Battery cable size

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Aug 10, 2015 | 01:00 PM

GEM '62

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 1,550

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From: Richmond VA

Battery cable size

I am running a 12' ground cable on my 62, can I use 4 gauge cable or do I need to step up to 2 gauge?

Aug 10, 2015 | 01:04 PM

Pop Chevy

Le Mans Master

Joined: Apr 2001

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From: Sarver Pa

2021 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified

12 ft ! use no 2. Why not use the frame for ground like GM did on C-3's ?

Aug 10, 2015 | 01:08 PM

jim lockwood

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From: northern california

C2 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019

Larger is always better when considering high current wiring, like battery (+) and (-) cables. If that run is really 12 feet, I'd suggest 0 gauge cable, maybe even 00 cable.

Jim

Aug 10, 2015 | 01:18 PM

GEM '62

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 1,550

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From: Richmond VA

I am installing a keyed cutoff switch inside the car. The switch is 6' from the battery and also 6' from the ground connection on the engine so a total of 12'. I guess I could run from the battery to the switch and then to the frame which would cut the total to around 7'. I could then run another short cable from the engine to the frame to insure a good engine ground.

Aug 10, 2015 | 01:58 PM

Powershift

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From: Bowling Green, Kentucky

Quote:

Originally Posted by GEM '62

I am installing a keyed cutoff switch inside the car. The switch is 6' from the battery and also 6' from the ground connection on the engine so a total of 12'. I guess I could run from the battery to the switch and then to the frame which would cut the total to around 7'. I could then run another short cable from the engine to the frame to insure a good engine ground.

This is definitely needed if you use the frame in the ground circuit.

Years ago when I put the battery in the trunk (over RR wheel) of my 390 AMX I used #00 welding cable for all my connections. I also used soldered end connections.....which tended to make this cable less flexible and more solid at the ends. The "short piece" from frame to engine acted like a solid motor mount(s) and rattled your teeth when driving the car. So just be careful how you design and install this piece on the car.

Consider a bit smaller cable size and a little more length than I did...or get professionally crimped ends

Larry

Last edited by Powershift; Aug 10, 2015 at 02:02 PM.

Aug 10, 2015 | 03:37 PM

wib1961

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2004

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From: Grand Harbor in South Carolina

Any good welding supply distributor that sells welding cable should be able to crimp ends on for you in a competent manner. And the welding cable makes great battery cables.

Aug 10, 2015 | 03:54 PM

JohnZ

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From: Washington Michigan

On the rear-mounted battery cars I've built in the past (Grand Sport replica and three Cobra replicas), I always used #00 welding cable with crimped copper terminals; the local welding supply house has every size terminal you'd ever need, and I bought my own terminal crimper (you smack the plunger with a BFH).

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