Car Audio question.....help plz :-)!

[chin311]

Ok, so i finally installed my system last night...right now i have a JL 15w0 running off a Hifonics Zeus amp (600w x 1), which has a 50 amp fuse....

my car = 1996 toyota corolla

this question has to do w/ power tho...


if im running that, i know its putting a strain on the alternator right? i know my alternator probably doesnt have much to spare, being the lil' car that it is...so would i eventually burn out the alternator? do you think i should get a 1 farad cap or something of the like or will it be fine the way it is now?

Also, does having a sub+amp decrease your gas mileage? i think it does, 1) because of the extra weight and 2) because of the extra strain on the alt., therefore taking engine power..??

any help? thx.

 

[MichaelD]

1. I'm a big fan of power capacitors. I've used one in the past three systems I've had and it helps A LOT w/lights dimming and such.

2. It can't hurt to have a cap.

3. Yes, you're putting a strain on your electrical system. Want bass? Deal w/it. However, unless you have it cranked all the time, which you don't 'cause you'd go deaf, you're really not hurting it that badly.

4. Ideally, the + lead off the cap should be located as close to the + 12v input terminal of the amp. But what I do is use a vacant output on my fused distribution block to connect to the cap. This way, all the amps (I have three) get to "use" the cap.