"The Big 3", Question? Options

[caribou17]

So i have done some reading about doing "the big 3", Anyways, I got my Celica a few weeks ago the wiring was already done. I did not realize the previous owner had already attempted the big 3. Well he did finish, BUT the wire is 16 gauge. So that defeats the purpose of doing it does it not? Should i just replace the wires with 2G wire or 4? And what exactly are the benefits of doing this, just more power?

[Lil-Joe101]

Id go more along the lines of 6-8. One reason for going larger on the wires is to carry more current. Like water in a hose, the smaller the hose the less water and more constriction, where as the larger, more flow, more water. Hope that makes since.

[caribou17]

Id go more along the lines of 6-8. One reason for going larger on the wires is to carry more current. Like water in a hose, the smaller the hose the less water and more constriction, where as the larger, more flow, more water. Hope that makes since.

Makes perfect sense! Thanks for the quick reply!, Another question, There is a fuse in the middle of the wire from the negative battery terminal grounded to the chassis. Does that need to be there or should i remove it when i put in the new wiring?

[kurt95gt]

? Wtf are you talking about

[Lil-Joe101]

Remove it but pace it on the postive side, The fuse is more of a safety net so u dont fry any circuits. If the negative wire is properly grounded there is no need to have it on the negative side, why it is is a mystery to me.

[caribou17]

? Wtf are you talking about

Do you mean The big 3 or my whole question?, In regards to the big 3: Definition: the "Big Three" upgrade means improving the current capacity of three cables: 1) alternator positive to battery positive, 2) battery negative to chassis, and 3) engine ground to chassis. Some people replace the factory wiring; others add additional cables to the factory wiring.
If you understand that you should understand my question lol

Remove it but pace it on the postive side, The fuse is more of a safety net so u dont fry any circuits. If the negative wire is properly grounded there is no need to have it on the negative side, why it is is a mystery to me.

Alright thanks a lot man i really appreciate it otherwise i would have no clue!

This post has been edited by caribou17: Jun 25, 2012 - 6:42 PM

[kurt95gt]

Ok i get it now. Thanks for the explanation
When i did my 1m swap i kinda did this i just donno what size the wires are i used
I do know the power wire is easily double the size of stock
An my grounds are from a 1200 watt grounding kit for an amp
an i have 4 of them from the engine to the chassis

[Syaoran]

Use 4-2gauge wire. A GOOD, quality wire is welding cable. 1/0 is cheap and will be more than enough even for an upgraded alternator. A fuse holder, about 10-12 feet of wire, and 100 amp ANL fuse and good,tight crimp connections.




Wire #1: Alternator+ to Battery+ (FUSED)
Wire #2: Battery- to Chassis
Wire #3: Engine to Chassis

The idea of doing this is to have free-flowing current. The bigger the wire, the better. 8 gauge is small. Factory is around 8 gauge so you'd just be replacing the factory wiring.

Remember current, like fluids, flow down the path of least resistance. If you have an old, corroded 8 gauge wire and put in new 8 gauge, most likely it'll flow down the new one. It won't spread throughout both wires, it'll just travel down one. So use a minimum of 4 AWG.

Knukonceptz has the best wire for the money. (audio wire)

Welding cable is the best, and it's got a strong jacket made to withstand heat and abrasives, overall a harsh environment.

[mgnt232]

Agreed knuconceptz has some great wire that "pretty cheap" and 16 gauge wire doesn't make annnnyyyy sense, maybe its like 12? 16 would just melt, surprised it hasn't yet
And fuses do not go on the negative side, like again doesn't make any sense at all lol.
Most systems you really don't need more than a 4g wire. You can have more, won't hurt anything. But unless you have (and i forget the actual numbers) like 2500+ watts you don't need anything larger.
An not to get into a big discussion, but cheap amps that put out 2500W+ are not real putting that out. Theres a reason name brands cost more. because they don't lie as much lol. watts is not how much sound there is

[rave2n]

As another said, welding cable. Its what I have put aside for my swap.

[caribou17]

Use 4-2gauge wire. A GOOD, quality wire is welding cable. 1/0 is cheap and will be more than enough even for an upgraded alternator. A fuse holder, about 10-12 feet of wire, and 100 amp ANL fuse and good,tight crimp connections.




Wire #1: Alternator+ to Battery+ (FUSED)
Wire #2: Battery- to Chassis
Wire #3: Engine to Chassis

The idea of doing this is to have free-flowing current. The bigger the wire, the better. 8 gauge is small. Factory is around 8 gauge so you'd just be replacing the factory wiring.

Remember current, like fluids, flow down the path of least resistance. If you have an old, corroded 8 gauge wire and put in new 8 gauge, most likely it'll flow down the new one. It won't spread throughout both wires, it'll just travel down one. So use a minimum of 4 AWG.

Knukonceptz has the best wire for the money. (audio wire)

Welding cable is the best, and it's got a strong jacket made to withstand heat and abrasives, overall a harsh environment.

I just searched up Knukonceptz the prices aren't bad at all if its quality and will last, I see that they just started shipping to Canada to so thats good for me! I think ill place an order sometime soon hopefully. Thanks for the explanation all this is so helpful!

Agreed knuconceptz has some great wire that "pretty cheap" and 16 gauge wire doesn't make annnnyyyy sense, maybe its like 12? 16 would just melt, surprised it hasn't yet
And fuses do not go on the negative side, like again doesn't make any sense at all lol.
Most systems you really don't need more than a 4g wire. You can have more, won't hurt anything. But unless you have (and i forget the actual numbers) like 2500+ watts you don't need anything larger.
An not to get into a big discussion, but cheap amps that put out 2500W+ are not real putting that out. Theres a reason name brands cost more. because they don't lie as much lol. watts is not how much sound there is

It said 16 gauge right on it thats the only reason i know haha, Yea after reading about doing this and looking at how small the wires were i was surprised and pretty confused, I'm glad i got it all figured out now though., Thanks for the reply!