160 amp install help needed

[grippper]

i am reading a article from ford muscle about installing a 130 amp alternater. i have a 160amp from alterstart. the directions that came with my power cord say not to hook the old power cord black and orange stripe wires back up. now ford muscle say to take the black and orange striped wires and put eye hooks on them and hook them to the baterry terminal along with your new 4 guage wire.witch way is right. also the directions that came with my power wire say not to remove the old powerwire from the starter relay. why not? i dont even think the new 4guage wire will fit on the relay post if you donr remove the old one.

 

[jrichker]

Don't hook up the black/orange wires to the new alt. Do leave them connected to the starter solenoid.

Here's websites with pictures...

See http://www.geocities.com/smithmonte/Auto/3G_130A_Alternator_Upgrade.htm - all the tech data you could ever want to know
OR
http://www.mustangcentral.net/tech/alternator.html - excellent pictures of installation

For the right way to do the wiring. Some people will tell you that you can skip the wiring upgrade, but it will catch up with you sooner or later. A fire in the wiring harness is ugly and expensive.

 

[RacEoHolic330]

DO NOT reuse the old black/orange power wires or you will have quite the electrical fire on your hands. When I did my 160 amp alternator install I didn't remove the old wire from the starter post. I was too lazy. I just cut it and closed up the end. Then I ran a new 4ga wire to the alternator. I have the alterstart alternator too. It's a real good piece, you'll like it a lot.

 

[TRWXXA]

Like they said... do not use the old wires. Cut them near the connector at the alternator, cap them (a crimp-on cap, or well wrapped with electrical tape) and tape them to the wire harness. Leave them connected to the starter relay -- I think it has something to do with keeping your ammeter working.

Just run the new, 4 ga. wire from the alternator, to the starter relay (or battery). You should put a mega fuse (200 amp ought to do it) in-line on the new power wire, to protect your electrical system.