Hot Rods 60 amp 3 wire GM alternator

What gauge wire from alternator to battery? It's a long run, from p***enger side to drivers side battery

 

you can probably use 10 gauge, but you can also use larger wire, if you feel it would be a good idea. The larger the wire, the less voltage drop, cooler the wire is, and the harder it is to route safely and terminate at the ends.

 

Agreed, but going from one side of the car to the other, I would do eight gauge , just to be safe.






Bones

 

The more strands the better. A good crimp or solder the ends. Finish with heat shrink.

 

LikeJimmy Six says, a good crimp! You will not get a good crimp on eight gauge terminals with a cheap crimper! Every hot rodder needs a good crimping tool! I have about six, I have collected over the years for 16 gauge to 00 gauge. One tool will not do both. And like Jimmy, I also solder mine. But there are differences of opinions on that! But a good crimp is imperative!
I cringe when I see a otherwise nice looking wiring system with poorly crimped insulated terminals. I use un-insulated terminals crimped with a good crimper, soldered and heat skrinked. Never had a failure doing it that way.





Bones

 

10 gauge is common. if it were long like in 10+ ft I would maybe consider 8 gauge.

 

I use one of these things and a 5 lb hammer on anything 10 or larger and heavy heat shrink tubing. The only thing that ****s is if you have to put an end on inside the car. On my 34 I had to terminate a 6 cable inside the p***enger compartment, I got tricky and used my vice to close the crimper.

 

A 3 wire alternator should have the output going to the main voltage distribution location, and then from there to the battery. I use 8 gauge with a 60 amp 10SI 3-wire and trunk mounted battery.

 

BB>>>I use one of these things and a 5 lb hammer on anything 10 or larger >>>

Dull chisel just as effective. 8^) Jack E/NJ

 

Thanks guys, and I have one of those crimpers too.