Capacitors

I will need a set of capacitors reaaaaaaaaal soon.  Has anybody used KnuKonceptz  brand capacitors?  (www.knukonceptz.com).  If so, how are they?   How about Audiobahn Caps?  Any other suggestions, for a reasonable price?

I currently have all knukonceptz wires, and audiobahn components......and for some anal reason, I'd like to keep it down to 2-3 different brands in my car..... I dunno why, but I guess it's I just want a clean install, without using 30 different components.....  

Ketel22 wrote:

---

if its lights dimming get a new alt before you get a cap.

---

Exactly.  Caps are a waste of money if your system is putting too much load on your alternator.  Get a high-output alternator.

maybe not $50 to buy a new highout put alt. but to rebuild the curret alt. you have is a different story. you can have to done for as low as $50 depending how much the shop is going to ripp you off.

I am in total aggreance with putting an alternator in, but it shouldn't be your first step. First step is always a cap because car amps aren't like home amps. They don't have the real estate to put big caps in them and because of this you have problems with reserve. You pretty much have to have a cap in a car for dynamics and to HELP the alternator. Besides, ANYTIME you put an amp in a car you just pushed the alternator over the limit and because  of this you have to do something and that's why most people spend $100. on a cap instead of $500+ on an alternator. It's a cheap way out and has to be done anyway.

Now as far as alternators go, I have yet to see a rebuilt actually give out decent power at idle on a hot day,(like at a stop light). Most factory alternators do not kick in until 1500 rpm and when they are hot they lose half of their power. Good high powered alternators design the parts that fail because of heat to be mounted externally and design them for low rpm like idle. I have used rebuilt ones, and specialty ones like ambulance ones and I will never do it again. I will always spend as much as I can on good high powered, built from scratch aftermarket alternator like Ohio generator or such. Just my opinion.

DONT GIVE ADVICE IF YOU HAVEN'T THE FAINTEST CLUE WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. (yes im yelling).

Ravendarrat just gave him information that is very likely to make his problem far more worse.

A capacitor will NOT:
-replace the need for a larger, high-output alternator and/or a deep-cycle battery.
If your electrical system is inadequate, the ONLY way to fix this, and again I repeat, the ONLY WAY to fix this, is to replace the alternator. This is the SOLE source of electrical current for your car when the motor is running.
When the motor is turned off, the battery then becomes your source of electricity.
When the battery is run down, and when the capacotir(s) is/are depleted, the alternator has to work even harder in order to supply current to the car, the audio system, and also to recharge the capacitor(s) (which deplete very quickly) as well as recharge the car's battery(ies).
***So yes, by adding a capacitor to try taking the place of a high-output alternator, you are actually causing more work for your alternator, and causing even more damage to that stock alternator.***
-make your system magically sound 10 times better.

Many people believe that a capacitor adds NO real benefit to an audio system, and this is why you never see before and after demonstrations, or factory capacitor company vehicles at IASCA events.
A capacitor does have it's uses, but it is not a magical fix for a lacking electrical system.

I've written books on the called "Horrible Advice" and you're the main character.

Enough with the imaturity. I was letting you dudes no that you need to find out more information about this guys system before you go running your mouths on buying caps. You could make his problem worse, and if I have to come across disrespectful, atleast it might save this guy alittle money.

Ravendarat wrote:

---

I have yet to run across a system that has ever been made worse by adding a capacitor, I have seen them not solve anything but never have I seen one harm a system. Until I see it for myself I am going to call bullsh_t on that little tibit. Now as far as you saying that we need to know more about the system, I can only make suggestions based on the information provided. I dont see how you are in any better position to make a suggestion being as you have the same info so mabye you best take your own advice and dig a little deeper yourself in the future. Just a thought.

---