I have an 89. So I guess my ground and positive battery cable may need replacing? The OE size is a 58 battery with 550 CCA, but I read a couple people suggesting a 65 because it has about 750 CCA.Here is my opinion,
the battery cables and starter cable, from the factory, is 'just enough' to carry the load on a normal system, the starting system was updated, I think, around 90-91 or so to a different starter, more better, with that in mind, factor in that up grade. You didn't post what year your ride is so it may already be there, in my thread (there is a link in my signature) I noted my upgrade, I don't have any added electrical stuff but the electric fan may be in the future . I recommend one size larger battery/starter cables, the 3g upgrade requires better ground wires also covered in the tech forums for that upgrade, remember on the 3g upgrade there are factory wires that are not used. Very important.
Now as far as battery is concerned, the factory size (cc amps/volts) in my opinion is just fine for most upgrades like the 3g alt. When you start adding amp usage you should do the math to make sure your alt is up to the task when the engine is running at idle and the battery when not running, with big systems that are used when the engine is not running sometimes a second battery is added. Prolly not the case here.
All that said, the battery size from the factory should be fine as long as the charging system is up to the task, as for battery brand, keep in mind there are only a couple actual battery manufacturers, I use Interstate batteries mostly because they have given me hats and signage for my garage and we stocked them at the shop.
This is my opinion and not based on any real automotive electrical experience. Also my car has not caught fire in years
Oh and the alternator I bought is a 120 amp and comes with all the wires needed for the upgrade.I have an 89. So I guess my ground and positive battery cable may need replacing? The OE size is a 58 battery with 550 CCA, but I read a couple people suggesting a 65 because it has about 750 CCA.
Yeah, that's what I meant, 130. It already comes with everything you need. All I was curious about was whether I should get a battery with more CCA and should I upgrade my wiring for the battery and starter.Did you buy an aftermarket alt.? Because I only know of the 3g alt. Coming in 95,100,and 130 amp.
It's been awhile since my upgrade but I did follow the tech write up from here and it's been fine, and I run elect.fan,HID headlites.
Where did you get 2 gauge power wires? Or did you make them your self?If you're going dead running a lot of stuff you need a battery with more reserve capacity also, I have a stock size NAPA battery that is 750 CCA and 120 min. reserve capacity and I have electric fans as well as the 3G alt. and never had issues. Battery cables are 2 gauge.
Universal cables just get the right length, I have somewhat of a custom setup with different wiring in the starter solenoid area. I also have a second ground cable on the other side of the block to the frame.Where did you get 2 gauge power wires? Or did you make them your self?
What size end terminals did you use?I used Welding Cable sourced from Mcmaster
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.www.mcmaster.com
Of course, you'll need to crimp your end terminals on however. Usually this requires a specific tool to make solid connections.
Yeah, that's where I was looking. I just don't know the rough length, of course I could get more to be safe and just cut them. More importantly I don't know what size those ring terminals are?I get all my battery cables/ends/terminals form these guys.....
Quality stuff at cheap prices! The best part is their shipping. No matter how much stuff you buy.....$3.97 flat rate!
What size end terminals did you use?
Yeah, I have those PA performance battery terminals too. So I just need the size of the ring terminals for the solenoid and the ground.My setup it sort of custom. I eliminated the starter solenoid and did a distribution block inside the fender.
I used these lugs. I had the crimper, then added some solder with some heat shrink.
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.www.mcmaster.com
I used PA performance battery terminals and then those lugs at the connection to the distribution block, the alternator, my alternator fuse, and where my grounds connect to the block and replaced that rear engine strap with a 4ga wire.
All good suggestions here. Many ways to skin this cat.
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