Do I need to upgrade wiring????

Brandon85-944 · 04-08-2001, 05:35 PM

Brandon again, with my early 85 944 Porsche....I'm 17 so of course one of the primary goals of a teenager is to get a kick butt system in my car...however,...with the addition of a new cd player speakers all the way around, 2 amps, and a sub; can the original wiring handle the power? Do I need to upgrade anything...or add fuses or relays? Should the speaker wire be changed..do I need a better alternator or battery or battery cable?...these are just a few of the questions I had...my console is completely apart and I need some input as soon as possible ... ass well as any suggestions...thx

Brandon85-944

Teens and driving don't mix...

Rollins · 04-08-2001, 05:44 PM

In my opinion you should upgrade the wires just because. Especially speaker wires. Get some thick stuff in there. The wires that are in there now are probably all the originals.

PrerYDoG · 04-08-2001, 06:04 PM

I've got 2 Amps, 2 Subs, 2 tweeters, and 4 4x6's (in the doors and rear panels) and a new head unit, and no new wire (except to run to places that had no wire). The only fuse you need to put in is leading from your battery to the power of your amps (this fuse should go right there at the battery).

Other than that, all the factory stuff works. If you have a factory installed fader on your car, bypass it. And, if you feel like it, you could re-wire the 4x6's, but it's not necessary (as I have not done it, and mine runs fine).

In fact, coming home about 20 minutes ago, I was doing 130, with the top out and windows down, and the music was still LOUD as can be. What I'm trying to say is, your 15 y/o wire will suit you just fine.

kaffine krazed · 04-08-2001, 11:53 PM

I don't know audio systems.

How much power are you sending to the speakers? What gauge of wire do the stock speakers use? How do your amps get power?

I would replace the wiring using 16-12 gauge wire depenging on length of runs and the amprage of the circuit. If you have a voltmeter you can check the wires and see if they should be replaced. Turn the system on and as loud as you will go and measure for voltage between the amp and the speaker on the same wire, if you measure above 0.5V replace the wire.