Install Questions

[woofersus 10+ year member]

I am just about ready to install my gear, and I have a couple of questions as I pick out my various installation accessories.

First, I have two amps and a cap. What is the best way to wire them up? Should I just daisy chain the + line from cap to amp to amp, or should I use a distribution block? If so, where should the cap go? Just in front of the amp that will power the subs? Do I need a ground wire from each device in that instance, or just one since its all connected?

Second, if I am going to use a distribution block, what would be the correct size for the fuses? The amps are an MTX 500D (500X1@2Ohms) and a PPI 4200AM. (50WX4@4Ohms)

Also, I've seen several different types of fuses when looking at fused distribution blocks. Is there a right or wrong type to use? What are the advantages/disadvantages?

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[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

First off.. I wouldn't even through that capacitor inline. Do your Big 3 Wire upgrade and then see what happens from there.

This may be a bit overkill, but if you plan on upgrading in the future this will help. Run 1/0awg to the distro with a 250A iinline fuse. At the distro split the 1/0 into 2 4awg lines and fuse each of those lines at 100A a piece.

Most likely you'll use a ANL fuse for the 250A and AFS/KF fuses for the distro.

Doesn't matter what type they are, just try to match those amperages.

 

[Chevyaudio 5,000+ posts]

i agree with johnecon forget the cap you dont need one, either do 1/o ga. into two 4ga. OR 4 ga. into two 8ga. only if you dont plan to do alot of upgrading. run a ground wire from them all to the frame. DONT RUN THE GROUND WIRE FROM ONE AMP TO THE GROUND TERMINAL ON THE OTHER AMP, run individual grounds to the frame, all in the same area to avoid ground loops.

 

[woofersus 10+ year member]

Individual ground wires all to the same area, ok. I'll do that. I'll probably just go with the 4AWG to 2 8's, since I'm not going to be doing any upgrading any time soon. (my wife's ready to kill me already) Given that, what would be good amperages to look at for fuses?

As far as that cap goes. I know some people say they help and others say they don't, but I've already got one (remaining from a previous vehicle, where it definitely did stop the dimming of the headlights) and I'm afraid doing the big 3 might void my extended vehicle warranty.

If I were to use it, what would be the correct way to put it in? In the meantime I'll check with National Auto Care about the terms of my warranty.

 

[CDK 10+ year member]

i agree with johnecon forget the cap you dont need one, either do 1/o ga. into two 4ga. OR 4 ga. into two 8ga. only if you dont plan to do alot of upgrading. run a ground wire from them all to the frame. DONT RUN THE GROUND WIRE FROM ONE AMP TO THE GROUND TERMINAL ON THE OTHER AMP, run individual grounds to the frame, all in the same area to avoid ground loops.

what is the FRAME?

(what do you mean?)

 

[Chevyaudio 5,000+ posts]

what is the FRAME?(what do you mean?)

to answer your question that is the chassis of the car

Woofersus to make your installation simpler you can purchase a ground distribution block and run your 2 ground wires into it and then run one wire out of the other side of the distro block and to the frame.

 

[kenstewart 10+ year member]

Just like to add that I've read when grounding two amps, be sure to ground the more powerful amp closest to the chassis and then the other amp to the same point (on top of it). Not sure what anyone's opinion is on this, just reiterating what I've read.

 

[Chevyaudio 5,000+ posts]

Just like to add that I've read when grounding two amps, be sure to ground the more powerful amp closest to the chassis and then the other amp to the same point (on top of it). Not sure what anyone's opinion is on this, just reiterating what I've read.

Whenever i install here at the shop i work at i always keep the ground as short a possible (under 3 feet) for smalleramps when customers dont purchase enough wire to go to the frame of the car, i use selftapping screws into the body of the car.