11 replies to this topic

[Scarface]

Starting my new install tommorow, going to run my dls comps active off my dls amp getting 50wrms per midbass and 50wrms per tweeter. Then the sub channel will run a 8" Image dynamic sub at 150wrms to go under the rear seats, tuned to 30hz until i can get another one then ill be running them sealed showing the amp a 2ohm load which will give out 300wrms for both subs. I've now got my 306 diesel battery in place and it's a nice tight fit, the problem is that the live cable needed pushing down out the boot alot more so I could get it to fit onto the terminal. When I examined under the car most the mounts for the cable have rusted through so I had to cable-tie them up out the way.

Anyway my question is that Im looking at upgrading the big three to either 0awg or 4awg as the current factory stuff looks around 8awg, but i noticed that the cable it held in under the car by a sort of metal rapping which is fixed to the floor pan, so how do I remove the old stuff and go about fitting thicker stuff?

[binge]

I had my car on the ramps the other day, and I was looking at that too. I think the old cable would just pull out of the metal box thing as it only half coveres the cable.

my guess would be the cable you want to fit is thicker, so I dont know how it would fit into the metal brace along the bottom of the car. Maybe you could drill a hole every 10" or so and put a cable tie in and around the cable.

But yea, Im pretty sure the origional cable would just pull out if you get it off at one end.

<|Ben|>

[Pavel]

Why not run it inside the car? That's what I did (altogether about 20 wires, including a 4AWG one and some speaker wires). That's what they did on the later models anyway I believe (although those had slight body modifications (had a channel running along the exhaust tunnel on the floor inside the car)).

[Scarface]

fitting 0awg inside a mini is just to much of a challange would requer far to much drilling and cutting etc... than what i can bothered with.

[Pavel]

I don't really understand why you'd want to run 0AWG wire along the mini anyway. The stock cables are MORE than required for starter etc. etc.
The only reason you may want 0AWG is if you're amplifying close to 1kW (RMS), and I don't see any reason why those amps wouldn't be located in the car's arse end anyway which is near the battery so fitting any guage of wire there shouldn't cause a problem.

[Scarface]

I don't really understand why you'd want to run 0AWG wire along the mini anyway. The stock cables are MORE than required for starter etc. etc

yes they are for starters etc.. kinda missed the point abit, it's for ice.

The only reason you may want 0AWG is if you're amplifying close to 1kW (RMS), and I don't see any reason why those amps wouldn't be located in the car's arse end anyway which is near the battery so fitting any guage of wire there shouldn't cause a problem.

your on about battery to amp wire there mate im on about the "BIG 3" :wink:

[Podcake]

just wondering ( slightly off topic)

why do you guys work with AWG measurements and not SWG (just wondering, feel free to slap me if i shouldnt ask)

because being a ( nearly ) electronic engineer i use SWG for my wires

PoD

[philster]

I don't really understand why you'd want to run 0AWG wire along the mini anyway. The stock cables are MORE than required for starter etc. etc

yes they are for starters etc.. kinda missed the point abit, it's for ice.

The only reason you may want 0AWG is if you're amplifying close to 1kW (RMS), and I don't see any reason why those amps wouldn't be located in the car's arse end anyway which is near the battery so fitting any guage of wire there shouldn't cause a problem.

your on about battery to amp wire there mate im on about the "BIG 3" :wink:

I'm a bit confused by this also? surely the only thing up front is your headunit and possibly ps2, screen etc.

One thing worth noting is that you should change cable like for like, so don't fit car audio (fine strand ofc) cable to supply a starter motor as its not designed for this kind of load. I ugraded mine using some cable that was for wagons, its about twice the thickness of the standard, i only fitted it as its what i had so thought it pointless to buy any.

I know many people fit 0guage ofc cable for this use but most of them know a lot about audio and little about the type of load a starter motor will put on one.

Just don't cry to me when the cable melts one cold winters morning when your engine needs a lot of gumph to start it, you have been warned.

[Pavel]

*shudders in fear*

Has lovely 4AWG wire running to the front for all of car's electrics including starter cable :S Also just finished gluing the carpet down the other day and there is no way that cable is coming out :\

Haven't had trouble with it in the past 4 months and winter temps round here don't drop below 5ish, so hopefully will survive *keeps telling myself that*.
If it melts... all part of owning a mini I guess :\

[philster]

Just keep your eye on it, like i said a lot of people use it in car audio circles but its not really designed for that.

Car audio cable uses hundreds of fine strands to make the cable which makes it flexible wheras automotive power cable uses thicker strands but less of them which makes it quite stiff.

As an example if you stick a battery (say a 9volt pp3) and stick it in some wire wool then you will get the idea. Lots of fine strands can't handle a short circuit so if all the strands aren't connected properly or if any are broken along the cable then it will burn out.

Just make sure that the cables are well clamped either end and if you can solder them to the lugs ensuring you get as many strands as possible, this should minimise the risk.

[malletts mallett]

just wondering ( slightly off topic)

why do you guys work with AWG measurements and not SWG (just wondering, feel free to slap me if i shouldnt ask)

because being a ( nearly ) electronic engineer i use SWG for my wires

PoD

The ice industry and fitting generally use american.

[Scarface]

was reading a article on a reliable american forum about the use o fine strand stuff and they did a like for like test and the outcome was its perfectly acceptable i will try and find the link for it.