Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To

ptbll · 10-06-2009, 02:55 AM

I have 4 ga for the big 3 & 2/0 going to the amp&cap and it still dims the lights a little, I'm running an alt from a 98 lumina on an 86 jimmy 2.8, the 2/0 is actually welding wire, will this actually have something to do with the dimming, or do I need to go bigger than 4 ga.

juddspaintballs · 10-06-2009, 06:07 PM

What system are you running? You might be exceeding the capacity of your alternator.

ptbll · 10-07-2009, 02:39 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by juddspaintballs

What system are you running? You might be exceeding the capacity of your alternator.

I'm running a pheonix gold 800 watts class d amp pushing 4 8 inch kicker comp v's with a 3 farat cap, amp has 2 power input and according to the manual I can put the cap in the 2nd input. It says its connected inside, the cap registers 14.5 volts so I know it has power.

98-S10-NH · 10-26-2009, 05:49 PM

Just curious....Does anyone sell the big three kit pre-made ?

juddspaintballs · 10-26-2009, 09:34 PM

I don't think so (it would be easy for a simple entrepreneur to get into making a kit for specific vehicles), but most HO alternator companies sell you a thicker gauge cable for the main charging wire.

Forklift · 10-29-2009, 08:03 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by juddspaintballs

I don't think so (it would be easy for a simple entrepreneur to get into making a kit for specific vehicles), but most HO alternator companies sell you a thicker gauge cable for the main charging wire.

I was doing it for the v8 GM full size crowd, but with no normal S-10, I cant do it for you guys here

S10LT1 · 10-31-2009, 11:54 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by ptbll

I have 4 ga for the big 3 & 2/0 going to the amp&cap and it still dims the lights a little, I'm running an alt from a 98 lumina on an 86 jimmy 2.8, the 2/0 is actually welding wire, will this actually have something to do with the dimming, or do I need to go bigger than 4 ga.

i highly suggest running the same size or bigger wire for your big 3 that you use to run front to back.

your alternator could be on its way out if your dimming with 800 watts, or if your battery isn't the greatest, that could be another reason.

i always suggest a good battery to be installed with the big 3 with any kind of power being used, as it makes a huge difference.

**terryl** · 11-22-2009, 03:32 AM

Well this is the first time I have seen this. Anyone know if a kit for this is sold anywhere? I'm really lazy nowadays. Great how-to!

B_Rich · 11-22-2009, 11:51 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by terryl

Well this is the first time I have seen this. Anyone know if a kit for this is sold anywhere? I'm really lazy nowadays. Great how-to!

I know there is a link to a kit over on Zr2USA.com that some guy makes. I really don't think it's worth it though since it's upwards of $100 and it isn't 1/0ga wire. I got my 1/0 Stinger hyper-flex wire for $55 shipped on ebay, and 10 gold ring connectors were $10 more.

tenor39 · 01-06-2010, 12:43 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by B_Rich

I know there is a link to a kit over on Zr2USA.com that some guy makes. I really don't think it's worth it though since it's upwards of $100 and it isn't 1/0ga wire. I got my 1/0 Stinger hyper-flex wire for $55 shipped on ebay, and 10 gold ring connectors were $10 more.

Actually, for the short runs of wire needed for the "Big 3", 4ga. is absolutely fine. Remember, you need the larger guage wire over distance because of its internal resistance being lower, hense the capacity to deliver more current. 4ga. in the lengths needed can handle many hundreds of amps without power loss or internal heating of the wire.

As far as a pre-made assembly goes, $100 is pretty reasonable, especially if it's done right. You have to include your labor in building it as part of the cost, as your time is worth something, too. Gives me some food for thought...

Would folks be interested in a well made kit? It could be tailored to any S-10 as long as I had the correct measurements.

old_skool_noma · 01-13-2010, 12:15 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by B_Rich

I know there is a link to a kit over on Zr2USA.com that some guy makes. I really don't think it's worth it though since it's upwards of $100 and it isn't 1/0ga wire. I got my 1/0 Stinger hyper-flex wire for $55 shipped on ebay, and 10 gold ring connectors were $10 more.

after doing some research on conductivity, gold connectors arent really worth the extra money unless corrosion is a major concern, their best use is for audio becasue of resistance to corrosion and that is all, silver is the most conductive element followed closely by copper and gold in third. here is a list of the top 10 most conductive elements. and a few others that may be interesting to see

Element Measure of Conductivity
1. Silver .63 10^6 /cm Ω
2. Copper .596 10^6/cm Ω
3. Gold .452 10^6/cm Ω
4. Aluminum .377 10^6/cm Ω
5. Beryllium .313 10^6/cm Ω
6. Calcium .298 10^6/cm Ω
7. Magnesium .226 10^6/cm Ω
8. Rhodium .211 10^6/cm Ω
9. Sodium .21 10^6/cm Ω
10. Iridium .197 10^6/cm Ω
_______
14. Zinc .166 10^6/cm Ω
15. Nickel .143 10^6/cm Ω
_______
22. Iron .0993 10^6/cm Ω
23. Platinum .0966 10^6/cm Ω
_______
25. Tin .0917 10^6/cm Ω
_______
27. Chromium .0774 10^6/cm Ω
_______
37. Vandium .0489 10^6/cm Ω
_______
39. Lead .0481 10^6/cm Ω
40. Uranium .038 10^6/cm Ω
_______
48. Titanium .0234 10^6/cm Ω
_______
54. Neodymium .0157 10^6/cm Ω
_______
63. Mercury .0104 10^6/cm Ω
_______
66. Bismuth .00867 10^6/cm Ω
_______
70. Plutonium .00666 10^6/cm Ω
71. Carbon .00061 10^6/cm Ω
_______
74. Silicon 2.52E^-12 10^6/cm Ω

Here's where I got the info in case there are disputes
http://environmentalchemistry.com/yo...lectrical.html

PFlanagan · 02-02-2010, 11:21 AM

when you guys do this, do you leave the stock positive->alternator wire? or do you somehow delete it out and just use one of your new big 3 wires?

juddspaintballs · 02-02-2010, 12:17 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by juddspaintballs

Some notes
2) You do not have to disconnect any stock wires and it is actually recommended you leave stock wires in. Unless you're sure you know what you're doing, leaving the stock wires in is not a bad idea. You can take them out if you'd like, but it is not necessary. Your choice. Just don't let them dangle around inside your engine bay.

Leave it in and plugged into the alternator.

brian76708 · 02-15-2010, 08:29 PM

very helpful thread will definitely will be doing this, this summer.

my10cents · 03-04-2010, 08:08 PM

just did this today while I was working on some other things on my truck. Happy with the results, just need a upgraded battery and I'll be at full force

joyride · 03-13-2010, 02:57 AM

sorry if this has been asked before, but is using 2 gauge wire a bad thing for the big 3? im installing an efan with my motor swap and i figured with my taurus fan since it eats up so much power, i'd go a step bigger than 4gauge and use 2 gauge...bigger the better right?

old_skool_noma · 03-13-2010, 03:43 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by joyride

sorry if this has been asked before, but is using 2 gauge wire a bad thing for the big 3? im installing an efan with my motor swap and i figured with my taurus fan since it eats up so much power, i'd go a step bigger than 4gauge and use 2 gauge...bigger the better right?

pretty much. 2 ga wont hurt a thing

joyride · 03-13-2010, 03:51 AM

cool, thanks man. i didn't think it'd matter but felt the need to ask to be sure...appreciate it.

01sdime01 · 03-17-2010, 07:17 PM

i just ordered my new system, and am worried about power drain. my battery is a year old and i just got my alternator tested and it checked out good. i ordered a 2010 cvx and a hifonics amp, that i will be running at 750rms. would 4 gauge big 3 and 4 gauge power wire to the amp be enough?

juddspaintballs · 03-17-2010, 09:35 PM

It would suffice for that, but if you ever think you're going to go larger, I urge you to use 1/0 or better. It's cheaper in the long run and it sucks to have to run your wire more than once.

01sdime01 · 03-18-2010, 04:14 PM

so today i got my wires all cut and put ring terminals on them, and am wondering, which wires do you keep from the factory? orr are you replacing all?

01sdime01 · 03-18-2010, 04:32 PM

so there are NO factory wires that get plugged back into the battery or do they?

ßɭĬƮƵ · 03-19-2010, 12:49 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by 01sdime01

so there are NO factory wires that get plugged back into the battery or do they?

Quote: Originally Posted by juddspaintballs

2) You do not have to disconnect any stock wires and it is actually recommended you leave stock wires in. Unless you're sure you know what you're doing, leaving the stock wires in is not a bad idea. You can take them out if you'd like, but it is not necessary. Your choice. Just don't let them dangle around inside your engine bay.

01sdime01 · 03-19-2010, 10:43 AM

so every wire gets plugged back into the battery? the factory positive and negative ring terminals go back on? and it all of the pictures it looks like people removed the factory wire from the back of the alternator

ßɭĬƮƵ · 03-19-2010, 01:45 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by 01sdime01

so every wire gets plugged back into the battery? the factory positive and negative ring terminals go back on? and it all of the pictures it looks like people removed the factory wire from the back of the alternator

Leave everything how it is and just add yours...

10-06-2009, 02:55 AM	#101
ptbll Registered User Age: 36 Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 63 Location: Deadland, Fl User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To I have 4 ga for the big 3 & 2/0 going to the amp&cap and it still dims the lights a little, I'm running an alt from a 98 lumina on an 86 jimmy 2.8, the 2/0 is actually welding wire, will this actually have something to do with the dimming, or do I need to go bigger than 4 ga.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-06-2009, 06:07 PM	#102
juddspaintballs I pee standing Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 6,284 Location: Union Bridge, MD User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To What system are you running? You might be exceeding the capacity of your alternator.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-07-2009, 02:39 AM	#103
ptbll Registered User Age: 36 Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 63 Location: Deadland, Fl User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To Quote: Originally Posted by juddspaintballs What system are you running? You might be exceeding the capacity of your alternator. I'm running a pheonix gold 800 watts class d amp pushing 4 8 inch kicker comp v's with a 3 farat cap, amp has 2 power input and according to the manual I can put the cap in the 2nd input. It says its connected inside, the cap registers 14.5 volts so I know it has power.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-26-2009, 05:49 PM	#104
98-S10-NH Registered User Age: 37 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 19 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To Just curious....Does anyone sell the big three kit pre-made ?
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-26-2009, 09:34 PM	#105
juddspaintballs I pee standing Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 6,284 Location: Union Bridge, MD User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To I don't think so (it would be easy for a simple entrepreneur to get into making a kit for specific vehicles), but most HO alternator companies sell you a thicker gauge cable for the main charging wire.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-29-2009, 08:03 PM	#106
Forklift Its that dam ADD! Age: 33 Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,583 Location: Vancouver, WA User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To Quote: Originally Posted by juddspaintballs I don't think so (it would be easy for a simple entrepreneur to get into making a kit for specific vehicles), but most HO alternator companies sell you a thicker gauge cable for the main charging wire. I was doing it for the v8 GM full size crowd, but with no normal S-10, I cant do it for you guys here
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-31-2009, 11:54 PM	#107
S10LT1 Hillbilly Mechanic Age: 22 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 202 Location: Oshawa/Toronto User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To Quote: Originally Posted by ptbll I have 4 ga for the big 3 & 2/0 going to the amp&cap and it still dims the lights a little, I'm running an alt from a 98 lumina on an 86 jimmy 2.8, the 2/0 is actually welding wire, will this actually have something to do with the dimming, or do I need to go bigger than 4 ga. i highly suggest running the same size or bigger wire for your big 3 that you use to run front to back. your alternator could be on its way out if your dimming with 800 watts, or if your battery isn't the greatest, that could be another reason. i always suggest a good battery to be installed with the big 3 with any kind of power being used, as it makes a huge difference.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-22-2009, 03:32 AM	#108
terryl Thanks For Your Support Age: 52 Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 3,645 Location: Kingston Springs, TN. User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To Well this is the first time I have seen this. Anyone know if a kit for this is sold anywhere? I'm really lazy nowadays. Great how-to!
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-22-2009, 11:51 AM	#109
B_Rich Zr2USA = B_Rich Age: 21 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,074 Location: Iowa User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To Quote: Originally Posted by terryl Well this is the first time I have seen this. Anyone know if a kit for this is sold anywhere? I'm really lazy nowadays. Great how-to! I know there is a link to a kit over on Zr2USA.com that some guy makes. I really don't think it's worth it though since it's upwards of $100 and it isn't 1/0ga wire. I got my 1/0 Stinger hyper-flex wire for $55 shipped on ebay, and 10 gold ring connectors were $10 more.
	[Reply w/Quote]

01-06-2010, 12:43 PM	#110
tenor39 Registered User Age: 49 Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 9 Location: Denver, CO User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To Quote: Originally Posted by B_Rich I know there is a link to a kit over on Zr2USA.com that some guy makes. I really don't think it's worth it though since it's upwards of $100 and it isn't 1/0ga wire. I got my 1/0 Stinger hyper-flex wire for $55 shipped on ebay, and 10 gold ring connectors were $10 more. Actually, for the short runs of wire needed for the "Big 3", 4ga. is absolutely fine. Remember, you need the larger guage wire over distance because of its internal resistance being lower, hense the capacity to deliver more current. 4ga. in the lengths needed can handle many hundreds of amps without power loss or internal heating of the wire. As far as a pre-made assembly goes, $100 is pretty reasonable, especially if it's done right. You have to include your labor in building it as part of the cost, as your time is worth something, too. Gives me some food for thought... Would folks be interested in a well made kit? It could be tailored to any S-10 as long as I had the correct measurements.
	[Reply w/Quote]

01-13-2010, 12:15 PM	#111
old_skool_noma Got Art? Age: 21 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 8,187 Location: Columbus / Athens, OH User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To Quote: Originally Posted by B_Rich I know there is a link to a kit over on Zr2USA.com that some guy makes. I really don't think it's worth it though since it's upwards of $100 and it isn't 1/0ga wire. I got my 1/0 Stinger hyper-flex wire for $55 shipped on ebay, and 10 gold ring connectors were $10 more. after doing some research on conductivity, gold connectors arent really worth the extra money unless corrosion is a major concern, their best use is for audio becasue of resistance to corrosion and that is all, silver is the most conductive element followed closely by copper and gold in third. here is a list of the top 10 most conductive elements. and a few others that may be interesting to see Element Measure of Conductivity 1. Silver .63 10^6 /cm Ω 2. Copper .596 10^6/cm Ω 3. Gold .452 10^6/cm Ω 4. Aluminum .377 10^6/cm Ω 5. Beryllium .313 10^6/cm Ω 6. Calcium .298 10^6/cm Ω 7. Magnesium .226 10^6/cm Ω 8. Rhodium .211 10^6/cm Ω 9. Sodium .21 10^6/cm Ω 10. Iridium .197 10^6/cm Ω _______ 14. Zinc .166 10^6/cm Ω 15. Nickel .143 10^6/cm Ω _______ 22. Iron .0993 10^6/cm Ω 23. Platinum .0966 10^6/cm Ω _______ 25. Tin .0917 10^6/cm Ω _______ 27. Chromium .0774 10^6/cm Ω _______ 37. Vandium .0489 10^6/cm Ω _______ 39. Lead .0481 10^6/cm Ω 40. Uranium .038 10^6/cm Ω _______ 48. Titanium .0234 10^6/cm Ω _______ 54. Neodymium .0157 10^6/cm Ω _______ 63. Mercury .0104 10^6/cm Ω _______ 66. Bismuth .00867 10^6/cm Ω _______ 70. Plutonium .00666 10^6/cm Ω 71. Carbon .00061 10^6/cm Ω _______ 74. Silicon 2.52E^-12 10^6/cm Ω Here's where I got the info in case there are disputes http://environmentalchemistry.com/yo...lectrical.html Last edited by old_skool_noma : 01-13-2010 at 12:16 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

02-02-2010, 11:21 AM	#112
PFlanagan Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 24 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To when you guys do this, do you leave the stock positive->alternator wire? or do you somehow delete it out and just use one of your new big 3 wires?
	[Reply w/Quote]

02-02-2010, 12:17 PM	#113
juddspaintballs I pee standing Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 6,284 Location: Union Bridge, MD User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To Quote: Originally Posted by juddspaintballs Some notes 2) You do not have to disconnect any stock wires and it is actually recommended you leave stock wires in. Unless you're sure you know what you're doing, leaving the stock wires in is not a bad idea. You can take them out if you'd like, but it is not necessary. Your choice. Just don't let them dangle around inside your engine bay. Leave it in and plugged into the alternator.
	[Reply w/Quote]

02-15-2010, 08:29 PM	#114
brian76708 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 4 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To very helpful thread will definitely will be doing this, this summer.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-04-2010, 08:08 PM	#115
my10cents Registered User Age: 20 Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 4 Location: Florida User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To just did this today while I was working on some other things on my truck. Happy with the results, just need a upgraded battery and I'll be at full force
	[Reply w/Quote]

LinkBacks (?) LinkBack to this Thread: http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f27/big-three-big-3-upgrade-how-to-321309/
Posted By	For	Type	Date
:: View topic - hmm???	This thread	Refback	12-19-2007 11:24 PM
alternator/battery prob. - Page 2 - JeepForum.com	This thread	Refback	11-25-2007 08:52 AM
alternator/battery prob. - JeepForum.com	This thread	Refback	11-23-2007 06:34 PM
alternator/battery prob. - JeepForum.com	This thread	Refback	11-23-2007 05:51 PM
alternator/battery prob. - JeepForum.com	This thread	Refback	11-23-2007 05:28 PM

03-13-2010, 02:57 AM	#116
joyride acknowledge it. Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 732 Location: Tacoma, Wa User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To sorry if this has been asked before, but is using 2 gauge wire a bad thing for the big 3? im installing an efan with my motor swap and i figured with my taurus fan since it eats up so much power, i'd go a step bigger than 4gauge and use 2 gauge...bigger the better right?
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-13-2010, 03:43 AM	#117
old_skool_noma Got Art? Age: 21 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 8,187 Location: Columbus / Athens, OH User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To Quote: Originally Posted by joyride sorry if this has been asked before, but is using 2 gauge wire a bad thing for the big 3? im installing an efan with my motor swap and i figured with my taurus fan since it eats up so much power, i'd go a step bigger than 4gauge and use 2 gauge...bigger the better right? pretty much. 2 ga wont hurt a thing
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-13-2010, 03:51 AM	#118
joyride acknowledge it. Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 732 Location: Tacoma, Wa User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To cool, thanks man. i didn't think it'd matter but felt the need to ask to be sure...appreciate it.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-17-2010, 07:17 PM	#119
01sdime01 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 220 Location: User is: Online	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To i just ordered my new system, and am worried about power drain. my battery is a year old and i just got my alternator tested and it checked out good. i ordered a 2010 cvx and a hifonics amp, that i will be running at 750rms. would 4 gauge big 3 and 4 gauge power wire to the amp be enough?
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-17-2010, 09:35 PM	#120
juddspaintballs I pee standing Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 6,284 Location: Union Bridge, MD User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To It would suffice for that, but if you ever think you're going to go larger, I urge you to use 1/0 or better. It's cheaper in the long run and it sucks to have to run your wire more than once.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-18-2010, 04:14 PM	#121
01sdime01 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 220 Location: User is: Online	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To so today i got my wires all cut and put ring terminals on them, and am wondering, which wires do you keep from the factory? orr are you replacing all?
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-18-2010, 04:32 PM	#122
01sdime01 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 220 Location: User is: Online	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To so there are NO factory wires that get plugged back into the battery or do they?
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-19-2010, 12:49 AM	#123
ßɭĬƮƵ ♠ Age: 26 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 14,660 Location: Dublin, Ca User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To Quote: Originally Posted by 01sdime01 so there are NO factory wires that get plugged back into the battery or do they? Quote: Originally Posted by juddspaintballs 2) You do not have to disconnect any stock wires and it is actually recommended you leave stock wires in. Unless you're sure you know what you're doing, leaving the stock wires in is not a bad idea. You can take them out if you'd like, but it is not necessary. Your choice. Just don't let them dangle around inside your engine bay.
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-19-2010, 10:43 AM	#124
01sdime01 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 220 Location: User is: Online	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To so every wire gets plugged back into the battery? the factory positive and negative ring terminals go back on? and it all of the pictures it looks like people removed the factory wire from the back of the alternator
	[Reply w/Quote]

03-19-2010, 01:45 PM	#125
ßɭĬƮƵ ♠ Age: 26 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 14,660 Location: Dublin, Ca User is: OffLine	Re: Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To Quote: Originally Posted by 01sdime01 so every wire gets plugged back into the battery? the factory positive and negative ring terminals go back on? and it all of the pictures it looks like people removed the factory wire from the back of the alternator Leave everything how it is and just add yours...
	[Reply w/Quote]