Cables & Wiring

[CyberBuick]

I'll call this a side thread of Rick's thread..

Sunday I hope to fix my charging system so I can add a few goodies..

What I have: Stock system with autometer gauges & tach, crane hi-6 box (25amp fuse), two headlight relays (15 & 25amp), kenwood 45x5 head unit driving 2 6x9's.

What I'd like to add: A 200watt amp, possibly a set of 4in speakers in the front with another 150watt amp.

What I've purchased/what started this: My battery is leaking/corroding and needs replacment. I purchased an Exide Orbital XCD battery and want to start off on the right foot.

I plan on switching to a 10 or 12SI alternator and trying to replace the battery cables (anyone with tips on the positive cable? also where to get good cables?). In the wiring harness, there's a soldered junction, 3 x 12/10 gauge wires (firewall side) merge into 2 x 12/10 gauge wires (alt side). Where do these wires come from, and go to? Should I remove, replace, or change anything?

Also, which is a safer bet on amp install kits, 8 gauge or 10 gauge wiring? Amp to be located in trunk.

Thanks Fellas!

[Smartin]

Don't go skimpy on the amp power cable...6 guage phoenix gold...maybe 4 guage, overkill is not a word.

Run the power cable all the way to the positive post on the battery. Put an inline fuse in, 30 amp...thereabouts. I put mine in the engine compartment, but you could probably get away with putting it in the trunk. The only this that would worry me was if the cable shorted out somewhere between the trunk and the battery...you'd have a problem.

Find a hi end store that deals with quality installations in car audio and ask them what they would do if you had them install it. They should be able to tell you everything you need to know.


Adam

[lcac_man]

You can get 2ga. battery cable kits from summit, this is a great upgrade regardless of what else your doing on the car.
Len

[CyberBuick]

Thanks Guys!

Unfortunaly, now the issue is getting the car back to drivable shape.. Tho, when the time comes (and it will), overkill is not a word.. :TU:

I think the biggest I'd run that far back is 4ga simply because of the how rigid it gets in flexibilty..

[Smartin]

Phoenix Gold makes (made) a 4 guage power cable that is very very flexible, but it is think. I used that and it is nice...looks good too.