Lets say I am about to run 2 amps in the car, one with 45W x 4 and the other 100W x 2, what size power amp wire should I be using to install the system? And what are the rules of running the power, ground, and RCA wires in the car when installing a system? Run power and ground together on one side and RCA's on the other? Also, if I was to throw a capacitor into the mix, how do I install it? Before the amps right? Please help.. thanks!

 

None.. Save for FI.

 

Kinda too late to save since I already have all the parts from my previous car..

 

If I were you I would run a huge power wire (4 ga) to the area where the amps are, and put a fuse block on it. Use the recommended fuses (probably 40A and 50A) and run 8 ga wire to each amp. If your headlights dim when when the bass hits, then think about a cap. (I don't know where they go off hand)

Most people agree that you should run RCA lines on the opposite side of the car from power lines (or at least not right next to each other). Keep your ground wires short and ty to connect them at the same location if possible to reduce the possibility of ground loops. If you end up with ground loops (whining noise that varies with rpms) there are isolators you can get to stop them.

 

Dang just full of questions aren't 'ya?

You're running about 400 watts worth of power total so I'm going to guess about 60 amps worth of power. To be sure you look up the power requirement for each amplifier and add them together. You'll need at least 8 gauge wire and to be conservative you could jump up to 6 or even 4 gauge - but there is additional costs. JL Audio has a document with recommended cable gauge sizes based on current draw and length. 8 gauge will work as it's rated at +70 amps of power but going higher helps with surges and voltage drops.

Your power cables can run together along the passenger's side along the kick panel and then aft from there. There's a rather large gromet pass-through area above the passenger's feet and back behind the battery. You want your RCA signal cables run seperate from them so I recommend running them down the middle of the car along the transmission/drive shaft hump.

A cap gets wired in parallel with the (+) and (-) leads as close to your amplifiers as possible with short 8"-12" cables connecting the cap to the amp's inputs.

 

Haha yeah unless you want to answer each question separately in different posts

Thanks for all the input guys.... hope i don't blow up the car when installing!