ok still in the process of my install and i got a 4 gauge power wire with my amp (got it from a friend) and im really not sure i want to risk trying it. but do you think it will be ok?? i guess im asking because im kind of hurting for cash right now and if the 4 gauge will work ill just go with it, but if i need a 0 gauge looks like ill have to do some saving.. whatcha think?

 

I wouldnt do it, im no expert on wire size but i have either 4 or 8 and im only running like 300 watts, id save up. JMO
-lr

 

If its 2400 peak, than its actually only about 1200w. 4 guage should be fine for now, personally I think 2 guage is a fat as you need to go. 0 guage is just rediculous and unnecessary IMO. I ran my 2000 watt system on some solid core 12 guage (running 2 guage now), had no problems, never got hot or blew any fuses. Mind you it does hit over 135 dB.
1 thing you need to think about is your alternator. If you have a stock 85 amp unit your lights WILL dim when the bass hits. You need at least a 130 amp one.
-P.

 

ok well i went to my local audio shop and they showed me this niffty lil chart. it shows what gauge wire you need for how many amps you will run. with my 2400 watt amp, we figured out that id be pulling 192 amps peak with that amp. and i need between 15-17 feet of wire. so 1 gauge seems to be what i need. i think 2 gauge at 17 feet should only really hold 175 amps safely. so looks like i got some saving to do lol.

 

I would go with 2 guage. I realize that this may be a little overkill, but undersized wire will cause problems. An over-demand on an undersized wire is bad news. If you install the 4 guage, what are the odds you will upgrade later, probably not likely. Save your money and do it right the first time.

I agree 100% with P on upgrade of alternator. You will also need to add an additional wire (same guage as power wire to amps) from alt. "+" post directly to battery terminal. And a ground wire of same gauge from alt. housing to "-" post of battery.

Jazzer

 

ya actually a buddy of mine said that he can get me a roll of 25 feet of 0 gauge for like $50 so i think ill just go with that thanks for all the input guys!