Big 3 Wire size

[j91z28d1]

the 145amp alt isn't a lot of power in the days of stock 220amp ones now.

I'm personally not a fan of the big 3 wiring that I've seen where they just add big cables over the top of the factory wiring. especially if there's not a common problem with the factory wiring or you're doing something that requires more power. I prefer to replace factory wiring with either just new, or you can upgrade to thicker if you want.

I don't know of any common undersized wiring issues in these trucks stock. besides when they get corroded up and need replacement or grounds make bad connection. but replacing with stock parts fixes that and shouldn't really be covered up by adding wires. there's also the current sensor to consider, make sure your added wires aren't bypassing that. the ecm uses that to control your alt output.

just my 2 cents.

 

[SpareParts]

I'll be replacing the factory wire with larger gauge wire. I would never add a wire over another wire, seems like the wrong way to do it to me.
The one OBS I did before was an improvement for sure. Brighter headlights, spun over better, Heater seemed to blow a little harder. Only a slight drop in voltage front to rear.
I think it's worth it.
Maybe not needed but fixing it up is a hobby so why not.

 

[Doubeleive]

I'll be replacing the factory wire with larger gauge wire. I would never add a wire over another wire, seems like the wrong way to do it to me.
The one OBS I did before was an improvement for sure. Brighter headlights, spun over better, Heater seemed to blow a little harder. Only a slight drop in voltage front to rear.
I think it's worth it.
Maybe not needed but fixing it up is a hobby so why not.

4 gauge is typically what the larger stock wiring is so anything thicker is an improvement I guess, provided it is crimped properly with the correct size firings.

 

[j91z28d1]

I'll be replacing the factory wire with larger gauge wire. I would never add a wire over another wire, seems like the wrong way to do it to me.
The one OBS I did before was an improvement for sure. Brighter headlights, spun over better, Heater seemed to blow a little harder. Only a slight drop in voltage front to rear.
I think it's worth it.
Maybe not needed but fixing it up is a hobby so why not.

ahh yeah, can't hurt. when I see big 3 wiring I think of this kinda kit.

C6 BIG 3 Charging System Improvement Kit

With all the high-tech electronics that have been incorporated into your C6 Corvette, not to mention additional aftermarket electronics, stereo systems, heavy duty fuel pumps, ETC it can take a toll on the factory charging systems wiring ability to keep up. Especially if, over time, connections...

saccitycorvette.com

it literally a wiring kit that lays over the top of engine and hooks to different points. while leaving all the factory issues in place. mainly on that car the atl wire is little bigger than 8g which is great but has a 14g fuse able link right at the starter near the headers. from there up to the battery and the rest of the electrical system. it's an awful way to do it. so much voltage drop the alt output is not ecm controled, it references the fuse box pickup. so you might see 17plus volts at the atl lug and 13 at the bcm when the fan is on. it's pretty bad.

 

[SpareParts]

I'll be using solder lugs and convert to military style battery lugs.
I would never buy a cra**y kit like that!
I'm thinking i'll need 15 feet of red and 5 feet of black cable.

 

[waveryd]

I just did a dual battery conversion/ battery cable upgrade on my 2004 Yukon XL. I used 1/0 tinned marine battery cable with crimped on tin plated copper lugs. Also used the military type battery terminals and heat shrink tubing to seal the ends. I got tired of dealing with side post batteries. I had previously added electric radiator cooling fans. When idling at night with two radiator fans running, two air conditioner fans running, and headlights on the factory electrical system was at its limit. Hence the Mechman alternator, dual battery and cable upgrade.

 

[j91z28d1]

just a tip, when adding electric fans or upgrading to one's that pull more. get the power for the main relay stright off the alt lug. it's the highest voltage point and keeps the load off the factory working.

I have found even if you have weak factory working, if you remove the 40amp or more fan load off it even when it comes with factory fans and run it straight to the alt and a good engine found. the factory stuff works much better. same for if you even need to run big fuel pumps. take the load off the factory stuff and pick it up from the alt directly.

 

[waveryd]

My batteries, alternator and radiator fan power supply are all connected on the busbar. There will be no voltage or current drop there.