4 gauge wire?

Question

I have 4 gauge battery and ground wire in my car right now, i have (2) P2 Punch and a Punch amp right now, i have (2) 15 inch Solobaric L7 (4 ohm) and a Hifonics Brutus BXi 2006D (4000 watt peak, 2000 rms). My question is will the 4 gauge wire work? or do i need to go with 1/0. Also would a capacitator take the job of a new alternator for a while until i get some money, and how much would it cost roughly?

Answer 1

If your total system power is 1000 watts RMS or more, you will need to:

1. Upgrade the alternator to a high output alternator
2. Upgrade to a heavy duty deep cycle battery
3. Upgrade the "Big 3" - that is to replace the power wire between the battery and alternator, the ground from the battery to the chassis and the ground strap from the engine/tranny to the chassis with at least 1/0 AWG wire.

Failure to do this will result in you replacing them anyway as the alternator will eventually fail.

Here is a guide that will calculate what size alternator and power wires you need http://www.datafilehost.com/download.php?file=6d26c621

A second battery is never a good idea as it's an added strain on the alternator to charge two batteries AND supply power for the car. The ONLY time a second battery is useful is if the audio system is to be used with the car off.

A cap is only good so far as the audio system isn't trying to pull too much from the electrical system. A cap doesn't provide more power, it's designed to 'stiffen' the voltage to the amp, nothing esle. If the current isn't there, a cap won't help. The alternator must have at least 20% more amperage power than the entire vehicle and sound system combined for a cap to be of benefit which is ironically the same requirements for an amp to be efficient.

See my site for more info http://spkrbox1.spaces.live.com

Answer 2

1/0 would be a good choice for the ground wire but run a second, 4g wire to the amps to prevent the need for a huge positive cable. Yes a cap would help for the time being. as for cost not sure what costs your refering to. Batt cable that big isnt cheap and dont buy the cheap stuff, get welding cable, its got more strands and works better

Answer 3

i would run a 1/o gauge cable then i would get a distribution block...THEN 4 gauge to each amp....and a cap is only effective if you have enough power....a cap would NEVER take the job of an alternator....