Question - Wire guage

[CUDA JAS]

I am rebuilding my engine harness as most of the wires are FUBAR.

I am reusing several of the Mopar specifc connectors (voltage reg, elctronic ignition controle module, distributor).  do I need to use the same guage wire when splicing into the wires on the connectors or is it ok to upgrde to a heavier guage wire (i.e., 18 or 16 on the connector spliced to a 14)? 

I will be using new connectors at the bulkhad and anywhere else that I can.

All connectionsd will be crimped and soldered.

Thanks,

Jas

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Going to a bigger gauge wire wont hurt anything. You'll have less resistance in a bigger wire over length, over a thinner gauge as well which doesn't hurt.

[ViperMan]

When I redid my engine wiring I stepped everything up a gauge - doesn't hurt anything, in fact a lot of "power pinchers" will put huge gauge wires from the battery to ground and such to decrease overall resistance, supposedly boosting power to things like lights, audio, even engine spark.  I don't go that crazy with it, but it does help.

Jeff

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Those ground distributions are usually for computer controlled vehicles. And those do work actually

[MEK-Dangerfield]

What you are doing is more effort, but there is certainly nothing wrong with it. 

[CUDA JAS]

What you are doing is more effort, but there is certainly nothing wrong with it. 

Yeah I have to rebuild the harnes because it is FUBAR..here is a pic.


My concern is that the heavier wire going into the smaller wire will create a weak spot.  Sounds like I will be good shape!

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Have you tried looking for those bulkhead connection wires? I swear napa might be able to get them. Maybe email Evans Wiring if they will sell you some.

That would be nice to be able to have new, crimped/soldered connections.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Yeah I have to rebuild the harnes because it is FUBAR..here is a pic.


My concern is that the heavier wire going into the smaller wire will create a weak spot.  Sounds like I will be good shape!

If we were talking about the interior with AC, rear defroster, power windows, or anything like that, then I would be worried about the junction between wires getting a tad warm. Thus, we are not. You only want to go bigger in the engine bay, so I see no problems. The current thru the wires should be steady as far as ignition goes. The voltage regulator wires will vary, but they just tell the alternator to step it up a tad, or not. No major current there. The biggie as far as the engine bay area is concerned is the large black wire coming from the alternator. All that current flows thru the bulkhead connector. Some have re-routed a large wire in addition to that from the alternator directly to "+" side of the battery. This may all be more than you need to know, but in doing this last step, the original amp meter won't fuction correctly as all current is no longer running thru it.  I hope I didn't lose you.  It was all in the name of avoiding a melt down at the bulkhead connector.


  Mike

[CUDA JAS]

If we were talking about the interior with AC, rear defroster, power windows, or anything like that, then I would be worried about the junction between wires getting a tad warm. Thus, we are not. You only want to go bigger in the engine bay, so I see no problems. The current thru the wires should be steady as far as ignition goes. The voltage regulator wires will vary, but they just tell the alternator to step it up a tad, or not. No major current there. The biggie as far as the engine bay area is concerned is the large black wire coming from the alternator. All that current flows thru the bulkhead connector. Some have re-routed a large wire in addition to that from the alternator directly to "+" side of the battery. This may all be more than you need to know, but in doing this last step, the original amp meter won't fuction correctly as all current is no longer running thru it.  I hope I didn't lose you.  It was all in the name of avoiding a melt down at the bulkhead connector.


  Mike

Nope did not lose me at all.  I will be doing the MAD amp guage by-pass well I am at.

Appreciate the info!

Goody, I have all new PED conectors for the bulkhead (MAD), but will be reusing the more specilized connectors.  So from the bulk head out will be all new.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Sounds good!

[ShelbyDogg]

Use an 8 guage or at least a minimum of 10 guage for the Alternator main wire. The original ones were not meant for the new bigger alternators. Connect it to a big fuse right to the starter relay or to the battery. If you go through the firewall with it, it will melt and throw sparks just like the originals did.

You can buy those snap-in female and male spade crimp-ons from any good electronics store. If you can't find them, try Digikey electronics.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Agree with above, i actually a 100amp circuit breaker for my 90amp alternator circuit breaker which is designed for marine use. Any trouble it just 'pops'. Good maxifuse would be a good idea if not that.