Help with camry- please

[detroit_fan]

I have a 1995 toyota camry- ppi pc2100 (long one) and 1 12" kicker comp. The headlights dim like crazy, i was thinking of upgrading to a 12" L7 but am scared about the lights. Will a 1 farad cap help? I know there are other threads on this, but the advice is confusing, I don't have enough $ for HO alt, so will cap help with my lights? Thanks for the help.

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[John3000 10+ year member]

No, only put more strain on batt/alt

 

[detroit_fan]

So what can i do about my lights?

 

[bimma85 5,000+ posts]

big three upgrade... read up about it in the wiring/install section

http://www.caraudio.com/vb/showthread.php?t=124175

if that does not work, maybe a battery upgrade?

 

[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

No, only put more strain on batt/alt

That, just like most other topics that center around capacitor usage as an attempt to bolster low voltage issues, is debatable.
What I can tell you for certain, detroit_fan, is that upgrading the 'Big 3' underhood (see linked thread) will do two things for you:

1) You'll save money as it costs less to upgrade the Big 3 than it does to buy a .5 farad (or larger) capacitor at retail prices.

2) It'll do more to help out your charging system than a capacitor ever could - guaranteed.

If getting an HO alternator is out of the question for you right now because of funds then something even cheaper than a capacitor should be right up your alley.

Another potential option, if applicable to your case: If you have access to any automotive electrical specialists or starter/alternator rebuild/rewinders in your locale see what it might cost to have your current alternator rewound to a higher output. Not all alternators can be done this way and then the only other option, obviously, is replace the alternator altogether. However, if rewinding is an option for you it should be cheaper than a complete alternator replacement.

Good luck and hope this helps! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[John3000 10+ year member]

Not a whole lot man, i have 12w7 and pg xenon pushing it and my lights dim like crazy. Only thing i have is a yellow top and im saving to get a new alt. Some members would tell you to do the big 3 but i would just save cash and get a new alt.

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif

 

[John3000 10+ year member]

That, just like most other topics that center around capacitor usage as an attempt to bolster low voltage issues, is debatable.
What I can tell you for certain, detroit_fan, is that upgrading the 'Big 3' underhood (see linked thread) will do two things for you:

1) You'll save money as it costs less to upgrade the Big 3 than it does to buy a .5 farad (or larger) capacitor at retail prices.

2) It'll do more to help out your charging system than a capacitor ever could - guaranteed.

If getting an HO alternator is out of the question for you right now because of funds then something even cheaper than a capacitor should be right up your alley.

Another potential option, if applicable to your case: If you have access to any automotive electrical specialists or starter/alternator rebuild/rewinders in your locale see what it might cost to have your current alternator rewound to a higher output. Not all alternators can be done this way and then the only other option, obviously, is replace the alternator altogether. However, if rewinding is an option for you it should be cheaper than a complete alternator replacement.

Good luck and hope this helps! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

Thx for giving him this info, I only stated that cap would strain his batt/alt because of past friends experiences and war stories. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[detroit_fan]

My friend says he has a 1 fard RF he'd give me for $35. Is it worth that?

Thaks for the info, it is greatly appreciated!!

 

[DiamondFanatic 10+ year member]

I would get a new deep cycle/dry cell battery like an Optima Yellow Top. I can tell you that with my personal experience my electrical was much better with the Yellow Top and replcacing my alternator and starter wiring along with my grounds in new 4 guage wire (this is on a 1992 Saab 9000 Turbo). I would purchase a battery before a capacator for sure, but at 35$ for the cap if you did both you wouldn't hurt your situation any.

 

[James Bang 5,000+ posts]

i have used caps myself, and i believe that they help, especially when they are wired close to your amp, practically feeding the amp.

ALso the big 3 would help a lot. Getting a new alternator is the last thing i would do. So try out the "big 3" and intall that cap you already have and see how it works.

I have a camry myself. my last install consisted of two brahma 15"s, 1500 each off a seperate amp, w/ a cap to each amp, and a yellow top, big 3, and NO dimming.

 

[swimfreak26 10+ year member]

The addition of a cap usually doesn't help anything if you've already got a weack charging system. If you've got an extremely strong electrical system and a cap that bump the voltage up a bit they're not all bad.

In your situation, a cap will not help. I drive the same car, experimented with and without, no difference.

 

[cversion7 10+ year member]

BIG 3 BIG 3 BIG 3

Enough said.

 

[detroit_fan]

Where do i get the yellow top, how much should i expect to pay?

 

[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

www.optimabatteries.com

The AutoZones in my part of the country sell Optima batteries so I would assume the same is true for other parts of the US as well.

I'm sure most automotive battery resellers either have access to Optima products or would be able to direct you towards someone who does.

Also the big 3 would help a lot. Getting a new alternator is the last thing i would do.

Why is that? Are you of the opinion that a capacitor would be of better service for low voltage issues than a higher capacity charging system?

So try out the "big 3" and intall that cap you already have and see how it works.

He doesn't already have the cap ~ his friend offered to sell him one for $35.

 

[bikejunkie223 10+ year member]

My friend says he has a 1 fard RF he'd give me for $35. Is it worth that?Thaks for the info, it is greatly appreciated!!

for $35 bones why not try it? It won't hurt anything. Big 3 is valuable, sometimes you can just increase the wire size from the battery ground to chassis and see big improvements. Also, see if you are really loading down your charging system when it does it. a/c is a huge one, as the compressor clutch draws a ton of current, and so does the rear window defroster. FYI- many cars run the a/c with the defroster because it dehumidifies the air and makes it work better, so the car may be running it, without illuminating any light on the dash telling you it is.