BIG three upgrade: cables to/from the power distribution box

[metallic]

It seems all the BIG three upgrades I've seen run a heavy gauge power cable from the alternator directly to the battery.

On my vehicle, the alternator & battery are connected via the power distribution box. On the power distribution box, there's a 175 amp megafuse between the alternator connection & the battery connection. So, isn't this effectively a direct (fused) connection between the alternator & battery?

Would it be better (and cleaner) to run a heavy gauge power cable from the alternator to the power distribution box, and run a heavy gauge power cable from the battery to the power distribution box? In other words, replace the existing power distribution box cables with heavy gauge cables?

If you run heavy gauge cables to/from the power distribution box, why would you need a power cable from the alternator directly to the battery?

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[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

never replace just add ,but yea seems legit

 

[NIHL8ION]

I would personally just leave what is there, there - And run one direct heavy gauge cable from the alt to the batt (What is there already will serve it's purpose to your vehicle functioning like it was intended to, Adding on a direct heavy gauge cable from alt to batt will accomplish what you are trying to do = Max output from your alt under load with the least amount of resistance possible)

 

[BrownVanMan 10+ year member]

Should work fine j

 

[metallic]

I would personally just leave what is there, there - And run one direct heavy gauge cable from the alt to the batt (What is there already will serve it's purpose to your vehicle functioning like it was intended to, Adding on a direct heavy gauge cable from alt to batt will accomplish what you are trying to do = Max output from your alt under load with the least amount of resistance possible)

I thought the reason for the Big 3 upgrade is to have more power available for the entire electrical system. How does this happen, if the power distribution box is still connected with small gauge cables, probably 6 or 8 gauge?

 

[NIHL8ION]

I thought the reason for the Big 3 upgrade is to have more power available for the entire electrical system. How does this happen, if the power distribution box is still connected with small gauge cables, probably 6 or 8 gauge?

- The ENTIRE system pulls from the battery - Thus a direct lead from the alt to the batt will accomplish this... YES, you COULD remove and replace those wires to & from the dist. block, but even if you do that I'd still run a DIRECT LEAD TO THE BATT...

 

[metallic]

- The ENTIRE system pulls from the battery - Thus a direct lead from the alt to the batt will accomplish this... YES, you COULD remove and replace those wires to & from the dist. block, but even if you do that I'd still run a DIRECT LEAD TO THE BATT...

OK

Thanks!

 

[Spiike]

would you not essentially want a fuse between the battery and the alternator incase of a short in the system and possible fire?

 

[metallic]

would you not essentially want a fuse between the battery and the alternator incase of a short in the system and possible fire?

Absolutely a fused connection. My power distribution box has a 175 amp megafuse between the alt & bat connections.

 

[NIHL8ION]

Absolutely a fused connection. My power distribution box has a 175 amp megafuse between the alt & bat connections.

fuse EVERYTHING that involves the positive side of the electrical system...

 

[metallic]

fuse EVERYTHING that involves the positive side of the electrical system...

YES. If I run a direct alternator-to-battery cable, I'll put a 175 amp megafuse on it.

Thanks!