Running amp power cable through firewall ?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 13,262
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From: SW Florida
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Running amp power cable through firewall ?
I am slowly installing a new audio system in my 2011 GS Coupe.
The next step is installing the power cable. This 4 gauge power wire needs to go from the large "jumper cable" connection located on the side of the fuse box just in front of the battery, and then be routed back to behind the passenger seat where the amp is located.
I have heard that there is a hole in the firewall just behind the battery? (battery needs to be removed to access this hole)
If so, where will the wire come out in the passenger compartment, and then where do you route the wire back behind the passenger seat where the amp is located?
I can't find any photos that show exactly where to route this power cable through the car ... Photos would certainly explain this best, but I can't find any.
Can someone here give me some info / help on this?
Thank's
The next step is installing the power cable. This 4 gauge power wire needs to go from the large "jumper cable" connection located on the side of the fuse box just in front of the battery, and then be routed back to behind the passenger seat where the amp is located.
I have heard that there is a hole in the firewall just behind the battery? (battery needs to be removed to access this hole)
If so, where will the wire come out in the passenger compartment, and then where do you route the wire back behind the passenger seat where the amp is located?
I can't find any photos that show exactly where to route this power cable through the car ... Photos would certainly explain this best, but I can't find any.
Can someone here give me some info / help on this?
Thank's
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
Just an FYI, if the '11 GS is the same as my '07 non-Z the wire that goes from the battery to the bolt you're going to use is only 6 gauge, depending on the size of your amp you may want to connect it directly to the battery. I recently installed 'marine style' battery terminals like these on my car just so I could attach two amp power wires and the alternator wire of the "big 3" mod directly to the positive terminal. Before doing the wire upgrade my voltage was bouncing around between 12.5-13.5 and I would get the occasional "service charging system" alarm (mostly while sitting at a stop light with the AC on). After upgrading the big 3 wires voltage is solid at 14 unless I'm idling for a long time, and even then it drifts down slowly.
I can't help with the wire routing question, I put mine through the opening between the quarter panel and frame, then put a small slit in the door accordian to get it inside the car
I can't help with the wire routing question, I put mine through the opening between the quarter panel and frame, then put a small slit in the door accordian to get it inside the car
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 737
Likes: 24
From: Edwardsville IL
Just an FYI, if the '11 GS is the same as my '07 non-Z the wire that goes from the battery to the bolt you're going to use is only 6 gauge, depending on the size of your amp you may want to connect it directly to the battery. I recently installed 'marine style' battery terminals like these on my car just so I could attach two amp power wires and the alternator wire of the "big 3" mod directly to the positive terminal. Before doing the wire upgrade my voltage was bouncing around between 12.5-13.5 and I would get the occasional "service charging system" alarm (mostly while sitting at a stop light with the AC on). After upgrading the big 3 wires voltage is solid at 14 unless I'm idling for a long time, and even then it drifts down slowly.
I can't help with the wire routing question, I put mine through the opening between the quarter panel and frame, then put a small slit in the door accordian to get it inside the car
I can't help with the wire routing question, I put mine through the opening between the quarter panel and frame, then put a small slit in the door accordian to get it inside the car
Mark - I see the marine connectors (THANKS) I understand you are powering 2 amps. I don't understand the alternator wire concept u did. Any more info on that? (Did you also remove a wire / or just add?)
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 737
Likes: 24
From: Edwardsville IL
As resourced from the C6 Audio FAQ
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...amplifier.html
OP has an 07 Vert. Mine is 06 vert. I need to ask him some specific questions to move me off dead center.
GL!
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/audi...amplifier.html
OP has an 07 Vert. Mine is 06 vert. I need to ask him some specific questions to move me off dead center.
GL!
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
Google "Big 3 Wires" and you'll get lots of results. Simply put it's adding upgraded wires to the stock electrical system from Alternator to B+, B- to Frame, and Frame to Engine Block 
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 737
Likes: 24
From: Edwardsville IL
Last edited by gsx1300r; Nov 15, 2011 at 01:32 PM. Reason: added url
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 737
Likes: 24
From: Edwardsville IL
Questions pls...
I have Option Code of K63 - GENERATOR 110 AMP 110 AMP GEN(K63) on my 2006 Z51 vert.
Seems Big 3 suggests to match FUSE to wire size. I have ordered 1/0 copper
stranded wire. I'd also like to use a circuit breaker (CB) as opposed to Fuses. Therefore I expect any CB above 110 but close should be fine for Alt to Batt - guess I have to check specs on my AMP for the second CB. And run a look/ see for max amp on 1/0 wire.
This look about right? Rated for 250A load @ 20'
Sound correct? Please advise.
Last edited by gsx1300r; Nov 15, 2011 at 01:44 PM. Reason: made changes
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Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
I thought all C6 oem alternators were 150 amps, why would they have an option to give a lower capacity generator 
I'm not sure about a circuit breaker on the alt to B+ wire, the normal fusible link is there more to protect the car from burning to the ground in case of a wire coming loose, not so much to protect against overcurrent between the alt and battery.
I'm not sure about a circuit breaker on the alt to B+ wire, the normal fusible link is there more to protect the car from burning to the ground in case of a wire coming loose, not so much to protect against overcurrent between the alt and battery.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 737
Likes: 24
From: Edwardsville IL
Thank You Mark!
DUH - My "GM Global Connect" - 'Vehicle Build' provides this K63 Option Code and stated spec. It is the first specific number I have found for the 06 system. (Seems peculiar to me they reference it as a generator too but I tend to make things more complicated than they are sometimes.)
AMP ARC Audio XDi 805 lists Fuse as 'yes' 3x30 Amp. I guess a 100Amp CB would be ok for amp circuit? I don't want any fires whatsoever in my electrical system.
DUH - My "GM Global Connect" - 'Vehicle Build' provides this K63 Option Code and stated spec. It is the first specific number I have found for the 06 system. (Seems peculiar to me they reference it as a generator too but I tend to make things more complicated than they are sometimes.)
AMP ARC Audio XDi 805 lists Fuse as 'yes' 3x30 Amp. I guess a 100Amp CB would be ok for amp circuit? I don't want any fires whatsoever in my electrical system.
