Ugrading Underhood wiring

[beavis195]

At idle at night, my dash lights dim and the battery guage drops out of the normal range, guesstimating 10 volts. My battery cables are the original ones, as I don't have $100 or the time to replace them. My voltage regulator could be the culprit, but I want to try this first. I hear of people on Sounddomain running 0 guage wires from the battery to alternator, from battery ground to chassis ground, and engine to chassis ground. Since 4 guage is rated to about 100 amps and I have a 95 amp alternator, I would use 4 guage. My question is does our alternator connect directly to the battery, or does it run to the distribution box? And anybody know how I would connect another wire to the alternator? Also, where is the engine ground? Thanks guys.

 

[jordan23]

I'm not too sure about your year, but yes,the alternator does connect to the battery...I believe my factory is already 4 AWG (2001 Sport).--but I did upgrade the battery (negative) to chassis to 4 AWG. I believe it was only 8 (or somewhere close).

BTW, I had noticeable dimming with +-1200 watts going to my DD's and +-150 watts into my Infinity Kappa's. It is QUITE a drain on the electrical system. I don't have a cap installed but I also don't drive around with it CRANKED all the time.

Jordan23

 

[Bmxboy]

I just installed a 2000 watt system (pics up tomorow) and HOLY COW does my alterator get wear and tear. I really want to get a 200 amp alternator...any suggestions people?

Oh, and i just ran 1/0 cable to my amps and grounded my batt with 1/0 and on my 96 the alt. wire is 4 gauge

Carl