Power to amp question

[hellraiser_88]

Im installing a Jensen 500W amp, I bought a Scosche single amp kit and have everthing I need to connect it, theres one problem. I need to run the power cable from the amp, to the battery. I was going to try and run it throught the fire wall but I can't find A place, that I can run it through or drill. Anyone have any ideas or past experiance on how I can run it through the fire wall? A friend suggested that I run it through the door jamb like he did, don't like that idea. Thanks in advance --Nate

[jjwalker]

You could always run it through the wiring harness hole but more than likely you will be VERY space limited. Good thing is the hole is already there. If you can get the grommet out you might be able to afford yourself more room. Just be sure to add some protection to the wires in the case they can get cut by the edges of the hole.

[hellraiser_88]

Didn't think about that. Thanks one question, forgive me im an idiot, where's the wiring harness hole?

[T Man]

Do this...if you have an automatic, on the firewall where the clutch petal should be there is a dimple. At the shop I worked at we drilled this hole out and ran the cable through there WITH A GROMMET. If you have a manual, run it through the hole in the firewall that the hood release latch runs, run it through there. Make sure you use a grommeted hole, otherwise you firewall will cut through the insulation and ground your system out. Dont run it through the doorjam, it looks cheep. I went a step further and put black wire loom on all of the power cable inside the engine bay, that way, you cannot tell that I have anything except for the fuse.

[baggedandcaddied]

ya but tom you run really small wire. Its kinda hard to keep O gauge from being noticable

[twistedxknights]

are there any drain holes in the floor of the cab? could route it thourgh the frame bringing it up through one of the holes... also there is a hole by the heater could try that aswelll

[T Man]

500 watt amp wont need 0gauge. It will need 4 gauge, and that will work and not be noticible

[fastSdime]

Its a second gen run it thru the antenna grommet under the carpet right under the heater box. Thats wher I run my 1/0 cable thru with the antenna wire still there. I'm using a different grommet but thats it. And depending on which kit he got its prolly a 5 gauge cuz most Scosche single amp kit are oddball sizing compared to what you get at a audio shop. But on a second gen there is about 3 different holes to run it thru. Just kinda have to go under the dash with a shop light and look around to see where you want to run it and what your able to get to on the other side. I like the antenna hole due to it leaves very lil wire showin in the engine bay.

[baggedandcaddied]

its actually probably an 8 gauge wire unless he got the big amp kit. i know that i run overkill tom you dont need to tell me

[fastSdime]

There is nothing wrong with overkill when it comes to power wires. I have 1/0 gauge and I don't even run a system anymore. Its just there for good looks at the moment.

[T Man]

He should be using 4 gau. 8 may be a little slim for 500. I am running 325, and remember I was close to the recommended size cutoff to go one bigger

[T Man]

oh yeah aaron. THis summer I installed 0 in a kids fullsize chevy to run 1 kicker solo baric 10". Now thats overkill (no it wasnt an L7)

[fastSdime]

I only had 2 JL10W3V2 and a 500 watt amp with 1/0... But might as well not upgrade wires when you upgrade stereos. And honestly most people only put in 8 gauge with a 500 watt amp. And remember this is a Jensen amp so its prolly not a true 500 watt amp. Hell I doubt it even comes with a birth certificate.

[T Man]

I always liked reading the certificates from the rockford amps. 500watt amp? ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

[fastSdime]

Well my JL 500/1 the certificate says 700 W RMS @ 1.5 ohm...