# Building a new system...have some questions
**URL:** https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394
**Category:** Shift518 Automotive
**Created:** [January 15, 2009, 5:47pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394 "2009-01-15T17:47:29Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 3
### Author:  [@K20power](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/K20power)
#### Post date: [January 19, 2009, 9:54pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/41 "2009-01-19T21:54:19Z")
> [@intresting find in the arctic :tup](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/intresting-find-in-the-arctic-tup/12770/8):
>
> Travis as in EG257WTF (?)
yes, he changed his name. lol
---
### Author:  [@Auto0utcast](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Auto0utcast)
#### Post date: [January 19, 2009, 11:05pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/42 "2009-01-19T23:05:23Z")
> [@XP Problem - Won't Startup](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/xp-problem-wont-startup/12716/31):
>
> Actually, if you want to talk wires, theres 12. đ
>
> âŚand auto0utcast, a cap can be used as a distribution block, Iâd like to hear your scientifical reason why you canât, because youâre wrong.
ive always been taught that the capacitor should be isolated for the subwoofer amp only. thus using it as a power distribution block for BOTH amps would be the wrong way of wiring it in. im not saying you CANT do it⌠im saying theoretically, that you shouldnt. the capacitor is like you said, a temporary stored source of power for when there is extra strain on the vehicles electrical system. you arent really going to get âstrainâ from an interior amp⌠a quality power distro block, a 1-2 farad cap, a quality GROUND distro block and separate wiring is how it SHOULD be doneâŚPROPERLY.
joey, you dont have a clue what youâre talking about in the audio section⌠go elsewhere and brag about how fast your civic is going to be this year or something.
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### Author:  [@JiM\_P\_2001](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JiM_P_2001)
#### Post date: [January 20, 2009, 11:30am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/43 "2009-01-20T11:30:41Z")
A cap at any point in the electrical system of the vehicle will do the same. It only matters if youâre building a rediculous sound quality competition car, which I will not even get into because its way over everybodys head here.
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### Author:  [@Ilya](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Ilya)
#### Post date: [January 20, 2009, 12:14pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/44 "2009-01-20T12:14:13Z")
Yeah Iâm just trying to build something found in high-end luxury cars. Not something that will raise your hair and rattle your brain to the point of having a migraine or something thatâll make my mirrors fall off. I want clean, clear, but with some oomph.
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### Author:  [@97cavy](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/97cavy)
#### Post date: [January 20, 2009, 5:54pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/45 "2009-01-20T17:54:48Z")
> [@This is what pisses me off about the sabres...](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/this-is-what-pisses-me-off-about-the-sabres/12794/16):
>
> A cap at any point in the electrical system of the vehicle will do the same. It only matters if youâre building a rediculous sound quality competition car, which I will not even get into because its way over everybodys head here.
Hey! Not everyone! Ive never used a cap, If youâre drawing more current then your charging system can supply, a cap is just a band aid
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### Author:  [@ninety1two40](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ninety1two40)
#### Post date: [January 20, 2009, 7:41pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/46 "2009-01-20T19:41:37Z")
> [@Happy Birthday Dan](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/happy-birthday-dan/12814/11):
>
> hey! Not everyone! Ive never used a cap, if youâre drawing more current then your charging system can supply, a cap is just a band aid
.
+1
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### Author:  [@JiM\_P\_2001](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JiM_P_2001)
#### Post date: [January 20, 2009, 8:02pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/47 "2009-01-20T20:02:31Z")
More like a band aid for a cut that needs 100 stiches, lol
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### Author:  [@97cavy](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/97cavy)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2009, 5:44am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/48 "2009-01-21T05:44:07Z")
Also, im willing to bet the powered infinity sub is nothing close to what you would find in a âhigh-end luxuryâ car. For the money I would have went with a small 5 channel and a nice single 12
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### Author:  [@votblindub](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/votblindub)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2009, 6:15am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/49 "2009-01-21T06:15:32Z")
:facepalm
_sigh_
okay, i wont be bashing any of the suggestions, because I donât do that. Ilya, talk to me on AIM, Iâll explain this mess to ya and straighten it out, okay?
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### Author:  [@SlackJ94](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/SlackJ94)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2009, 8:22am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/50 "2009-01-21T08:22:25Z")
WowâŚits a simple install guys, lol.
Do it all at once, donât be doing this in stages.
Run a 4ga down one side of the car to a distro block. Run either a 4ga or 8ga (depending on wattage) to each amp from that block. Run the ground from each amp to another distro block. Run a 4ga from that block to a grounding point in the back of your car. (seat belt bolt with any car paint around it removed works well) Run your RCAs and your remote wire from the receiver down the middle and to the amps. Also run the 9-wire down the middle (or the other side of the car if you are that anal) from the amp and into your stock harness. No need to take the doors apart other than to install the speakers.
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### Author:  [@votblindub](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/votblindub)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2009, 8:30am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/51 "2009-01-21T08:30:18Z")
youre, right. it IS a simple install, but to those who know how to do it. Ilya jus seems to lack the experience, thats all. its not a problem, we all started out that way. now when you say ârun 4ga down one sideâŚâ it can be simple enough to you, but you still have to tell him whats a good way to run it without bending it or pinching it too much. you still need to tell him to put on ring terminals and what not, sometimes small tips, like bring a âpokeyâ or what one is, ya know? in general cars are all the same, but each has its quirks and some are not so good for running a wire in one spot, so you may need to relocate and whatnot.
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### Author:  [@SlackJ94](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/SlackJ94)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2009, 9:19am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/52 "2009-01-21T09:19:12Z")
My post wasnât a stab at Ilya, more like a stab at the others getting worked up (aka Travis).
But you are right, it is simple to us but maybe not others.
Let me go into some other details, some of which vot has already touched on.
For the main power wire, you will need to use a ring terminal at the battery end of it. If you want an easier and cleaner install, there are distro blocks that go on your battery posts that you can buy. When running the main power wire try to avoid kinking it and make sure you donât get any cuts in the plastic sheathing. The easiest way to run it is to totally disassemble the interior of the car. If you donât want to do that use your hands to feed it thru the firewall and under the carpet. You can tape a coat hanger to it to pull it thru tight spots. Make sure the distro block you are running this wire to is secured to something. You do not want the live power block flying around the trunk. All other power wire connections should not need any ring terminals. Most amps and distro blocks take the the raw wire.
When connecting your main ground wire to the chassis make sure you have a good connection. To make sure you have an ideal connection you should use a ring terminal on the wire, make sure any paint or anything is stripped off the area the ring terminal will be touching, and that you put a washer between the ring terminal and the bolt head. from bottom to top the order of things should be bare metal, ring terminal, washer, bolt.
When running your RCAs, 9-wire, and remote wire down the middle of the car, zip tie them into a bundle first. This makes it easier to install. (If you have the whole interior apart. If you donât run all the wires separately, then zip tie them where you can.) Also only run one remote wire. Run it to one amp, then use a âjumperâ wire to run it to the other amp. This is ok to do because the remote wire simple sends a âturn-onâ signal which is pretty low power.
There are several ways to tap your 9-wire into your speaker harness. T-Taps, crimped connectors, and soldering. Donât use T-Taps. They are easy to install and require no cutting of wire but do not give a very good connection. If you do not plan on removing or changing anything, take the time to properly solder and wrap/tape the connections. If you want it to only be semi-permanent you can use the crimp connectors.
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### Author:  [@votblindub](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/votblindub)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2009, 9:57am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/53 "2009-01-21T09:57:54Z")
ah, see đ
there u go, details.
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### Author:  [@Ilya](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Ilya)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2009, 12:50pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/54 "2009-01-21T12:50:33Z")
> [@~\*OFFICIAL Buffalo Sabres Thread\*~](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/official-buffalo-sabres-thread/4208/2662):
>
> Also, im willing to bet the powered infinity sub is nothing close to what you would find in a âhigh-end luxuryâ car. For the money I would have went with a small 5 channel and a nice single 12
A luxury car wonât rattle your brains out through your ears holes. This 10" does just enough. Anything more would be overkill.
AnywayâŚI might not be going through with this as the car has been on AutoTrader for a while and there is a prospective buyer looking at it.
Itâs a simple install which I am more than capable of doing. I had one question and one question only. How to connect the speakers.
Thatâs it. I probably donât even need a cap or a DB. I was PLANNING on running two 4ga power wires from the batteryâŚa db/cap would just help me run one. Thatâs all. This system wonât be drawing that much.
I donât know how this got into such a huge deal. Itâs no big deal.
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### Author:  [@votblindub](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/votblindub)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2009, 12:55pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/55 "2009-01-21T12:55:36Z")
let me know if u need help, man
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### Author:  [@SlackJ94](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/SlackJ94)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2009, 1:13pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/56 "2009-01-21T13:13:16Z")
You have a cap and distro block confused. You do not need nor do you want a Capacitor. What a capacitor does is store energy for when you need it. It is a band aid for when you need a higher output alternator. With a system like the one you want you will NEVER be drawing enough power to start pushing the alternator. I had a 750watt system in my old Escort that you could FEEL from down the road, and even on that I did not need a Cap. Escorts have puny 120amp alternators. If you want the blue, get a distro block with a voltage read on it or something.
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### Author:  [@SlackJ94](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/SlackJ94)
#### Post date: [January 21, 2009, 1:14pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/57 "2009-01-21T13:14:18Z")
And to connect the speakers, use 9-wire and then cut the stock plug (the one that connects to the speaker itself) and crimp on some connectors.
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### Author:  [@TurboTravis](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TurboTravis)
#### Post date: [January 22, 2009, 12:36am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/58 "2009-01-22T00:36:36Z")
> [@XP Problem - Won't Startup](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/xp-problem-wont-startup/12716/31):
>
> Actually, if you want to talk wires, theres 12. đ
>
> âŚand auto0utcast, a cap can be used as a distribution block, Iâd like to hear your scientifical reason why you canât, because youâre wrong.
I read it, almost asked the question but noticed that you did before me. Iâm not sure why people donât think you can use a cap as a dist block. I never thought people would argue this point???
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### Author:  [@TurboTravis](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/TurboTravis)
#### Post date: [January 22, 2009, 12:41am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/59 "2009-01-22T00:41:51Z")
> [@Auto0utcast"](#):
>
> ive always been taught that the capacitor should be isolated for the subwoofer amp only. thus using it as a power distribution block for BOTH amps would be the wrong way of wiring it in. im not saying you CANT do it⌠im saying theoretically, that you shouldnt. the capacitor is like you said, a temporary stored source of power for when there is extra strain on the vehicles electrical system. you arent really going to get âstrainâ from an interior amp⌠a quality power distro block, a 1-2 farad cap, a quality GROUND distro block and separate wiring is how it SHOULD be doneâŚPROPERLY.
>
> joey, you dont have a clue what youâre talking about in the audio section⌠go elsewhere and brag about how fast your civic is going to be this year or something.
How do you isolate a capacitor to one amp that is being powered by the vehicles common electrical system?
(and yes, I know it could be done in a competition vehicle-talking daily drivers here)
---
### Author:  [@ninety1two40](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/ninety1two40)
#### Post date: [January 22, 2009, 12:50am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/building-a-new-system-have-some-questions/241394/60 "2009-01-22T00:50:06Z")
> [@Drug Addicts](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/drug-addicts/12891/2):
>
> How do you isolate a capacitor to one amp that is being powered by the vehicles common electrical system?
>
> (and yes, I know it could be done in a competition vehicle-talking daily drivers here)
One big Mo-fuggin Diode! :rofl
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