Pre-Big 3

[Sweet'n Low 10+ year member]

I plan on upgrading my electrical with this BIG3 procedure I discovered on these forums since I'll be requiring more watts soon. I read that sticky awhile back, can't say i recall too much of it but I plan on visiting it again multiple times before going in as well as other websites but i digress...

Any advice before I get to work? I don't have much experience doing this type of thing and I realize this isn't the best project to take on myself but I hear its fairly simple(?). How much will is cost? How long does it take? Just anything in general, I can use all the help I can get. I might do a build thread if it's worth it (which would also be a first).

I appreciate the input

Click to read more...

 

[Sweet'n Low 10+ year member]

bump- could use the help..

 

[nateberrier 10+ year member]

Bro I got some 1/0 KMLX and know where to get good terms. I know you live close. If you want help, shoot me a pm. My brother will be home this weekend and we could hammer out your big three in an hour probably.

 

[OmegaBunny 10+ year member]

not having done it myself, but I have changed several batteries and alternators, it does seem fairly straight forward and easy to do. First thing, trace the route of the route of the existing wire to get an estimate of how much wire you need. If it takes crazy routes like mine does, see if there is a straighter path it can run. I would measure this distance then add an additional 20-25% in case you run into snags or slightly mismeasure. Do this for all three pieces and have them each cut independently when purchasing. If you are anything like me you will cut your own first piece mess up and re-cut and by the time you get to the end the last piece wont be long enough. make sure you measure twice, 0ga wire is not cheap. Here in Wv I have foudn it at two different place. Radio Shack has it for like $3.65/ft and a local car audio shop has it for close to $5.50/ft. The car audio place said theirs was copper all the way through while Radio Shack was copper clad. Other than that, take you time and plan it out. Maybe one day I'll do mine.

 

[nateberrier 10+ year member]

cleared pms

 

[Wingman0121 10+ year member]

Companies should start selling "big 3" kits, because depending on your installation you might need various connectors and what not - every car and setup can be different.

I've only done the "big 2" because my alternator is under my car and the stock 4 gauge power cable seems to work pretty well. Chassis to ground is fairly easy.

 

[Imtjnotu 5,000+ posts]

do u have to fuse the ALT+ to bat +

 

[Wingman0121 10+ year member]

do u have to fuse the ALT+ to bat +

You don't really have to but it don't hurt to have extra protection.

 

[Sweet'n Low 10+ year member]

:santa:really appreciate the input. wasent expecting a pic to be honest, looking forward to getting this started. any other advice?

 

[NoPh33rRaCiNg 10+ year member]

Just take your time, make sure all your connections are tight. You don't have to fuse alt + to batt +, because if that fuse blows for some reason, both ends are still hot with power, the batt + will still have power on that side of the fuse holder, and the alt + will still be putting out power.

 

[kangyuta]

He is clear in what He asks and clear in what He offers. The choice is up to us.Isn't it incredible that NY Escort God leaves the choice up to us? Think about it. There are many things in life we can't choose. We can't, for NY Escorts example, choose the weather. We can't control the economy.We can't choose whether or not we are NY Asian Escorts born with a big nose or blue eyes or a lot hair. We can't even choose how people respond to us. But we NY Asian Escort can choose where we spend eternity.

 

[Aldundra 10+ year member]

He is clear in what He asks and clear in what He offers. The choice is up to us.Isn't it incredible that NY Escort God leaves the choice up to us? Think about it. There are many things in life we can't choose. We can't, for NY Escorts example, choose the weather. We can't control the economy.We can't choose whether or not we are NY Asian Escorts born with a big nose or blue eyes or a lot hair. We can't even choose how people respond to us. But we NY Asian Escort can choose where we spend eternity.

What is this i dont even...

 

[Deeper_shades 10+ year member]

you can use 1/0 welding cable to save a buck, solder your terminals good and use shrink tube, Take your time and dont cut corners, electrical is the heart of your system. if you can ground directly to the closet part of the frame. if you have to ground to your chassis stay away from thin parts and parts that are spot welded onto bigger parts, you are your weakest link

as for the fuse, I heard once that "you dont need to, but youd be stupid not to". something I always have followed.