GM Alternator power wire

I'm in the process of wiring the ('52 Chev 3100) pickup, using an EZ Wiring kit. The alternator power wire (so labeled) is 12 ga. and I'm used to always seeing it as a 10 gauge. Do you wiring gurus think the smaller size will be a problem, or should I replace it with 10 gauge? It's an 18 circuit fuse panel, small block v8, with air, stereo, pwr windows, etc., if that matters.
Thanks in advance.
lango.

 

What amperage is the alternator?

 

Use 10 Guage,there is a reason the factory used it.

 

I have to agree with that. 12 gage seems a bit light on that wire. It will work if the car is something like a T bucket with no sound system and no accessories but put it on something with a sound system, ac and power stuff and you are going to overload it sooner or later.

 

10 gauge or even 8 if you can

 

Doesn't that kit come with a separate 8-10 gauge wire that the instructions say to use for high load/high output alternators? Every one I've got from them has it in a separate bag.

 

E-Z wire, yeah, easy to mess up! Go with 10ga and be happy and safe.

 

X2 no such thing as too big a wire in this app.

 

Thanks, ya'll. After I posted, I got sidetracked- removed seat and carpet.I'll go see if there's another larger wire included somewhere to use. I think it'll have to go all the way to the fuse box- how's that attached to the back? Some kinda clip to remove? I have some 8ga. I can sub in the 12 ga. place.
Thanks a Bunch for the response!
David.

dbradley-I think it's 63 amp.

 

The alternator lead usually goes directly to the battery + terminal. I'm a believer in putting an 80 amp Maxi fuse in that circuit in case the alternator shorts out. Maybe your kit has a smaller fuse in that circuit so the 10 gauge wire won't burn. While your alternator might not have to provide more than 40 amps for accessories, it might get to full output charging the battery if you draw it down.

 

There is an aux wire in a pkg that was included- it also is 12 ga. wire- says 'must be used when running alternator of 80 amp or more from alt. to solenoid bat. terminal'. (Is that to say INSTEAD of, or ALONG with the wire labeled 'alternator power'.
Looks like a call to the tech line tomorrow is in order. (I think an 8gauge wire from alternator power to solenoid Battery terminal will fix this. Am I right?)
Thanks again guys. For bailing out a wiring rookie.
lango.

 

I would think along with but the 8 gauge will do the job.

 

im sure those wire sizes are there for a reason .if you have a problem with your electical system you want the smaller (right size wires and fuses to be there) are you could damage not only your electrical system,but burn up your car. maybe you need to see if a higher amp kit is available.biggers not always better.. i wouldnt change a thing.changing fuse sizes and wire sizes is why when you go to work on your wiring harness all the wires are melted together. pull an altenator apart look at the size wires used internally even the wire going to where the 12 v hooks up there probably smaller than 12 gauge

 

Check out this site for chart as per amps/wire length to determine wire size.

http://www.powermastermotorsports.com/charge_wires.html

 

I went ahead and ran the auxiliary "byp***" wire that was included in the kit-my thinking being that 2 12 ga. wires will probably be fine. Anyway whoever engineered the wiring harness kit for E-Z knows a helluva lot more than I do. I'll keep the varying opinions in mind if it gives any problem.
I'm slowly making progress on my 1st total rewire- it's good to know there's people to ask for help. Thanks again.