Suggested Wiring

[jrwalte 10+ year member]

I'm about to install a system into my just purchased 2007 Corolla. The corolla's alternator is rated at 80A. It still has the factory battery with 520A cold crank rating (if that measurement matters).

I'm going to be using 2 amps.

Kenwood KAC 746 bridged at 4-ohm 100RMS per channel.

As yet to be purchased class-D mono 4-ohm ~400RMS sub amp.

I plan on running a single power line to the trunk and then running a distribution block to each amp. What is the guage wire I should use from the battery to the trunk for apprx max wattage of 1000, 500 RMS?

Also, how should I ground the wire? Since I may have to install a cap (which I'd place in the trunk), should I run a ground wire from the battery or is grounding in the trunk OK? Also, does the ground need to be the same guage as the power or one size smaller? Example, if I use 4 guage power is 8 guage ground OK?

First thing I'll do is 'the big three' and then test the system as-is before considering a capacitor. Do any of you feel one would be necessary? If I find I do need one, what farad should I look at? 2? 5?

I also plan on replacing the battery...but I'm going to let the system drain and kill the currently 1 year old one before spending $170 on a red top Optima.

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[paperinacup 10+ year member]

Personally I'd run 2ga to the trunk and a distro block for 2 runs of 4ga. Always ground your amps with the same gauge as the power. Do the big three and don't worry about a capacitor. From my experience they help but barely.

 

[jrwalte 10+ year member]

Personally I'd run 2ga to the trunk and a distro block for 2 runs of 4ga. Always ground your amps with the same gauge as the power. Do the big three and don't worry about a capacitor. From my experience they help but barely.

Thanks for the info. I'll go with the 2 guage main.

So should I ground to the chassis in my trunk (to save on wire cost) or is it best to ground from the battery?

 

[paperinacup 10+ year member]

Thanks for the info. I'll go with the 2 guage main.
So should I ground to the chassis in my trunk (to save on wire cost) or is it best to ground from the battery?

Ground it in your trunk within 12-18 inches of the amp. As short as you can make it.