Questions for the DIY'ers... re: wiring lengths for install
 

I'm almost ready to start tackling the install, but first I need to order all the wiring. The cost of all this has already exceeded my initial budget so I do not want to order more than I need and waste money... so any guidance would be much appreciated.

I'm planning on running 4 gauge from the battery back to a distribution block mounted in the glove box, splitting off to 2 8 gauge wires to the Soundstream Rubicon 555 Amp (also mounted in the glovebox). I will also be running a 1 farad cap mounted in the glove box area and a carputer system. I'm figuring I'd need around 17 ft of 4 gauge (15 or so for the power and 2 for ground) and about 3 ft of 8 gauge.

From the amp I will be running new speaker wire to the front components and rear speakers along w/ a sub mounted in the stock location. No clue how much wire I'll need for this.

As for the RCA's i'm guessing about 3 meters will do the deed?

Are my estimates totally off? Anyone have any exact measurements from their previous project? TIA

get at least 20 feet of 4 gauge, Trust me! sometimes you cant run a wire the way you figured. better to get extra. my $.02

how about the speaker wire? How much do I need?

Regarding RCAs, I can give you what I used. I ran two 6' sets down the center console to hook into an amp in the cubby behind drivers seat. If your hookups are further back in the cubby you will need longer as the 6' just barely make it. Also, if you are running the cables along the drivers door sill you will need longer than 3 meters. I ran one like that and had to use an extender.

Get a big roll of 16 gauge sp wire that has an indicator of polarity and you will be all set. For Tweets (in components) from crossover you can get by with 18 or 20 g.

just get an amp wiring kit comes with everything u need and plenty of wire man

Here's what I used on my Z.

17' RCAs
20ft power 4 gauge
10ft ground 4 gauge
200ft 16gauge speaker wire
100ft 12gauge speaker wire

On my latest stereo build (94 Civic daily driver) I used the following:
20ft 0 gauge power wire
20ft 0 gauge ground wire
17ft RCAs
200ft 12gauge speaker wire
20ft 8 gauge sub speaker wire

Obviously I didn't use all the speaker wire but it's great to have plenty extra!

i bought 20 ft of 4awg and wish i'd have gotten 25. with the cap, the wire went quick. i mounted my distro block in the glove box too. think i even had to use like 2 feet of the black 4awg i'd bought for the (+) 'cause i ran out of red. shh, don't tell anybody... rca's, 3 meter is fine. 2 meter seems to have worked for Dan, but I've always been one to err on the conservative side. You can always tuck away excess wire, adding to it is a bit more difficult with RCA's. Speaker wire, I overbought. Think I used prolly 18 feet of 12awg to get to the kickpanels and another prolly 10 ft of 16awg from the x-overs into the doors and to the tweets. hope that helps!
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