capasitors

[civic542]

I was just wondering do capasitors really keep your lights from dimming when you are running an amp? thanks.

[dbiggss]

they are supposed to but dont really- if your having issues with this you should upgrade your battery to a yellow top

[GScivic7]

before you go and upgrade your battery and/or buy a capacitor. Look into getting a high output alternator. It's about the same price as a yellow top and you'll be far better off with a better alternator than a better battery.

How many watts are you running? If your lights only dim a little bit using a capacitor will be okay. IMO caps are just a band aid and if you're running 1000 watts or less, then just using a cap is fine. If you notice significant drain throughout your electrical system look into getting a high output alt.

[xtant]

I was running 1500 watts just to my subs with a high output alternator and 1000 amp battery (not deep cycle) with a stinger 5 farad cap, and the lights only dimmed at a stop light,

[dbiggss]

Originally Posted by GScivic7

before you go and upgrade your battery and/or buy a capacitor. Look into getting a high output alternator. It's about the same price as a yellow top and you'll be far better off with a better alternator than a better battery.

true, upgrading your alternator would be your absolute best option - but you might have a little difficulty finding an upgraded alternator as cheap as a new deepcycle battery- also you should keep in mind with an alternator your looking at installation charges if your not comfortable installing it yourself - to have the best of all worlds you should probably upgrade your alternator and battery - then again we dont know what your pushing and what your budget is etc...

[GScivic7]

www.4alterstart.com
Last time I checked you can get a 130 amp alt for around $150. Only about $30 more than an Optima Yellowtop, and installing an alt on a civic is cake.

[dbiggss]

if you can get an upgraded alternator for 150$ and install it/have it installed at a reasonable price - than im gonna have to agree with GScivic7 - thats the way to go - when i had my prelude i couldnt find one for less than 225 - so if you can get one for a buck 50 i say go for it--

[GScivic7]

Looks like prices have went up.
1996 135 amp alt

$200

Would still be worth it to me because your whole electrical system would be better off. But it really depends on how much power your running through that system.

[Karleon]

yea i agree with getting your alternator done. might as well fix the problem at the source.

[civic542]

where did you find that 130 amp alternator, cause could never find one for a civic.

[GScivic7]

dude, i linked you to it.

Originally Posted by GScivic7

1996 135 amp alt