How much will this help?

[Josh #44 10+ year member]

Ok, right now I have a 97 gmc sierra. I was thinking of doing the "big 3" upgrade and I was wondering how much of a difference this will make in my system. Im running a nine.1 on a completely stock electrical system at 13.8v. Help me out

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[Prowler573 5,000+ posts]

Doing the Big 3 would certainly be a help to an abused charging system but there's no real mechanism for measuring exactly how much help it will provide that I am aware of.

I do not know the stock alternator output on that particular truck so I do not know if the OEM unit is sufficient to supply both the needs of your ride plus that Nine.1

Doing the Big 3 won't change the alternator's output...it's gonna be what it is regardless. Upgrading the Big 3 will simply give the current a much more efficient path to flow through.

Look at it like this ~ it definately won't hurt it so long as it is done properly. It's a fairly easy change to make and won't cost heaps in materials. Pretty much a win/win situation IMO.

 

[LoudCrownVic 5,000+ posts]

Better connections, fatter wire, better amperage equals less voltage fluctuation, better output and less distortion from what used to be power starved equipment.

I'd do it.

 

[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

are you having a problem right now?

 

[Josh #44 10+ year member]

should i do a 0 ga or a 4? Is it ok if i get a yellowtop with my stock alt? Or will that burn it out?