Big 3 Question
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 21
Likes: 5
Big 3 Question
Hey guys, I'm in the middle of doing the "Big 3" and replacing my original 1982 alternator with a new 1996 Impala CS144 alternator. The wires I'm upgrading to are 1/0 gauge. My problem is the 0 gauge is so big there's limited ways to connect it to the accessory junction box found near the battery. I was wondering, can I run the 0 gauge wire to the positive battery terminal instead and then run other wires to that junction box from there? Or should that junction box only be powered from the alternator?
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2023
Posts: 129
Likes: 172
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2025 Restomod of the Year
Ok, I see that alternator is capable of 400 amps, so you need to go directly to the battery with that. Same with the amplifiers. Any accessory panels need to be fed with a smaller wire from the battery or smaller wire from the alternator, which ever is easier.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,716
Likes: 551
From: Seattle Washington
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2023
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From: Aubrey TX
If the amp pushes that much power, the current draw at peak will be quite high. Probably better off running multiple 10ga wires. Easier to terminate for sure.