40 replies to this topic

[Ruckus]

Definition:
The "Big 3" upgrade means improving the current capacity of three cables: 1) alternator positive to battery positive, 2) battery negative to chassis, and 3) engine ground to chassis.

It's the first thing to do.

[freshairmini]

Ah right I see.

So I guess 2 & 3 would just be new cables making sure there nicely grounded.

With regards to 1 what do you have to do, is it a higher gauge cable and why does that have to be done, surely the cable on it atm would be fine?

[freshairmini]

Anyone know the answer to this ^^^^^^^

[Ruckus]

Sorry mate,

Well yes its ok 'ish for a Stock alt, but if you upgrade the Alt then there will be that much more current to deal with.

BUT its good to do anyway, as the bigger the gauge the easier it is on the power source (alt) as small gauge cable has a higher resistance the more you try and pull though it... The bigger the gauge the easier it is for the current to flow and the more efficient it is as less is wasted as heat.

[freshairmini]

Ah i see, so the next question is, do you know what amp wire is fitted atm and what should I ideally be fitting in replacement (assuming i'm going to fit one of the 70amp alts)

[Ruckus]

Good quality OFC 4 Gauge will be fine with a system of you size.

I've just gone to a 120amp unit so i will be running 0 Gauge over the winter/spring some time.

[freshairmini]

Just want to make doubly sure I will be replacing the corect wire!

Right, so I'm assuming it will be just one of the wires that goes from the multi-plug on the alt to the solenoid where the + battery cable is attached, that will need replacing?

[Ruckus]

Nope

That should be upgraded, but this is the LONG run from the ALT/Solenoid to the battery.

[freshairmini]

Ah now I see, was a little confused before.

So will it be fine to route the 4awg cable under the mini still our do you route it inside from the engine bay, as its not as rigid and tough as the original cable?

and

because the 4awg wire is more chunky than the thin wire from the alt to the solenoid, is it still possible to have it wired into that multi-plug, how have you done it?

[Ruckus]

As the run from the Alt to the solenoid is so short using 8AWG will be find if your having trouble fitted 4 awg from the Alt.

But with enough effort even 0 AWG can be made to fit straight on to the alt then to the solenoid and on to the Battery. The young lad Stuart that was in last months (Black Zeemax mini 30) Mini World has done 0awg all the way though!

Running it the standard route is fine and should be quite easy, the cable will be tough enough.


by the way props for doing this whole thing 'right'

[freshairmini]

well to be honest, if your spending the amount I am then a couple of quid here and there for the extra wiring is ok (especially at a couple of quid a metre ). And at any rate if I do get a wiring kit for the amp I'll have all this spare wire anyway lol.