To Capicitor or Not To Capacitor?

[mrmagoo_83 10+ year member]

I am running two HEs with a fosgate 125.2, and then four 6x9s with a fosgate 150a2. Do y'all think I need to install a Power Capacitor? Will there be any affect, or do I just not pull enough power?

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[Phatillusion 5,000+ posts]

If you are asking this because your lights are dimming, then yes a capacitor can help your problem, you will still have some dimming, but not as bad. The downside to this is that you can burn-up your altenator quicker. If you go out and get a bigger altenator then it will fix your problem. My advice would be, get a capacitor, if your altenator goes, then get a bigger one, but it's hard to tell how long it will last. So depending on how bad your problem is, you could probably save the extra money and just get a capacitor and play the wait-n-see game. Later

 

[zane 10+ year member]

A capacitor will only benefit you if your charging system is free from problems. If your lights are dimming- a cap is only a band-aid to a larger problem- the car not being able to produce enough current. The system is only as good as its weakest link, replacing the alternator with a higher output model would be the better way to go.

take it easy,

-zane

 

[mrmagoo_83 10+ year member]

Ok, well I do not have it all put in yet, so I do not know about the lights and all. I am now thinking of HE2s for subs, guess I will just wait and see what happens. Its a 136amp alternator, is that a big one? I think the next option was like a 160amp.

 

[Unregistered]

A 136 amp altenator is pretty big. Just wait and see what happens.

 

[Snapnakk 10+ year member]

on a new vehical like that with a good alternator their shouldnt be any pro even more so cuz your not pushing that much power.

later