The big 3..

Ryan from Ohio · 02-15-2009, 01:33 AM

4 ga is perfect.

Alt to battery, battery to ground, transmission to ground. Just run you wire alongside the factory. I would put the audio wire to the alt and grounds first then put the stock over it, then fasten the nuts/screws down.

Also zip tiies work well holding wires together.

I learned a long time ago NOT to hack the factory wiring unless necessary.

clutch1 · 02-15-2009, 01:45 AM

Use 0ga if you wanna be a man :P

It's really easy though, for real. Check out a car audio forum and search teh FS threads, usually you can score 3 pieces of thick and cheap wire that work perfect for it, I did my big 3 in 0ga for like $15

02-15-2009, 08:07 AM

Ryan from Ohio · 02-15-2009, 11:23 AM

Nate from Excessive amperage recommends using 4 ga wire even with 300 Amp alts... I would stick with 4.

For the side post... You will need to pop the bolt thing out of the rubber terminal. Then cut away some rubber so the ring terminal will fit in and come out properly. Then insert the bolt thing.

02-15-2009, 06:19 PM

clutch1 · 02-16-2009, 01:31 AM

Just find a bolt on the engine or transmission.. a nice big one, and bolt the wire there, then bolt the wire to a bolt on the body somewhere.

If you can, find a place where GM already did it.. I couldn't find one on my Park Ave to I improvised, but you'll figure it out.

It's the green one.

Misuseofyou · 02-16-2009, 02:08 AM

http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/...TID~73496~PN~1

I haven't done this, though I have some 8 gauge lying around. Is it worth it when you still have the stock alternator? My lights dim when the base hits, but $500 is too much to upgrade it (until the alternator dies anyway). I doubt I could even get a third wire connected to my positive terminal; it was a bitch to get my two power wires on there.

cherrington17 · 02-16-2009, 07:40 AM

then to go autozone (or a diff parts place) and get the terminal bolt extension.

Ryan from Ohio · 02-16-2009, 08:01 AM

lol as cherry said...

Its a very good and cheap upgrade. All power in your system AND in your car has to pass through these wires. Until you upgrade them they are your systems weakest link.

And when you do hunt them down you will be SHOCKED at how small they are...

clutch1 · 02-16-2009, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misuseofyou

http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/...TID~73496~PN~1

I haven't done this, though I have some 8 gauge lying around. Is it worth it when you still have the stock alternator? My lights dim when the base hits, but $500 is too much to upgrade it (until the alternator dies anyway). I doubt I could even get a third wire connected to my positive terminal; it was a bitch to get my two power wires on there.

My running voltage went up by .5 volts when I did mine w/ 0 gauge. Stock alty and such.

Where are you buying a bigger alternator for $500 big ones?! I wouldn't pay over $300 mang. Did you look up Mechman and Iraggi?

Misuseofyou · 02-16-2009, 02:03 PM

I looked it up on the parts computer at work, and being thoroughly discouraged by the price I decided to stick to the stock alt (didn't research it further). I've got like 15 feet of multi strand 8 gauge I salvaged one day, think thats thick enough? That price is in Canadian dollars btw.

Ryan from Ohio · 02-16-2009, 02:45 PM

www.motorcityreman.com

www.excessiveamperage.com

Car Godz can provide pulleys for more charge!

cherrington17 · 02-16-2009, 03:00 PM

...and i thought i got ripped off when i paid $250..

you thought they were $500!?! ddaayyuummm

Beholder88 · 02-16-2009, 03:20 PM

What's the point in running a gound to your transmission? Isn't the engine already grounded? Sorry, I've never done this before.

02-16-2009, 04:47 PM

cherrington17 · 02-16-2009, 04:56 PM

i never managed to find me tranny/engine to battery connection.

aftermath said "its really easy to find" blah blah blah (those were directions) and i ran out, looked... and saw nothing.

someone post a damn picture!

clutch1 · 02-16-2009, 05:47 PM

You need to ground the tranny because that's the ground for the alternator. Obviously the alt HAS to be a closed system to generate, and the ground side goes from the case, bracket, engine, wire, body, wire, battery's - post.

Upgrading the + alt wire WONT do a thing until you upgrade the engine ground.. that's like having 0 gauge power wire and 10 gauge ground for an amp or something.

Cherry, don't feel bad we can't all be smart

haha just kidding, I couldn't find one on my Buick, either, just make your own! there's plenty of random bolts and tuds on the body and engine to make use of.

02-16-2009, 06:07 PM

How Do i get to the damn + terminal on the ALT..

EASILY!

cherrington17 · 02-16-2009, 06:16 PM

i usually have to take mine off (the alt) remove the boot (slide it down the existing wire) take the nut off, that holds the wire in place. put the new wire on, and put the old nut back over it. replace the boot.

easy.