1/0 gauge wire really necessary?

Question

I just upgraded the Big 3 wiring in my 1999 silverado to 1/0 gauge today. I am going to be running 1200 watts RMS from a mono block amp to 2 alpine 12" type-r's...I have 1/0 gauge wire I can put in there but right now it is ran with 4 gauge from my old stuff. Will the 4 gauge be good or should I just go ahead and replace the power wire to the amp with the 1/0 gauge? I have heard both sides of the issue but thought I would ask one more source.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Go with the biggest gauge the amp terminals can accept the manufacturer made them that size for a reason.

Answer 2

You'll get more current to your amp, if you run the 1/0. But, is your Amp causing your lights to dim; with the 4 Gauge System as of now? If so, you need to get a decent size Capacitor. 2 Farads would be decent. And, then I would install the 1/0 all the way through. Cause either way your going to be pushing quit a bit of juice. Regardless of the Size of Wire. Smaller could possibly start a electrical fire cause it not having enough size to push all the current. Eventually, that would happen. So, going with a bigger wire will save you the possibility of an Electrical Fire. I had 2 (15) JL W3 being pushed by a 1000 RMS Memphis Audio Amp. I had it hooked to 2 Gauge Power Wire. It handled the current pretty good. Best of Luck Man. But, I would def. get at least a 2 Farad Capacitor for ya system. If you haven't already got one.

Answer 3

id go ahead and put the 0 in keeps the volts from droping as fast so it ends up putting less stress on the amp i replaced mine to 0 and it even made me gain .4 dbs at competition