Battery Cables
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,372
Likes: 227
From: N Cal
Battery Cables
I just puchased new battery cables, they where listed for a 69. I have a 72 and it looks like the cable diameter is smaller. Does anyone know if there was a difference and which one was better??
:confused:
:confused:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,349
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
Re: Battery Cables (l2vette)
It's technically more complicated than that. The strand count is more important, because electrons travel on the surface of the wire, so more strands=more surface area. BUT, generally speaking, the thicker wire will likely be better. There is a tech article in the back of Hot Rod magazine in which Marlin Davis explains how to check the voltage drop of your electrical system. Thicker wire and good connections, he says, can account for more than a volt less drop, resulting in stronger starter performance and brighter headlights, etc.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,372
Likes: 227
From: N Cal
Re: Battery Cables (Bearcat)
Does that mean there was an improvement in 1972 over the previous battery cables used?
It's technically more complicated than that. The strand count is more important, because electrons travel on the surface of the wire, so more strands=more surface area. BUT, generally speaking, the thicker wire will likely be better. There is a tech article in the back of Hot Rod magazine in which Marlin Davis explains how to check the voltage drop of your electrical system. Thicker wire and good connections, he says, can account for more than a volt less drop, resulting in stronger starter performance and brighter headlights, etc.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Re: Battery Cables (l2vette)
Not sure about which years are better. I went to a big truck supply shop and ordered some OO (double aught) cables the right length for mine. I think you can also order them from NAPA. I ended up with a truck top-stud type cable end (picture a 3/8 stud off the top of the battery) and had to use a marine conector to adapt to automotive top-post. With a little forethought I could have had them made for automotive top-post. This way there are no splices and you can get a high-quality, correct length cable. If it will last 1,000,000 miles in a big truck, it will outlast our cars.
