Whats wrong here?

[qballis 10+ year member]

Would there be anything wrong, with not buying a capacitor, that you all can think of if I were to set up a system this way? A JBL BP1200.1 amp, (2) 12" eclipse aluminum 88120 DVC subs, A rockford 4 AWG amp kit, and a sony CDX-M730 HU? Would I need to buy a capacitor for the system? What are the pros and cons of buying a cap? If I need to buy one, what brand, and where from can I get one where its not going to be too expensive? Thanks!

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[drkodin 10+ year member]

caps are just a band aid. the real problem is if your alternator can handle the amount of current that you system needs. chances are no. therefore a cap will only put another strain on your alt. IMO, if you cant fix your problem (dimming) by just adding a deep cycle batt, then you shouldn't get a cap. if you have very slight dimming, then it should be ok, but i doubt that will be your case looking at your setup.

caps dont really do anything except cover up a problem. if you have problems just get a new alt, a deep cycle batt or both.

what car you have?

 

[qballis 10+ year member]

I have a '91 Honda Accord, there are 150,000 miles on her, but she's still in pretty good condition. How much would a new alternator cost, at an estimated guess?

 

[drkodin 10+ year member]

yea, you are certainly gonna need a new high output alt. i dont really know cause i dont have that problem. maybe a 120amp alt? i dont really know how much you need.

http://www.mralternator.com

try there, it is about $200 and is made for your car.

 

[qballis 10+ year member]

If I don't get a new alternator, what is the worst that can possibly happen? Just my lights dim?

 

[drkodin 10+ year member]

Originally posted by qballis If I don't get a new alternator, what is the worst that can possibly happen? Just my lights dim?

well, yes....and no. all you will notice is the lights dimming, but it is putting a strain on your entire electrical system. it may take years, but you will eventually encounter problems (especially since your car is older and has lots of miles).

try it out, you will be able to tell if you need to upgrade your alt. run the system with headlights on. then just dash light on. then lights + A/C, etc. if it gets bad, you really should consider buying an alt.

dont let anyone tell you a cap will fix it. caps just cover it up.

 

[Sspider 5,000+ posts]

from experience.....

with such strain, ur alt will work harder, and at one point, just wont work any more, wont charge ur battery, and you will find urself stuck in the middle of who the heck knows where....at the end, you will have to buy a new alt n e ways.....and the stock alts with an accord aren't much at all, so with that setup, you will have problems, but correct me if i'm wrong with all the above....

sspider