71 f/w driver

I noticed that the engine ground strap on my 71, 350/270 is 18 1/2 inches long and is #2 gauge. What is the correct strap length and gauge?? I plan on making a new one from this old one if 18 1/2 inches is to long..
Thanks
Mike

Alan 71

Hi Mike,
The original engine ground step on my 71 350/270 is 12-1/2" long from the center of the connector at the block to the center of the connector at the frame engine mount arm.
Regards,
Alan

71 f/w driver

Thanks Alan for the quick reply. I'll save few $$ by shortening existing.
Mike

7T1vette

Even though it wasn't done that way at the factory, I would highly recommend that you not only crimp the end terminals on the wire, but that you solder them WELL, also. This will assure many years of a solid ground connection between the battery and the engine/starter. One of the downsides of only crimping those connections is that water will wick into the crimped wire joints and eventually degrade the integrity of the electrical connection.

kanvasman

Shrink wrap over the end, just leaving the eye uncovered, will also help keep out the corrosion.

69Vett

if you don't have a monster soldering gun,
bubba says... you can use an electric stove element to heat the crimps,
and solder them onto the wire.

CA-Legal-Vette

Thank you Bubba, that's pretty clever.

7T1vette

Uhh....I think that's what propane torches are for. A little flux; a little heat; and a string of solder will fully adhere each lug.