Peak350

iTrader: (6)

So I am getting ready to wire in my amp/sub setup (850 WRMS amp) and I bought a 0-gauge wiring kit so I could expand (and carputer) later without redoing the wiring. I just out of curiosity looked at the stock wires coming off the battery and the ground cable looks like 8 gauge, 4 at MOST.

So, I'm thinking I will get a 2 gauge wire and swap it, and get a batt/cap to wire in with the amp, but my question is, has anyone upgraded this themselves before or am I the first to look at it (seriously hope not).

-Tyler

Mike Wazowski

iTrader: (113)

why not just go with 0 gauge???

a cap is nothing but a band aid for a lacking electrical system. Hook everything up and see how it performs. If you need a deep cell battery get that while you are installing everything.

Peak350

iTrader: (6)

Capacitors help relieve shock from the alternator and keep power spikes (from music beats) from ruining your regulator (or so I understand). A batt cap is just a small battery and capacitor hybridized together to even the draw out as much as possible. I'm not too worried about it (capacitor wise) I was just going to add one so I'd be safe.

rotaryrocket7

Upgrading the ground won't do anything without upgrading the positive from the alternator as well... Here's a link to a reference page for you. To answer your question, yes upgrading the "big 3" will improve transfer.

http://www.the12volt.com/installbay/...TID=73496&PN=1

Peak350

iTrader: (6)

Hmm, so basically I would be wasting my time to bump the ground cable (on second look it appears to be 4-gauge).

I mean, I right now only have an 850 W RMS amp, that can pull MAX of 60 amps (two 30 amp fuses on it) so I'm thinking realistically a 700W draw at peak for my setup. Thats not going to max the stock wiring, but I was trying to be prepared for future.

Thanks for the link I'll definitely have to look into an upgraded alternator, but given the location on our car's I'm not sure I like it too much.

live2themaxuk

iTrader: (2)

Im sure, upgrading the chassis ground will definetly help with group loop issues, and helps you 'musical system' atleast, work more efficiently. The alternator is not on the music circuit, its a subsystem. . . . .sure it share the same earth, but not the same positive wire, which is why you run a large power cable to the amps. If you used bell wire to power your amps, you'd probably get a fire as the wire is too thin, theorecially a fire could still start because you havent upgraded your negative wires either, the only reason it isnt a problem is because the chassis strap between the chassis and battery in the engine bay is so short, it can usually flow enough current without becoming what is fundementally a 'lightbulb'. . . . . . . worse that happens is you get a crappy ground a alternator whine. . . .


Upgrade your chassis ground it makes sense. . . .

350zspl

iTrader: (3)

upgrading the ground off the neagtive terminal from the hood battery will most certainly help

use 0 awg

Peak350

iTrader: (6)

Ok, thanks, thats what I was thinking initially and was still contemplating.

I've got the wire to do it with so my only hesitation was more to undo if I go in for warranty work, but thats not that big a deal.

350zspl

iTrader: (3)

if you take your car to the dealer for warrranty work why would they open the battery cover

if they opened it would they notice your ground

i think not

if they did , they would be hard pressed to come up with a story about the negative aspects to the enhanced ground


use 0 awg , and use loom over the wire , it won't look out of place

your fine do it

Peak350

iTrader: (6)

True, especially since the 0 AWG wire going to my amp would be hidden below the battery completely, and if I had electrical problems it would all be out of the car completely just to be safe.

I've got PET sleeving and wire loom, and 0 gauge wire with the proper terminal end on it, AND a spare 0 AWG gold plated grounding post that at first glance uses the same mounting spacing as the stock grounding plate.

Eazzy

iTrader: (8)

You can never Over Ground your electrical

350zspl

iTrader: (3)

your golden