Big 3?
11-26-2003, 09:57 PM
#1
50 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 62
I am going to replace my alternator with a higher output one but I saw someone say something about the Big 3 when upgrading you battery/alt system
what are the Big 3? And what gauge do you suggest to upgrade them with?
what are the Big 3? And what gauge do you suggest to upgrade them with?
11-26-2003, 10:35 PM
#2
The Battery-Chassis and Battery-Alt are the connections that need to be upgraded.
The size of wire will depend on how much current you are pulling through them.
I would use the same size wire for these as you are using to run from the batt to the amps/distribution block. or just use 1/0 guage
The size of wire will depend on how much current you are pulling through them.
I would use the same size wire for these as you are using to run from the batt to the amps/distribution block. or just use 1/0 guage
11-26-2003, 11:37 PM
#3
50 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 62
Ok i have two wires from the negative on the battery, one goes to the engine and the other is real thin and goes to the chassis?????? Also i was thinking of replacing my battery, any suggestions? I see ppl talking about optimas whats the difference between them and other normal batteries?
11-27-2003, 02:15 AM
#4
As long as you're using nice big wire (welding cable isn't as pretty but it's a lot cheaper just so you know) you can ground to the engine block, chasis, or firewall. Ground all the connections clean and a star washer doesn't hurt either.
Try doing a search on batteries. This topic is discussed a lot. Basically you want the biggest battery you can fit in the vehicle.
Optima yellow tops are popular because they have lots of CCA's, they're gell (so they can be mounted in any position or inside the car), and they're deep cycle so they can be ran down many times without degrading performance.
Look for similar products from Stinger and Exide also. Exide markets a battery through Canadian Tire and it looks to be a solid performer. It's much cheaper also at ~$80. It's called the XCD I believe.
The battery won't do a heck of a lot unless you're running the stereo with the vehicle off so if you aren't doing that than just get the biggest, cheapest battery you can.
Much better to get the H.O. alt and upgrade wiring.
Try doing a search on batteries. This topic is discussed a lot. Basically you want the biggest battery you can fit in the vehicle.
Optima yellow tops are popular because they have lots of CCA's, they're gell (so they can be mounted in any position or inside the car), and they're deep cycle so they can be ran down many times without degrading performance.
Look for similar products from Stinger and Exide also. Exide markets a battery through Canadian Tire and it looks to be a solid performer. It's much cheaper also at ~$80. It's called the XCD I believe.
The battery won't do a heck of a lot unless you're running the stereo with the vehicle off so if you aren't doing that than just get the biggest, cheapest battery you can.
Much better to get the H.O. alt and upgrade wiring.
11-27-2003, 06:52 AM
#6
When running the larger wire from the Alt to the battery, how do I attach it to the Alt?
As far as I can tell there is just a little clip that goes in to the alt, so I'm not quite sure how to add a wire to it. [img]graemlins/dunno.gif[/img]
As far as I can tell there is just a little clip that goes in to the alt, so I'm not quite sure how to add a wire to it. [img]graemlins/dunno.gif[/img]
11-27-2003, 09:54 AM
#7
500 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 870
11-29-2003, 03:49 PM
#9
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 111
I went to the CT website and the only deepcycle at ~$80 is the Motomaster Nautilus Deep Cycle Battery It only has 575CCA, will this be enough to start my car (i'll be living in victoria for the next 3 years, it never gets real cold here)
I drive an old 88buick with the 3800 I 3.8L v6 in it.
The car used to flash right up no problem, I'm pretty sure the bat is next to dead as i've had it drained a few times (stereo, -25C start atempt in calgary last winter).
Current bat is 650CCA
[ November 29, 2003, 04:54 PM: Message edited by: Bump'nBuick ]
I drive an old 88buick with the 3800 I 3.8L v6 in it.
The car used to flash right up no problem, I'm pretty sure the bat is next to dead as i've had it drained a few times (stereo, -25C start atempt in calgary last winter).
Current bat is 650CCA
[ November 29, 2003, 04:54 PM: Message edited by: Bump'nBuick ]
