Im about to hookup a system in my 97 Ex Sedan, there is already pre-existing 4 guage power wire run in my door panels. What I would like to know is where is the best place to run rca jacks to avoid alternator noise, I also plan to run speaker wire from my amp straight up the middle of the car and center console to the back of the head unit and hookup my front speakers that way. I just want to avoid getting that whining sound so im looking for some second opinions.

 

Usually you can run the rca cables on the opposite side of the car. Properly shielded wires shouldn't cause have the whinning sound. It's usually the cheaper kinds that do. You can also get a noise suppresser or rca cables with a noise suppresser built it. Also, that noise will also happen if your ground wire isn't installed correctly. Get a better ground. Use the frame of the car, sand the area to get rid of the paint, good solid bolt and tight contact.

 

I ran my RCA cables down the middle along with one of the speaker wires, and then the power wires and another speaker wire down the passenger side. I never here any noise at all, generally if you have good equipment its not a problem.

And strictlye is right about the ground thing too. Improper grounds are a common source of noise in stereo setups. Make sure you also use a voltmeter before you go about connecting the bolt and everything to your ground to make sure its a good ground. There shouldn't be much resistance between the ground point that you choose and the negative side of the battery.

 

just run it on oposite sides of the car.... theres no reason not to.. ur most likely going to have a speaker wire on that side anyways.

 

Well there is a reason not too, power wire is expensive and if he's running two, that's gonna use an extra 3 feet of each at least if he runs it down the middle and 6 or more if he runs it down the opposite side. It's much easier to come in the passenger side (at least on 6 gens) because the battery is right there and the easy to access gromet. Also running the RCA cables on the sides gonna use like an extra 6 feet also if he runs it down the side. What I would do is run the RCA down from the stereo through the center console and under the back seat into the trunk (I'm assuming that's where your amps are) and the power wire on the passenger side.

 

i dont see where he mentioned that he plans on running two... u want to point that out for me please?

 

oh and if he is running two... it would be cheaper to use a distribution block than to do what u are suggesting.

 

He didn't I was just saying. That's not the main point though. Even if he's hooking up one amp he'll need more wire running down the opposite side or the middle than on the passenger but if he's running more than one it'll cost even more. I ran 2 wires, and its more expensive to run 1 (for your hooking up 2 amps) cause you gotta get larger gauge wire to account for the higher current flow rather than getting to slightly smaller gauge. Plus if you run no only have to fuse the main wire but also individually fuse each amp.