Upgraded seriously...yet still dimming

[ShadowRaven]

Sigh, I don't know if anyone even will look at this thread again, but so far, nothing has worked. I pulled the cap, upgraded my wiring to 1/0 ga, and bought and installed HIDs and I'm still dimming all over the place at the same level. The only thing I can figure to do next is to suck it up and buy a huge alt or buy some kind of bigger battery. So frustrating...

 

[aldive]

Overdrive alternator pulley?

 

[ShadowRaven]

Overdrive alternator pulley?

No, I hadn't thought of doing that, but you do make a valid point. Any suggestions on what kind to get? I have an 02 Ex Sport 4.0L SOHC. Obviously looking for the most % gain, but also don't want to have to spend bookoo bucks, but any input is more than appreciated. Thanks again.

 

[aldive]

No, I hadn't thought of doing that, but you do make a valid point. Any suggestions on what kind to get? I have an 02 Ex Sport 4.0L SOHC. Obviously looking for the most % gain, but also don't want to have to spend bookoo bucks, but any input is more than appreciated. Thanks again.

Here is the one I use.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1406278#post1406278

 

[aznboi3644]

where are your amps grounded at???

 

[ShadowRaven]

where are your amps grounded at???

They are grounded to a bare metal screw under the carpeting behind my two rear seats.

 

[aznboi3644]

well have you upgraded the body to frame ground straps as well as the body to battery ground straps.

I would use a bolt for the grounding location. Also I would recommend running a 0 gauge ground wire from the battery negative to the grounding location...like daisy chaining the battery to the grounding point.

 

[ShadowRaven]

All right, well I found two frame to body braided grounding straps, one on either side, and I'm about to replace those with 4 ga wire. As for the overdrive pulley, I'm inches away from buying the underdog, I just need to know what size belt to get. I figure I might as well buy a new belt, rather than have the old one cut. Anyone who knows what size I need, that would be great. PS I want a Gatorback, so hopefully we can narrow down the search, because I've heard Dayco's are louder, which I don't want. Thanks guys.

Bah, I don't have any 2ga ring terminals, so I had to order 3ft 4ga wire and 8 4ga ring terminals...guess I'll have to wait this one out until they arrive.

 

[aznboi3644]

do you have upgraded battery to frame and battery to body ground wires?

 

[ShadowRaven]

do you have upgraded battery to frame and battery to body ground wires?

Yeah, I upgraded those today to 1/0ga wire and I noticed a huge difference. My normal voltage is about 14.5 idle, and dips to only 13.5 when my head unit is turned to almost full capacity. I gained a few notches until the lights begin to dim, so that's a plus as well. I ordered some 4ga wiring as well as terminals, so once those arrive, I'll upgrade the two grounding straps. My battery looks like Frankenstein, but hey, it works, so I'm just fine with that. Thanks for all the help guys, really.

 

[aznboi3644]

Good things are working out now...See it was only some wires that needed to be upgraded. There is NEVER overkill for power wire or ground wires. The more the better.