Topic: Alternator cable and Battery cables, anyone upgrade them?

[Fowlhunter]

I spoke with OBB about this (alternator cable) but haven't done much research.  I was thinking about upgrading (larger gauge) the alternator cable when I install my efans.  Has anyone changed/upgraded their alternator cable, if so what did you go with and where did you purchase it, maybe you even purchased the parts and made your own???

Thanks, FH

[oHIobellboy]

I went the overkill route and had the local stereo shop make me one out of four ga. Cost me $5. If you think about it like I did after the fact, most of the factory 145 amp alt's come with the size wire as what you have now. If you want to upgrade, I think 8 or 6 ga would be fine.

[Fowlhunter]

I went the overkill route and had the local stereo shop make me one out of four ga. Cost me $5. If you think about it like I did after the fact, most of the factory 145 amp alt's come with the size wire as what you have now. If you want to upgrade, I think 8 or 6 ga would be fine.

It may be overkill but didn't you tell me the cable was red?  Dang, it was only $5 bucks though!!!  I know but I would like to go a little bigger gauge and maybe a different color?

[Fowlhunter]

I found a mod on CAFCNA called "Big 3". I haven't done much research but I think this mod is upgrading (heavier gauge) the + & - battery cables and the cable from the red box to the alternator hence the name "Big 3"?????????  I'll have to do a little more research.

[oHIobellboy]

actually the one I have is clear casing on the wire. I'll try to get a pix tonight.

[Alaska_AV]

I made my own. From parts at work. I think I did it on the clock, so I made $$$$ doing this mod 

[Fowlhunter]

OK, here's the big question, is this cable (from the red splice box to the alternator) a fusible link???  The original one?

[oHIobellboy]

I don't believe it is.

[Fowlhunter]

OK, here's the big question, is this cable (from the red splice box to the alternator) a fusible link???  The original one?

OK, just wanted to clarify, the cable from the red box to the alternator (at least on the 02's) is a fusible link.  I was tinkering around under the hood today and thought I would see if there was anything on the cable. 

In white lettering it reads, 8MM SO fusible link.

[oHIobellboy]

OK, just wanted to clarify, the cable from the red box to the alternator (at least on the 02's) is a fusible link.  I was tinkering around under the hood today and thought I would see if there was anything on the cable. 

In white lettering it reads, 8MM SO fusible link.

I was going to update this also. I noticed that on Didit's wire last night as well.

[Fowlhunter]

I looked at the cable, I felt the cable as well but can't seem to tell that it has any kind of connection in it??  Maybe it's a solid (no splices/connections) cable but considered a fusible link???   

[Richie_Rich]

Fusable link is regular wire, but designed to melt at a certain temperature.
When you start approaching the amperage limit, the wire heats up and then will melt.

Your efans should be running off the battery or a circuit to the battery.
Not sure on the amerage needed, but there should be plenty of reserve for the alternaor to run the fans.
If not, the battery will.
When the fans shut off, the alternator charges the battery back up.

You can check how much amerage your truck uses while running by getting a clamp style amp meter.
I think Harbor Freight might have a cheapy unit that does DC amperage.

When "upgrading" any wiring, you also need to consider the qulaity of the wire and especially the connectors.
Most of the connectors from the autoparts stores are as cheap as can be.
Sure you might have a 4 gauge wire, but the connector has a fraction the capacity of the wire, so the wire is a waste.

[The Beast]

The 'big 3' is actually the following cables swapped out:
1) Alternator Positive to Battery Positive (fused)
2) Battery Negative to Chassis
3) Chassis to Engine Block

Most that do this upgrade use 1/0 awg cable and it's normally done for high amperage stereo systems. You can find everything you need(cable, connectors,fuse blocks) at a good car audio shops.