Running Power Amp Cable
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 44
From: Pensacola Florida
Running Power Amp Cable
What's the best way to run 8 gauge power cable from the amp through the firewall to the battery?
Is 8 gauge large enough for a 400w amp?
Are the seat hold down bolts grounded to the frame?
89 C4 coupe
Rick
Is 8 gauge large enough for a 400w amp?
Are the seat hold down bolts grounded to the frame?
89 C4 coupe
Rick
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 230
From: SANTA CRUZ CA
shootnstarz;1589534065]What's the best way to run 8 gauge power cable from the amp through the firewall to the battery?
Is 8 gauge large enough for a 400w amp?...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge
Are the seat hold down bolts grounded to the frame?
From another forum: "There is a plate with a nut welded to it on the underside of the fiberglass floor. Not grounded to chassis."
Is 8 gauge large enough for a 400w amp?...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge
Are the seat hold down bolts grounded to the frame?
From another forum: "There is a plate with a nut welded to it on the underside of the fiberglass floor. Not grounded to chassis."
Last edited by don hall; Apr 30, 2015 at 05:42 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,260
Likes: 6,461
From: Melbourne, FL
In short... 8 AWG should be enough, just get a decent oxygen free copper wiring kit.
The seats are not bolted to the frame, but they will work to ground your amp. The other option is to ground it to the side rails along the seats.
The seats are not bolted to the frame, but they will work to ground your amp. The other option is to ground it to the side rails along the seats.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 170
Likes: 4
From: El Sobrante Ca
I ran mine down from the battery through the kick plate that runs along the door, it is the outside body panel just below the door wrapping around to the undercarriage. I went all the way back to the back of the door and popped out and ran tight to the underside to a rubber grommet that you can remove under the driver side seat, popped in there and routed back to the amp that was mounted on the back firewall at the rear of the car. I ran both a positive and a negative and sealed up around my penetration with some silicon. If your amp is in the front you could probably get through the firewall easier. Install a inline fuse right after the battery so if somehow it shorts out it won't burn everything up.
Art
Art
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Here is how *I* ran my amp power cable:
AMP INSTALL
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 3
From: Souderton Pa.
That is not true. The part of the floor pan that holds the seat is NOT fiberglass, it's steel, and it does provide a fine grounding point. The "fiberglass" starts at the forward edge of the seats, and runs forward from there. See here....
Here is how *I* ran my amp power cable:
AMP INSTALL
Here is how *I* ran my amp power cable:
AMP INSTALL
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 44
From: Pensacola Florida
Yes it is, thanks a million. Looks like running down the rocker panel and up through the groment behind the seat is the way to go, sure didn't want to drill any holes in the firewall.
If in the future if I want to install a small sub would the 8 gauge be large enough to run two 400 watt amps?
Rick
If in the future if I want to install a small sub would the 8 gauge be large enough to run two 400 watt amps?
Rick
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 127
From: Ashland Alabama
Comes with 0/1 gauge power and ground wires.
Ive used that kit a few times in the past. Worked great.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 51
From: Connecticut
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 44
From: Pensacola Florida
Well, after some weird body contortions I got the power cable run through the rocker panel, up through the gromment hole, over the hump to the amp location under the passenger seat. I have an assortment of different size wire loom so I covered most of the wire with it. I used 3 different size layers right where it comes through the hole for extra protection.
That chicom 8 gauge wire is a major hassle to skin back, many of the strands break off so I had to do it several times to get it right. I suggest staying away from the "Boss" brand wire.
I also got all new 16 gauge speaker wire run, also made in china. That was an excersise in patience especially through the doors. Took all but 3' of a 50' roll.
RH
That chicom 8 gauge wire is a major hassle to skin back, many of the strands break off so I had to do it several times to get it right. I suggest staying away from the "Boss" brand wire.
I also got all new 16 gauge speaker wire run, also made in china. That was an excersise in patience especially through the doors. Took all but 3' of a 50' roll.
RH
Last edited by shootnstarz; May 2, 2015 at 09:59 AM.
Nice work!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 44
From: Pensacola Florida
Thanks, I tried to do it as neat and professionally as I could. The only thing I don't really like is where it turns up into the hole from underneath, that part doesn't look very professional but I didn't want to drill in any if the metal.
I can also confirm the seat bolts are grounded, that helps a bunch since my amp is under the passenger's. I also installed a remote antenna because mine doesn't work and I don't really like the looks of one sticking out. I'll post how well it works when I get everything hooked up and working.
My 4 new Bilsteins arrived Friday, man that was light speed shipping from a feebay seller, ordered Wednesday morning, $399.98 shipped.
Rick
I can also confirm the seat bolts are grounded, that helps a bunch since my amp is under the passenger's. I also installed a remote antenna because mine doesn't work and I don't really like the looks of one sticking out. I'll post how well it works when I get everything hooked up and working.
My 4 new Bilsteins arrived Friday, man that was light speed shipping from a feebay seller, ordered Wednesday morning, $399.98 shipped.
Rick