the big three

[vicious-monkey87]

my new install causes my lights to dim a lot. i don't want a powercap so i plan to upgrade "the big three"
i've been told by a lot of people that this is the best way to avoid wrecking your alternator so could anyone explain what is involved in the upgrade, and how much it will cost??

also if anyone can explain how to do it that would be awesome!

[flash22]

its the 3 big cables in the engine bay

"Big 3" - that is to replace (or add to) the power cable between the battery and alternator, the ground from the battery to the chassis (body) and the ground strap from the engine/gearbox to the chassis (body) with at least 2 AWG wire.

as for cost diy about £30-40 for the cable, crimps, etc and an afternoon being relistic or for a pro job anything from £120 upwards

[vicious-monkey87]

hmm say i just did one, for example thickened the battery to alternator cable, would that work sufficiently?

[Steveocee]

No as your "system" is only as strong as it's weakest link.

[vicious-monkey87]

oh ok..... is it hard to do?? are the cables hard to get at? or is it hard to replace them?

[charlton_68]

doing one of them will improve it slightly, even if it doesnt it wont make it any worse lol

I need to do this, but have no idea were 2 of the 3 wires are :(

[vicious-monkey87]

yeah same here lol

if anyone has done it and would like to make a tutorial i would be very grateful!

[charlton_68]

yeah same here lol

if anyone has done it and would like to make a tutorial i would be very grateful!

I made a thread on it ages ago, even Coops hasnt done the other 2 wires :lol:

[eandjkustomaudio]

its the 3 big cables in the engine bay

"Big 3" - that is to replace (or add to) the power cable between the battery and alternator, the ground from the battery to the chassis (body) and the ground strap from the engine/gearbox to the chassis (body) with at least 2 AWG wire.

as for cost diy about £30-40 for the cable, crimps, etc and an afternoon being relistic or for a pro job anything from £120 upwards

i would do it yourself as said its so much cheaper and not particualry difficult, everytime ive replaced/uprated the big 3 ive used 0 AWG cable, which i recomend coz your not going to get much better than that without uprating the alternator and battery etc...

[vicious-monkey87]

I made a thread on it ages ago, even Coops hasnt done the other 2 wires :lol:

and does his work ok with just the uprated alternator cable?

does he use a powercap?

[eddie_sxi]

and does his work ok with just the uprated cable?

does he use a powercap?
power caps do **** all mate!

[jacko103]

battery to chassis should sort you out.

[vicious-monkey87]

battery to chassis should sort you out.

ah nice one mate!

well how do i do that then????

lol i know you know your stuff!

[mo1315]

The negative terminal of the battery has a short lead that bolts into the chassis of the car. Just double this up/replace with 0awg cable. Have a look around your battery and you'll see what I mean. Its a brown cable.

[vicious-monkey87]

ah i know what you mean now! sorted!