Need to upgrade power cable?

[MrFriskles 10+ year member]

Hey guys, putting a new system into a 1995 E36 M3. Factory positive terminal power wire from the engine is 4awg, and the factory ground wire is 3awg.

I am putting in an alpine 3555 2X200 @ 4ohm that I have from a previous system. But in the very near future (already have the speakers) I am going to be wiring up 2 Image Dynamics ID10V3 (10" 400rms max) to a monoblock amp. Total load around 1.4-1.6kW, or around 95-110amps. Is there any reason I would need to upgrade my power cables from the engine to the battery for this load?

I was planning on putting 4 awg from the battery to the amps in the trunk (5 feet cable run)

Edit: Just wanted to clarify. The Battery is in the trunk (BMW). The Power running to the battery from the alternator is 4awg. Probably a 15 foot run from engine to battery. The run from the battery to the Alpine amp is about 5 feet max.

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[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

If its only 5 feet youll probably be ok but Id go 1/0 anyway...

 

[MrFriskles 10+ year member]

Just wanted to clarify. The Battery is in the trunk (BMW). The Power running to the battery from the alternator is 4awg. Probably a 15 foot run from engine to battery. The run from the battery to the Alpine amp is about 5 feet max.

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

Id re run the front batt to rear batt run with 1/0...

 

[MrFriskles 10+ year member]

K figured thats what you meant, was already leaning towards that but needed any other voice to tell me =P 4awg probably fine for the amps?

 

[T.I.K. 10+ year member]

K figured thats what you meant, was already leaning towards that but needed any other voice to tell me =P 4awg probably fine for the amps?

dude seriously? Stop being a gypsy and buy 1/0, 20 extra dollars isn't going to kill you and it's going to make your life easier when you decide to start using amps that pull more power than your puny 4ga can handle.

 

[-01limited- 10+ year member]

dude seriously? Stop being a gypsy and buy 1/0, 20 extra dollars isn't going to kill you and it's going to make your life easier when you decide to start using amps that pull more power than your puny 4ga can handle.

Dont have to be a douche.

But yes op, I'd redo your wire with 0 gauge and the 4 will be ok since its a very short run from the battery to the amps. The most important wire in your system since the battery is in the back is from your alternator to your battery.

 

[MrFriskles 10+ year member]

dude seriously? Stop being a gypsy and buy 1/0, 20 extra dollars isn't going to kill you and it's going to make your life easier when you decide to start using amps that pull more power than your puny 4ga can handle.

LOLOLOL! I appreciate the vigor but, relax dude. This is my first system, I am trying to understand what the limits are and make reasonable decisions based on input and research. I don't want to spend more than I have to but I am willing to put out to do it right, hence my questioning.

I am planning on running KnuKonceptz KCA 1/0 from the alternator to the batt. Stock alt does like 165 amp's so want to soak up the sweet juice.

Planning on running 4 awg to my 400 watt amp. I'm pretty sure there will not be a problem considering the previous owner was powering it with a 12-16 awg.

Sub Amp will likely be powered by 1/0 once I get it. Still only 800 watt rms max for my two ID10V3 10's so 4awg probably fine for it too.

 

[Imtjnotu 5,000+ posts]

ur stock m3 alt does 165 amps? hahaha i think it only does 90 at most 140

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

LOLOLOL! I appreciate the vigor but, relax dude. This is my first system, I am trying to understand what the limits are and make reasonable decisions based on input and research. I don't want to spend more than I have to but I am willing to put out to do it right, hence my questioning.
I am planning on running KnuKonceptz KCA 1/0 from the alternator to the batt. Stock alt does like 165 amp's so want to soak up the sweet juice.

Planning on running 4 awg to my 400 watt amp. I'm pretty sure there will not be a problem considering the previous owner was powering it with a 12-16 awg.

Sub Amp will likely be powered by 1/0 once I get it. Still only 800 watt rms max for my two ID10V3 10's so 4awg probably fine for it too.

Knu is good stuff... I would use 16 for speakers and 12 for subs BTW

 

[MrFriskles 10+ year member]

ur stock m3 alt does 165 amps? hahaha i think it only does 90 at most 140

Yes 140. Choices are actually 80 or 140 though, glad you got a laugh out of it, me too //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif Was looking at line above on accident. Have the Bosch 140 in there.
Yes, was planning on using 16 Karma SS for speakers (HAT Imagine 150ish rms, 230 peak) and 10 or 12 of the same stuff for the subs. Any reason not to use the twisted pair on a sub if it is 10-12 awg?

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

Im gunna get some of the twisted stuff as well for my comps and tweets... I have heard it cane be a paint to strip the extra coating off thou...

 

[MrFriskles 10+ year member]

yeah, read a lot about it being a ***** to work with, but this is a one time install and its only 8 terminals total for me initially, I can live with it. I'm not installing as a job so time is of no importance if its good stuff.

 

[disturbed471985 5,000+ posts]

Im gunna get some of the twisted stuff as well for my comps and tweets... I have heard it cane be a paint to strip the extra coating off thou...

If u remove the extra coating the they will no longer be twisted. That extra rubber keep the wire twisted once removed it will unravel. I wouldnt recommend it as its been proven twisted wire will resist interference much better then no twisted.

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

If u remove the extra coating the they will no longer be twisted. That extra rubber keep the wire twisted once removed it will unravel. I wouldnt recommend it as its been proven twisted wire will resist interference much better then no twisted.

Well no ****... Hahaha but you have to strip it to get to the wire //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fyi.gif.9f1f679348da7204ce960cfc74bca8e0.gif.......