Big Three (Big 3) Upgrade How-To

ptbll · 10-06-2009, 03:55 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, 07:07 PM

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

ptbll · 10-07-2009, 03:39 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, 06:49 PM

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

juddspaintballs · 10-26-2009, 10:34 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, 09:03 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 · 11-01-2009, 12:54 AM

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.

10-06-2009, 03:55 AM	#101
ptbll Registered User Age: 36 Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 27 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, 07:07 PM	#102
juddspaintballs I pee standing Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 6,095 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, 03:39 AM	#103
ptbll Registered User Age: 36 Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 27 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, 06:49 PM	#104
98-S10-NH Registered User Age: 36 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 17 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, 10:34 PM	#105
juddspaintballs I pee standing Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 6,095 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, 09:03 PM	#106
Forklift Its that dam ADD! Age: 33 Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,456 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]

11-01-2009, 12:54 AM	#107
S10LT1 Hillbilly Mechanic Age: 22 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 201 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]

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