Problems with Dims and Skips

[Mash Jetta TDI 10+ year member]

Im having problems with my system, my head lights dim and the CD skips. I figured that it was because I didnt have enough juice running to the amp(which pulls 1500 watts). I added a 1 farad cap, but it still dims out and skips.

If I add another cap, or switch to a 3 farad cap will it help out at all, or should i go the route of a 1200 watt battery under the hood or a better alternator?

Also, I am having trouble with my subs bottoming out when i push them. Here's what im running......

4 gauge amp kit

1 farad cap

Box with 14"H x 6"W Ports on both side.

MTX thunder 8100D amp

2 12" Alpine DVC subs at 2 ohms per voice coil (wire parallel)

Blaupunkt san jose deck

Blaupunkt CD changer

If anyone could make any suggestions it would be a great help!

Thanks

Chris

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[nate_just_a_guy 10+ year member]

I had that problem in my old mustang until I beefed my alternator(75amp to 140amp) & got a bigger battery(660amp to 770amp)...that & if you're running a stinger cap it's over rated on it's power...that worked pretty well for me...but I don't know enough to say that it's all you'll need

 

[maylar 10+ year member]

Alternator is a much better solution to dimming than a cap.

Skipping is usually due to a shitty HU, not voltage drops.

Your subs probably bottom out because of the huge ports in the box. Use a different box or turn down the power.

 

[Mash Jetta TDI 10+ year member]

thanks guys, Good idea on the box, I didnt even think about that. What kind of box do you recomend then? That alternator is going to be tricky, I have a VW Diesel and not a domestic, so upgrade parts are very hard to find. If any of the VW people know something that will help out I would appreciate it very much.

1998 Jetta TDi GLS

Thanks

Chris

 

[nate_just_a_guy 10+ year member]

try a fully sealed box with out ports...I know it's a little off beat for a lot people but it could be what you need in this case or you could try insulating the box with poly fiber like they use in pillows to slow the air flow a little...stuff it like a it's a chick with no tits

 

[Mash Jetta TDI 10+ year member]

Yeah, I looked up the recomended cubic feet for it and its 1 cu. ft. Im on ebay looking for a box but no one seems to have a box that small, I guess ill have to make one.