How much space does an amplifier need around it?

I have an Alpine 40W x 4 amplifier mounted in the trunk where the toolbox normally sits. I want to put the toolbox back and fit the amp into the toolbox center section (it will take a bit of trimming). It will have about 1" of space above and below it and will have a bit of circulation from above, but not much.

Is this asking for trouble from overheating?

 

You rarely need any room below, but above (and possibly to the sides) is where it counts...look for fins to see where the main amount of heat shedding is going to take place. Even so, circulation is 10 times more important than space...you can place this thing by itself in the trunk, but if you sealed off the trunk, the amp would eventually overheat. Luckily for us, it's vented. If you put that tool cover back on, make sure you cut some sort of vents in the cover to allow the hot air to rise out of the tool bay.

Of course, if you don't always use the amp near max capacity (say 50% or less), you're usually just fine since the amp will take the abuse of extra heat hanging around.

 

Hi Dan,

Thanks for the info - because I rarely set the volume control more than 3 or 4 'clicks' with the amp, I suspect that it's barely exerting itself. The speaker output is fed into the amp so the volume control is a bit sensitive. The "baby" is in the garage now and even though I'm not driving her, still have a strong desire to be near her (obsessive?? - Nah!)

I'l looking for little jobs to do so I can be near her!

 

An inch around is usually good enough, if you're really worried get a small fan for it. if you're unsure what this type of fan looks like, ask a car audio shop to see one.

 

I mounted Pioneer's smallest amp in the exact location you are speaking of on 3 seperate S2000's and I had to remove all 3 and put in Blaupunkt's 4 channel under the driver's seat. I also thought that it would work okay, gains not turned up that much. But within 25 minutes of normal listening the amps would shut down due to heat. I'm not saying you shouldn't put the alpine amp there, but as noted earlier I would surely add a small fan and cut some vent slots in that top cover that goes over the tool kit. I've actully found its much easier to mount the amps under the drivers seat then to run all of the wiring for one small amp to the trunk area. Good luck!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RollingAudio
[B]I mounted Pioneer's smallest amp in the exact location you are speaking of on 3 seperate S2000's and I had to remove all 3 and put in Blaupunkt's 4 channel under the driver's seat.

 

The fan can only do its job if you cut vents to allow fresh, cool air inside the tool area. Otherwise, you're just pushing around hot air.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by MacGyver
[B]The fan can only do its job if you cut vents to allow fresh, cool air inside the tool area.

 

A great place to mount is vertical opposite the spare tire buldge. Also easier to hide the wires. I would never install an amp under a seat it just contains too much heat.