What gauge wire to use on replacing battery cables

[mikbik]

im planning on replacing battery cables what gauge (AWG) is better to use on a 12V car. and where to get those pure copper cables? Thanks

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[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

0 gauge would be your best bet, you can get some true gauge wire from Knu Konceptz

 

[mikbik]

what about those 4 gauge wires??? does the 0 gauge better than those 4 gauge?

 

[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

The lower the number, the thicker the wire.

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

Wait, what cables are you replacing? If your talking about any stock cables, unless your having a problem you should leave those alone.

 

[mikbik]

yes, those stock cables. it got burned when the cable touch the hood because the clamp got loose but its still workin juz hate those burn melted looked. are those taylor diamondback ok? what about those from cobra cable? so gauge 0 is the way to go

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

If your replacing stock you may want to try and replicate the stock cables. I.E. if the stock cable was 4 gauge, use 4 gauge, otherwise you may have trouble terminating it where the stock cable did.

 

[mikbik]

if the car was a bit old i was thinking of an upgrade to the stock? like those hot rodders do. and also want to take advantage of newer technology on wires right now that maximize the power in the battery.

 

[disturbed471985 5,000+ posts]

I agree with bubba if factory was 4awg then replace it with 4awg. Then just do a second run of 0awg for your audio purposes.

 

[ChevyRidinLow]

if you have a stock alternator and you are not changing it to a high output i would caution you that performing the big 3 upgrade with 1/0 or even 2 awg will put a draw on your alternator that it is not meant to have and will shorten its life significantly.

 

[disturbed471985 5,000+ posts]

^^I have never heard that before?? Not saying you’re not correct but my big 3 are done with 0awg on a stock 130amp alt and I have had zero issues for well over a year. But I would sure like to hear more about this if you can elaborate.

 

[mossberg385t 10+ year member]

if you have a stock alternator and you are not changing it to a high output i would caution you that performing the big 3 upgrade with 1/0 or even 2 awg will put a draw on your alternator that it is not meant to have and will shorten its life significantly.

This makes no sense whatsoever. Larger wire will put less of a draw on your alternator, there is less electrical resistance, but it is likely not necessary.

 

[SpeedEuphoria 10+ year member]

if you have a stock alternator and you are not changing it to a high output i would caution you that performing the big 3 upgrade with 1/0 or even 2 awg will put a draw on your alternator that it is not meant to have and will shorten its life significantly.

not even close, better do some reading

larger wire has less resistance per foot, meaning less power lost in the wire as heat

 

[disturbed471985 5,000+ posts]

I didn’t think that sounded right…

 

[mikbik]

On a 75 amp alternator what wires would be recommended? and where can you guys get those quality pure copper battery wires?