I was thinking about doing the big 3 upgrade, but have a question on the wire used for it. 1/0 gauge wire is what I see most people using, but its damn expensive wire.


I already have some 4 gauge battery cable, so could I use it and still see the same results/improvements ?. Considering how small most of the ground wires are on our trucks, I figure it would still be an improvement.


Thoughts and opinions needed on this.

 

Given that our trucks are already super sensitive re: wiring and corroded connections, I can't see where the upgrade from, what, 10 gauge?, to something heavier would be •bad•. Not sure if it would really improve much if you're not having problems (or not running high power equipment like electric plows, sound system, lights, etc.)

If you upgrade, report back and make the community smarter.

 

Okay, I give up. What is the "big 3" upgrade?

 

Engine, trans, and gears? Of course, the three most expensive parts of the truck.

 

"Big three upgrade" is common in the world of high powered competition car stereo. The idea is to improve the main power connections: battery to alternator, block to frame, and frame back to battery. Simply replace the stock 4 gauge battery cables with 0 gauge (or bigger) Makes it easier to supply juice to those "high powered" subs.

Or, maybe, lighting rigs, electric winches, snow plows, onboard welders, 120v generators, etc.

For more info: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-tqcscaa...power_ups.html

 

Ah, got it.

Then, yes, any improvement will be be an upgrade to the system. The OP could even run a couple or three wires for each leg of the big 3 using the 4ga.

 

You know it

Thinking about razzle dazzle the engine bay with some nice colored huge wires. Are starter wires included in the upgrade??

 

I don't think it's worth it on your dodge, the charging system is way better than a chevy that the big 3 was started on.

 

Hey Redhead! Welcome Back!

Still driving the Chevy?

 

You may elaborate what you need this improvement for? Are you running a big stereo amps, plow, lights what? If you are putting in a larger amp alternator you will need larger cables to supply the power. All has to do with amp draw/load/distance of wire. There is a chart on the crutchfield link. Also keep in mind battery cable uses thick strands of wire where audio power cable uses thin strands for the same cable gauge. Battery cable is not that flexible that's why the thin strand type is preferred for longer lengths and ease of installation.



http://www.crutchfield.com/learn/lea...uge_chart.html