alternator and the big three

Home / the12volt's Install Bay / Car Audio / alternator and the big three (

Topic Closed)

Welcome Guest :)

Members

Next Page > < Prev Topic Next Topic >

05z71crew

Member - Posts: 49

Joined: July 06, 2006

Location: United States

Posted: July 25, 2006 at 5:53 PM / IP Logged

First off, I love this freakin site! I thought I knew what I was talking about; at least a little bit. But now I feel like a kid back in kindergarten LOL

Now to my questions:

What ouput should I be looking for if I want to get a HO alternator? I have a (as you can guess by the screen name) 2005 chevy silvy crew Z71. I think the stock alt they put in is just not suited for much anything. Hell my lights dim when I put my windows up or down...even when I am driving!!!

If y'all could help me with some names and amp ratings I would appreciate it... thanks

Also, What size and where could I locate some cable to replace the big three?? Can I go to my local LOWE'S and pick up some 0 guage wire? How much will it run $$$??

lil nicky

06 Elantra (No more z71)

2 12" powerbass subs; 6x9's and 5 1/4's

Kenwood KAC-9152D

American bass SQ540

05z71crew

Member - Posts: 49

Joined: July 06, 2006

Location: United States

Posted: July 25, 2006 at 5:56 PM / IP Logged

also, FYI chevy site says alt is already 145...

lil nicky

06 Elantra (No more z71)

2 12" powerbass subs; 6x9's and 5 1/4's

Kenwood KAC-9152D

American bass SQ540

aznboi3644

Gold - Posts: 2,600

This member consistently provides reliable information

Joined: May 01, 2006

Location: United States

Posted: July 25, 2006 at 6:49 PM / IP Logged

My dad has a z71 chevy and if you look at the wire coming off of the alternator it is like crappy auto 8 gauge going to 4 gauge...upgrading this will definitly improve the system.

forbidden

Platinum - Posts: 5,352

This member has made a donation to the12volt.com. Click here for more info.

This member has been recognized as an authority in Mobile Audio and Video. Click here for more info.

Joined: November 01, 2003

Location: Alberta, Canada

Posted: July 26, 2006 at 2:25 AM / IP Logged

Ignore the alternator for now. You need to make the current transfer as efficient as possible first. Upgrade the BIG 3 wiring to 0 gauge. Fuse the main feed from the alternator. Do not remove the factory wire as it can stay and pass current as well. Use a quality 0 gauge line for the power and ground connections that is rated for high heat and oils etc., this is one of the reasons as to why you want to use a high strand count car audio type of wire.

Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

05z71crew

Member - Posts: 49

Joined: July 06, 2006

Location: United States

Posted: July 26, 2006 at 4:09 PM / IP Logged

Sounds good. Now, where can I get cabling like that? How much should I expect to pay?

lil nicky

06 Elantra (No more z71)

2 12" powerbass subs; 6x9's and 5 1/4's

Kenwood KAC-9152D

American bass SQ540

05z71crew

Member - Posts: 49

Joined: July 06, 2006

Location: United States

Posted: July 26, 2006 at 4:18 PM / IP Logged

http://www.wiringproducts.com/?target=dept_40.html

What does everyone think of this?

lil nicky

06 Elantra (No more z71)

2 12" powerbass subs; 6x9's and 5 1/4's

Kenwood KAC-9152D

American bass SQ540

05z71crew

Member - Posts: 49

Joined: July 06, 2006

Location: United States

Posted: July 26, 2006 at 4:24 PM / IP Logged

What is the difference between 1 gauge and 1/0 guage? Which one is better?

I didn't realize the link took you to the home page. I was looking at the battery cables and the braided ground strap. Is that a good idea?

lil nicky

06 Elantra (No more z71)

2 12" powerbass subs; 6x9's and 5 1/4's

Kenwood KAC-9152D

American bass SQ540

05z71crew

Member - Posts: 49

Joined: July 06, 2006

Location: United States

Posted: July 26, 2006 at 4:43 PM / IP Logged

sorry bout one after another posts but I have lots o' questions. Like aznboi said the alt cable is crappy (just went and looked). Should I just upgrade the small wire that runs from the alt to the distro block or should I replace from the alt all the way to the battery? After the distro block the wire is pretty solid IMO.

lil nicky

06 Elantra (No more z71)

2 12" powerbass subs; 6x9's and 5 1/4's

Kenwood KAC-9152D

American bass SQ540

aznboi3644

Gold - Posts: 2,600

Joined: May 01, 2006

Location: United States

Posted: July 26, 2006 at 7:22 PM / IP Logged

Well..leave the small wire and just add on another 0 gauge wire from the alternator to the battery...the factory wire is like crappy low strand stiff as hell 4 gauge...just leave it be

stevdart

Platinum - Posts: 5,816

Joined: January 24, 2004

Location: Pennsylvania, United States

Posted: July 26, 2006 at 8:46 PM / IP Logged

You probably won't find any 1 gauge wire. It is usually available in even sizes. 1/0 refers to 0 gauge wire, as opposed to 00 (2/0) or 000 (3/0) which are increasingly bigger. This is a weird thing, these wire sizes. At the time these numbers were thought of, 0 was supposed to be the thickest. Well, wire got bigger so they had to start adding more zeros. I guess that was done instead of using minus signs, which would have been weirder yet.

Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.

Next Page >

Printable version

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

Search the12volt.com

Follow the12volt.com

Disclaimer: *All information on this site ( the12volt.com ) is provided "as is" without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to fitness for a particular use. Any user assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and use of this information. Please verify all wire colors and diagrams before applying any information.