Alternator power cable.

[Dbeck002]

Ok I just installed a new stock replacement alternator. So far it starts up and idles/runs ok.


You know that electrical plug coming out of the stock alternator that has 3 wires? One white (voltage regulator) and 2 black with orange stripes. The 2 black ones are power cables and look really corroded, can I replace these with some heavy gauge cable or do they branch off into other wires leaving me with no choice but to keep them. I wanna make sure my electrical circuit is low resistance and closed loop throughout the car. Any suggestions?



EDIT: Right now at idle my car shows 12 volts with fan on, i bet i can gain half a volt just by beefing up my cable. I just need to know if this is doable and what are the consequences incase the power cable branches off.

 

[04sleeper]

Yes you can replace those wires.

Those 2 10 gauge wires turn into 1 10 gauge wire and run to your starter solenoid on the power side.

Most run a single 4 gauge wire to replace those wires.

It will be a good thing to do now, especially if you upgrade to a higher amp alternator in the future. Then you are already setup.

 

[Dbeck002]

I had a 3G in it before that i fried, right now its being repaired so i had to buy a stocker in the meantime. My 3G used 2 x 2 gauge cables running to the battery.

Anyway thanks for the input!

 

[Insane3D]

Yes you can replace those wires.

Those 2 10 gauge wires turn into 1 10 gauge wire and run to your starter solenoid on the power side.

Most run a single 4 gauge wire to replace those wires.

It will be a good thing to do now, especially if you upgrade to a higher amp alternator in the future. Then you are already setup.

Good advice...just a couple of corrections...

The 2 10 gauge leads join up to a 8ga black/orange about 6" from the alternator plug. From there, it runs in front of the radiator, and meets up with the yellow sense/switch line from the voltage regulator, and both of those are spliced to a green lead that connects to the starter solenoid.

That 8ga wire is barely rated for the theoretical max output of the stock alternator, and upgrading it is not a bad idea at all.

 

[HISSIN50]

I had a 3G in it before that i fried, right now its being repaired so i had to buy a stocker in the meantime. My 3G used 2 x 2 gauge cables running to the battery.

Anyway thanks for the input!

To go back to a 2G, you should be able to splice your stator wire back into the big plug with the 2 charging wires (one reason it can be wise to tap into that wire, rather than cut it).

If this is temporary, and you are not happy with the plug, you could get a new big plug (the one with charging cables and stator wires).

Once you go back to your 3G, the condition of the stock wires wont matter much (unless it is something completely hideous). As said, you are keeping them around for ancillary reasons, not charging capability.

If you are concerned with voltage and flow improvements, did you upgrade the motor to chassis ground? That DOES help.

Good luck.

Good luck.