What gauge would be best? Please Help...

[ChuteBoxe515 10+ year member]

I have a 1998 Ford Expedition, I have two RE SE 15"s and a Hifonics BX1500D. I also have four tweeters and four 6x8s that I am going to run off of a Hifonics Warrior Falcon 90x2. my question is this: What gauge should everything be? I was thinking make 1/0 gauge from the battery to the back, then a distribution block that will put out 4 gauge to the BX1500D and 8 gauge to the Warrior Falcon. What do you guys think?

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[Expy2000]

I have an Expy as well and I run the 1/0 into a distribution block then out to 4 gauge. Remember just keep the 4 gauge to the BX1500D as short as possible, say about 3 feet.

I am using the Stinger SXPD04/48: Runs 2 input 1/0 and three 4 gauge outs.

 

[Moe Lester 10+ year member]

1/0 to a distro, run 4 to each amp.

 

[ChuteBoxe515 10+ year member]

ok, what if I just run the BX1500D, would 4 ga be enough?

 

[tRiGgEr 5,000+ posts]

ok, what if I just run the BX1500D, would 4 ga be enough?

Nope from expirence with that amp and 4 guage, It's not enough. At least 2g but I'm changing to 1/0g.

 

[ChuteBoxe515 10+ year member]

ok, the amp will take 4 ga, so how do I get 2 or 1/0 to fit?

 

[hoss 5,000+ posts]

ditro block. run the 1/0 into the block, and then split it down to the 4g that the amp will take.

it is always best to run the biggest wire possible/reasonable. it helps your charging system, and allows you to have more power.

 

[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

If you need a fused distro let me know, I've got some that would be perfect for your set up. PM me.

 

[rippinitup7 10+ year member]

ok, the amp will take 4 ga, so how do I get 2 or 1/0 to fit?

getting a distro block is the most commom method, but you can also buy adapters that allow the 1/0 to fit in a 4ga hole. i only seen them online though....never at my local shops.

 

[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

I've got the adapters.

 

[jb2xx 10+ year member]

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/help.gif.cee8f684da1ba626487a8bc51152e1ec.gif Still getting voltage drops & my kx400.1 amp shuts off & goes into protection mode. I am guessing because there isn't enough current available.

 

According to the specs for my stock alternator, it produces 70amps. I am not sure how many amps my car uses for everything else while I am driving. Not sure what is the efficiency of my kx400.1 however the birthsheet states 465W rms MAX. I suppose kicker under-rates their amps.

 

According to ohms law, if I do the 400W / 12V, ideal approximates = about 33 amps. I know these numbers are not going to be exact...your correction is appreciated.

 

Then I have the other amp which is the kac8401 for max 240w-rms since it is 60wX4.

 

I don't have a problem with the kac8401 however when my bass hits hard when I'm bumping, seems that the kx400.1 shuts off & goes into protection mode.

 

All grounds are fine. I upgraded the Big 3 already.

 

Also noticed that the install guy had the 4guage wire from battery to disto.block. From distro.block to amps guy wired 8guage wires. Once again, no issue with the kenwood driving the mids & highs. Issue with kx400.1 when bass hits.

 

What do I do? Should I try a yellow top or a HO alternator? Any other possible sugguestions? //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/mad.gif.c18f003ab0ef8a0d9c27ca78d77a6392.gif

 

[brandontw 10+ year member]

i went with 2 gauge for my 1500d

 

[hoss 5,000+ posts]

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/help.gif.cee8f684da1ba626487a8bc51152e1ec.gif According to ohms law, if I do the 400W / 12V, ideal approximates = about 33 amps. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/mad.gif.c18f003ab0ef8a0d9c27ca78d77a6392.gif

like all of physics... ohms law works good on paper, but only gives you an idea of the real world...

 

[jb2xx 10+ year member]

what do u suggest hoss? Should I change the power/grnd wires running from the distro block to amp to a 4 guage? Do you really think that would solve my problem? I am inclined to think that I am in need of the HO alternator or yellow top. NOt sure what to do.

 

[hoss 5,000+ posts]

the bigger the wire the better, in any case. so upgrading that is going to help alot. the 70 amp alt is pretty weak, and i guaruntee you that you arent even getting that much out of the alt. you could try a deep cycle battery, that would be a good start, or a HO alt. either one of the two.

but first off, just run the biggest power wire you can afford/fit and see what that does