is bigger really better?
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is bigger really better?
Posted: June 27 2006 02:58 PM
 
Chuck Lashley (aka sixguns) [ View ] [ Sixguns99ht@aol.com ] [ Car Ads ] [ Blogs ]
Woodland, Washington

 Enjoy the Ride
 
in 1975, the year my engine and starter motor were produced the factory set it up with #2gauge battery / starter cables.Installed in my 36 LaSalle the battery is about the same distance to the starter.so why or will I need to install bigger cables? givin proper state of engine tune and starter instalation am I headed for trouble with #2 gauge ? My kids all tell me to use double [OO] or else I will be the guy with a heat soaked starter that wont crank the engine. I say bull, that guy has other issues.
 
 
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Posted by jimmothershead  -  06/26/2006 09:57 PM
is it still as it was in 1975? Same loads? Same car?
Jim [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Huntingtown, Maryland
 
Posted by da34guy  -  06/27/2006 02:58 PM
I've always used # 2 welding lead, never had a problem,more strands to carry more amps, and very flexible. About a dollar a foot at local welding supply store.
Don [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Prescott, Arizona Charter Member since October 2001
 
Posted by tlp1968  -  06/27/2006 11:51 AM

I would think that the stock application would be fine unless you are moving the battery to the trunk. I have my battery in the trunk and I use (0) cable with my big block and never have a problem. I agree with you that cranking problems that require (00) size cable probably have other issues.



But that is just my opinion...
StreetRodding.com Marketing Director [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Springfield,, Illinois Charter Member since August 2003
 
Posted by mctavish  -  06/27/2006 01:05 PM
A 4 ft pc (normal battery location) of 2 AWG will have a voltage drop of 0.12 volts at a 200 amp draw. A 15 ft pc (trunk battery location) will have a a 0.48 volt drop. A 4 ft pc of 0 AWG will have a voltage drop of 0.08 volts and at 15 ft, it is 0.3 volts. Of course, if you have a hi-compression engine or some other starting deal that requires higher current draw, the voltage drop goes up as well. At 400 amps starter draw (not out of the question for a cold, hi-comp engine with a factory starter), that 15 ft pc of 2 AWG is dropping almost 1 V. So, for longer cable runs, bigger is indeed better. Mc Tavish
mctavish [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Fairport, New York
 
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