Patriot headers won't clear starter ground cable
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 297
Likes: 3
From: Indianapolis
Patriot headers won't clear starter ground cable
I'm installing Patriot tight tuck headers, and have a couple minor interference issues on the passenger's side, one of which is the starter ground cable. The cable is short enough that it is in the path of the header. When I removed cable to test-fit the header, I noticed it was cooked on one end, as if it never cleared the stock manifold in the first place. It measures just under 14" long. Is this typical or do I have a short one from the factory? I plan to get one several inches longer so I can route it around the exhaust without touching - has anyone else had this problem? How long of a starter ground cable did you need to clear the Patriot headers?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
You can make that main ground cable about any length you want, as long as it is a #2 awg braided copper wire (welding cable works nicely, as it is very flexible) and it runs from a cleaned area of the frame to the motor mount & front starter bracket attachment bolt. It's important that the ground cable make direct connection to the starter housing so that resistance in that electrical path is minimized. How that cable is routed makes little difference; but, shorter is better.
P.S. It isn't important that the cable be flexible...it's just easier to work with if it is. Stay away from aluminum-wire cables.
P.S. It isn't important that the cable be flexible...it's just easier to work with if it is. Stay away from aluminum-wire cables.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 297
Likes: 3
From: Indianapolis
You can make that main ground cable about any length you want, as long as it is a #2 awg braided copper wire (welding cable works nicely, as it is very flexible) and it runs from a cleaned area of the frame to the motor mount & front starter bracket attachment bolt. It's important that the ground cable make direct connection to the starter housing so that resistance in that electrical path is minimized. How that cable is routed makes little difference; but, shorter is better.
P.S. It isn't important that the cable be flexible...it's just easier to work with if it is. Stay away from aluminum-wire cables.
P.S. It isn't important that the cable be flexible...it's just easier to work with if it is. Stay away from aluminum-wire cables.
Funny you should mention aluminum wire - the factory (I assume) cable I am replacing is copper clad aluminum.
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Joined: Sep 2013
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Thanks. Couldn't find exactly what I wanted so I picked up a 30" #2 AWG stranded copper battery cable from Pep Boys and will cut it to fit without touching the exhaust. For the record - it appears the stock length replacements are just over 15". Mine was just under 14", which may explain why it contacted the stock manifold. I calculated I need at least 18" to safely route around the header.
Funny you should mention aluminum wire - the factory (I assume) cable I am replacing is copper clad aluminum.
Funny you should mention aluminum wire - the factory (I assume) cable I am replacing is copper clad aluminum.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 314
Likes: 50
From: Woodbury NJ
I know this thread is two years old, but man oh man this is just what I was looking for for my 74 resto. Thank you to everyone!
I'm doing all the steps you described, and am going to use the 2/0 welding or Marine for the batt-starter run. The only change i'm doing is running high temp shield on the wire when it comes out from behind the DEI heatshield in the tunnel to the starter.
Im also using solid motor mounts, but and still going to run the block ground and starthousing braided ground. Yeah, overkill but why not.
I'm doing all the steps you described, and am going to use the 2/0 welding or Marine for the batt-starter run. The only change i'm doing is running high temp shield on the wire when it comes out from behind the DEI heatshield in the tunnel to the starter.
Im also using solid motor mounts, but and still going to run the block ground and starthousing braided ground. Yeah, overkill but why not.
