated.

by the way here is the link to all that would like to see this product http://www.carstereoworld.com/alumapro/alumaproprice.html

Holla

You can get a 15 farad cap on Ubid. My brother in law bought one on there for about 250.

15 FARADS! Holy crap Batman! That's a huge amount of energy that sucker can store up. Biggest I've ever seen is 2 Farads.. How big is that thing?

Hmm.. Nevermind. Looks like it's some sort of different beast than the normal stiffening capacitors. Looking up stuff about them now. This is cool.

They aren't that big. They are about 6" x 6" x 1 1/2"

I would go for the alternator over the 15 farad cap.

I would in comparing the 'list' price of the CAP versus the H.O. alt.

I wouldn't if what Pollo_loco69 says is true.

$250 huh?

ubid.com here I come

What is the amp rating on the stinger alternator?

It is.....Just keep an eye out for it. It comes up in the mobile accesories section.

Buy two SVR 33-12 ( www.svrbatteries.com ) batteries for the system. They are $200 for the pair (maybe start with one @$100), install them in the trunk, maybe spare tire well. SVT's and most tours (I believe) already have a 130 amp alternator from the factory. I have played with many high output alternators. At idle they still only put out low amperage, once you get about 3000rmps they kick in, but so does the factory and I would not pay $400 to get more amperage at 3000 rpm because you cant use it at a stereo competition at that high rpm.

Or, have a local alternator shop equip your alternator with an external voltage regulator. I did this and could have my car at idle charging at 18V if I wanted too, only took it up to 15.4V though. That wont change the amperage but you will have more voltage to play with

We all have heard the 15 farad cap story
, I think batteries are better too (IMHO) I had 4 SVR's and a Intersate under the hood, no caps, with 2400 watts rms to the subs (another 500 for the mids/highs) and the headlights never blinked. Now the interior light, is a different story

I agree with Dave...that doens't happen very often. Get the H.O. Alternator first. This Item will single handly fix any and all problems with dimming. Your car was setup from the factory with the amount of amps need to run the car, 75 if I remember right, and a few extra amps available for accessories, 85 total, but NOT for aftermarket stereo's...you have maybe 10 extra amps. Then get the Alumapro...BTW they make a 5 farad CAP now...cheaper!! you don't need the 15 for your car, you really don't even need the 5...GET THE ALT!! It'll be worth your time and notice a big difference.

rainshdw