Custom Stereo Install

[bestatchess]

Several people are having problems with ground loop/alternator noise in connection with stereo installs. Assuming you don't have this problem, would you mind answering:

1. Where & how is everything grounded?

2. Were any ground loop isolators used?

3. Did you upgrade the stock battery/alternator ground cable?

Thanks

[bsherman211]

Originally Posted by bestatchess

Several people are having problems with ground loop/alternator noise in connection with stereo installs. Assuming you don't have this problem, would you mind answering:

1. Where & how is everything grounded?

All of the amplifiers are grounded to a single location on the chassis using 0 awg wire. You have to be sure to take all of the paint off of the grounding location. All peripheral items are grounded to the factory radio grounding point and to the chassis of the radio.

Originally Posted by bestatchess

2. Were any ground loop isolators used?

Nope. There was no noise in the system. Typically a GLI is nothing more than a bandaid for another problem anyway.

Originally Posted by bestatchess

3. Did you upgrade the stock battery/alternator ground cable?

No need to upgrade the alternator. We used the big capacitor instead. It's 40 farad and keeps the voltage pretty consistently at 13.8V with the engine running and stereo at full tilt.

[smoketitan]

thats weird man I am getttin 14.4v at the amp and at the battery do you have the big tow/offroad package??

[bsherman211]

Originally Posted by smoketitan

thats weird man I am getttin 14.4v at the amp and at the battery do you have the big tow/offroad package??

Wow! consider yourself lucky. Not too many cars produce a true 14.4 with the engine running and accessories on. Very unusual considering the max output of the alternator is 14.4. Would seem unusual that it's always capable of maximum output like that.