Pennock's Fiero Forum
  Technical Discussion & Questions
  3800 Alternator wire

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Email This Page to Someone! | Printable Version


next newest topic | next oldest topic
3800 Alternator wire by TXGOOD
Started on: 09-21-2021 10:33 AM
Replies: 1 (178 views)
Last post by: theogre on 09-21-2021 01:35 PM
TXGOOD
Member
Posts: 5410
From: Austin, Texas
Registered: Feb 2006


Feedback score:    (58)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 87
Rate this member

Report this Post09-21-2021 10:33 AM Click Here to See the Profile for TXGOODClick Here to visit TXGOOD's HomePageSend a Private Message to TXGOODEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I have an Ignition Technologies wiring harness with my 3800SC swap.
The Red wire going to the lug on the alternator that goes to the hot is 10ga.
I read where GM used a 10ga wire on later years as stock.
With a 110 amp alternator though, that seems like a small gauge for that current.
Should I maybe run a 6 or 8 gauge separate from that wire?
Thanks
IP: Logged
PFF
System Bot
theogre
Member
Posts: 32237
From: USA
Registered: Mar 99


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 568
Rate this member

Report this Post09-21-2021 01:35 PM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Careful... "Amp rating" for given wire is Gauge/Diameter And Length and other specs.
That why most charts say amps per Hundred Feet etc.

vs you have maybe 3 feet max from Alt to + box under C500.
Sim for battery cables that often are only 1 to 4 feet each in most vehicles. Is why most OE battery cables are 4ga or similar metric size stranded wire for cars and other light vehicles (Light Vehicles are mostly < ~ 10,000lb GVWR) but bigger vehicle can have same alt out and battery cables.

If you have large power eating things... run them to + box, maybe get a heavier + box or even run off the alt out terminal.

Note that Amp Rating for Alt's is nearly always Peak Power.
See my Cave, Watt Story

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)


The Ogre's Fiero Cave

IP: Logged

next newest topic | next oldest topic

All times are ET (US)

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:

Contact Us | Back To Main Page

Advertizing on PFF | Fiero Parts Vendors
PFF Merchandise | Fiero Gallery | Ogre's Cave
Real-Time Chat | Fiero Related Auctions on eBay



Copyright (c) 1999, C. Pennock