Length and path of power wire

12-11-2003, 12:47 AM

Allrighty... I know that a bunch of you all have installed killer systems in your car... here's my question. Where did you run your power wire from the battery? In my car, I went through the following path.

From the battery towards the power distribution center, across to the alternator, down to the hole in the firewall, under the trim on the passengers side into the trunk. Is this what most people did? I'm currently looking to go from an 8 ga. power wire to a 4 ga, and going this route I need something like 20-22 feet of wire. Anyone done it another (shorter) way?

Aleromaster · 12-11-2003, 09:30 AM

I drilled a hole under one of the bundles of cables that run through the firewall and installeda competition gromet. I then ran it underthe carpet as close to the seat rails as I could get it to keep it away from any signal cables that may have been in the side rails. I always try to keep the power wire by its self. I used the same amount of wire as you because i crossed over in the trunk to the passenger side and my power distribution block is mounted in the coner near the passenger taillight.

Edit: My signal wires are run down the center of the car inder the center consel to avoid any interferance.

King Asoka · 12-11-2003, 11:58 AM

i ran it back from the battery to a hole in the fire wall that comes out right at the drives feet, then back along the divers side under the carpet to he trunk. Ran the RCA's on the passenger side. In hindsight i would suggest running it up the center of the car cause there are alot of other wires running up both sides of the car...which could cause some interference....Aleromaster has the right idea!

koruptid · 12-11-2003, 12:20 PM

my power wire is run along the drivers side and all my wires for my amps, subs, dvd, is run along the passenger side

12-11-2003, 01:29 PM

So there is a hole in the firewall at the driver's feet? Cuz this would cut off like 2-3 feet on the path... or did you guys drill your own hole in the firewall? I'm probably going to run it under the seats this time, due to the fact that when I ran it down the passenger's side, the radio reception started to go a little nuts. I know that the inline antennas have problems, but I wonder if the power wire is exasterbation the situation.

12-11-2003, 02:13 PM

hey scott, providing you have the same firewall as us better...errr, i mean ecotec guys

,lol I could show you were the hole is (its kinda a bitch to do but thats where I ran my wire(s) thru too..) Lemme know...

King Asoka · 12-11-2003, 02:45 PM

ya is yours a 3.4 or 2.2 or 2.4?

sound_xtreme · 12-11-2003, 02:52 PM

i got my 0 gauge running along the drivers side rail. i ran it through some holes and poop. Should be able to at least poke a hole in the gromet up in there. rca's are running on the passenger side.

12-11-2003, 04:13 PM

scott has the 3.4, I have the 2.2

12-11-2003, 08:40 PM

Landon... I've run mine through the passengers side, and I peeled back the carpet under the driver's side, but saw nothing... So I might need you to show me sometime. I'm getting an ANL fuse holder (well, it's being shipped as we speak... er type), and I'm probably going to go buy the wire tomorrow (before or after the exam is a good question... sigh) So, maybe if you have some time after the 16th, I can see when I work, and maybe we can get together then... if that's cool with you!

12-13-2003, 01:29 PM

i have the 3.4 and i ran 4 gauge through the grommet that went around the steering column.

King Asoka · 12-13-2003, 08:03 PM

the hole i ran mine through didnt have a gromet, i was quite surprised about it. anyway, its located on the firewall behind the fusebox in the engine bay. its about 8-10 inches below the top of the fuse box on the firewall. If you remove the panel under the drivers side of the dash, the hole is to the left of the steering colum and about 6-8 inches from the top of the carpet. If you get a buddy to shine a light from the engine bay down behind the fuse box, you should be able to see it from inside the car. there were no other wires running through it so you could easily fit any gauge wire. 0 gauge might be pretty tight.

I dont know if you need the info, i just thought id put it up if anyone is interested. It will save you a bit of wire. that is if this hole exisits in your car, or others for that matter.

12-13-2003, 08:44 PM

Sweet Asoka! Thanks for the advice! I'll have to see wether or not that's possible... Ahhhh... now just to wait until it's not -100 so I can do it...

Aleromaster · 12-13-2003, 09:48 PM

Man you where lucky. I had to drill a hole for my wire. I tore the hell out out mr car looking for a hold and there was nothing. And belive me I checked the whole firewall.

King Asoka · 12-13-2003, 11:30 PM

np, good luck with the install, when its not so cold!

12-14-2003, 12:24 AM

Yeah, for sure Scott, no problem - anytime after the 19th, which is when I start holidays, Id be glad to help you out with your power wire issues. Give my Cell phone a call, or drop me a live via PM, and we'll set something up.

09-18-2004, 04:35 PM

The people that installed mine have it hooked up to the positive on one of the 10 amp fuses in the driver side fuse access panel.

smokinAMD · 09-18-2004, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bjensen83@Sep 18 2004, 02:35 PM
The people that installed mine have it hooked up to the positive on one of the 10 amp fuses in the driver side fuse access panel.

Bad idea. Horribly bad idea. If you are running anything more then a low powered setup, you are going to be blowing that fuse left and right.