Big 3 Upgrade?

HazmatJeff · Post by **HazmatJeff** » Sun Nov 28, 2010 2:16 pm

I want to do the Big3 Upgrade since I recently purchased a new positive terminal to account for my amp wire and HID's wire. All the wires secure to the terminal but are tight as hell.

I plan on getting 4ga wire for the switch since my system isn't anything to strenuous on the battery and alternator. My only question is how do I easily get the power power and negative wire to the alternator? It seems like a tight fit and not much room at all to work in? Any pictures or tips are greatly appreciated.

I also need to do this before the 8th because I'm getting my auto car starter installed and want it to look clean.

nineball · Post by **nineball** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 10:06 am

you only need a positive line from the battery to the alt, no negative needed. i ran mine at the rearmost point i could in the engine bay using zipties to keep it away from heat as best i could.

HazmatJeff · Post by **HazmatJeff** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 11:40 am

Is the alternator easy to get to? Where does the other negative wire go to one ground and the other where?

nineball · Post by **nineball** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 11:45 am

the positive terminal on the alt is easy to get to if you are under the car. read the sticky on this board to see how to do it. it takes 6 wires total.

HazmatJeff · Post by **HazmatJeff** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 12:56 pm

The sticky really didn't help me, maybe I missed something?
6 wires seems like a lot, there's 1 that goes from positive to alternator, 1 that goes to the chassis, and 1 that goes to the block.

Is it necessary to go from power to the fusebox?
Is a fuse between the amp and battery really needed?

nineball · Post by **nineball** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 1:13 pm

i don't see how it couldn't help you mate, it even has pictures! i followed it and had no problems. what exactly doesn't it tell you?

no, the stock 8g is fine to feed the fuse box.

yes. you are fusing to keep your battery safe. if the line grounds out somewhere in the car and shirts the battery you can lose your car.

Post by **occasional demons** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 1:43 pm

nineball wrote: yes. if the line grounds out somewhere in the car and shorts the battery you can lose your car.

Exactly.

Everything that is near the length of that wire will burn, in a matter of seconds. The wire will become one long, very effective heating element. Not to mention, the battery could explode from the heat.

If the battery is rated at example, 600 amps @ w/e ambient temp is, it is going to supply as close to that figure as it can. Even if it is for 10 seconds, it's all it takes.

Average welding only needs around 30 to 250 amps depending on what is welded. Granted, the voltage is higher, but you get the idea.

HazmatJeff · Post by **HazmatJeff** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 1:53 pm

If the sticky you are talking about is the 00-05 electrical that one doesn't have any pictures.

Is there a way to figure out what size fuse I need? Like an equation or something?

Thanks for your help so far guys!

nineball · Post by **nineball** » Mon Nov 29, 2010 1:55 pm

viewtopic.php?t=9909

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