What gauge wire should I use when wiring my Precision Power 800.5 amp ? It has a peak output of 1600 watts and a 100 amp fuse. I've been told that 4 gauge would be fine but want you'r all opinions. Thanks in advance.
Greg
Replies (13)
compvr15s on 10/1/2005 21:31:23
i would imagine 4awg would be ok here, but would not hurt to goto the next size if you have future upgrades in mind.... but more to be worried about is your electrical system, will it hold upto that much draw... if you have not done so already upgrading the major three wires under the hood will help to ensure that every lil bit of power is going to get where it needs togo
lessismorespl on 10/1/2005 22:49:46
4 ga will work fine. I personally would go w/ 2 ga or 0/1 ga if you plan on future upgrades. The Big 3 will help somewhat, but 100 amps of current is pretty major when you figure the peak output of your factory alt is probably only 90-100 amps. The Big 3 will help huge prevent huge voltage drops and stablize the overall voltage, but it will not help that much in this case unless you add good Deep Cycle battery and eventually find a higher output alt. I know the DieHard Gold alts that Sears sells are about 105 amps, but even then it not enough for that amount of current. Try checking out these eBay stores:
http://stores.ebay.com/MAX-ELECTRIC_W0QQssPageNameZviQ3asibQ3astoreviewQQtZkm
Also, check out these sites:
http://motorcityreman.com
http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/highoutput.html
Both of these sites are very reputable and have HO alts for under $200
less
thefury on 10/2/2005 00:20:38
I think I'll go with the 2 gauge kit. Now about the alternator; Would you suggest a 160 or 200 amp alt.? I will not be upgrading this system. And do you think I should look into getting a deep cycle battery along with the alt.? F/Y/I I live in Minnesota so the heater will be in use for a good portion of the coming 6 months. Issh...
Greg
compvr15s on 10/2/2005 00:28:05
well the system will probably draw between 75-90 amps durning normal use, whats your current alt. 105-115 probably, dont leave many amps to run everythign else... id say go no smaller than 150, you might be able to take ur current alt and have it upgraded, so you dont need to go buy a 300-500 dollar alt...
swez on 10/2/2005 11:46:05
The 3800 series engine package comes stock with a 105A ALT. If you have the windshield deicer package, the ALT is a 160A version. Very different in size and mounting brackets to the 105A version. If you have the 160A ALT, it should be adequate with a high CCA rated BAT.
Swez
lessismorespl on 10/2/2005 18:35:03
In many cases, w/ the exception of Irragi, HO, and Ohio, a good highoutput alt will run you less than $250. Most shops charge a $1 per amp to rewind, so you would be looking at about the same price. I had a place in Tenn. DB Electrical build me a 200 amp 95 amp on idle for my car, I sent them the vin # and yr/make/model and it cost me $210 shipped. To get the old 120 rewound to 180 amps was going to cost $175 w/ no warranty. DB gave me 3 yrs. You do not have to go to the big names in powerhouse alts. Motorcity Reman can probably do you a 170, 90 on idle for less than $200 shipped, depending on make/model.
Just do some research, I was lucky enough to find this company a few months ago, the contact info may be in an earlier post. Definately consider a new alt before going to have one rewound. My experiences w/ rewinds has never been good and they often fail rather quickly.
less
thefury on 10/2/2005 20:42:44
Thanks for ther imfo guys, I did notice DB electric while googling but there not open on weekends so I'll be giving them a ring tomorrow morning to get a quote. Also talked to a salesman from Pep Boys auto who claims they can get a 160-200 amp alt. for around $200.00 - $220.00. Again I have to call them tomorrow for a more accurate quote.
A little off the topic now but still in the same park I'd like to add that while my beloved Vikings were getting waxed (again), I was in C/City looking for an amp kit, RCA's, & speaker wire and got talked into $343.92 worth of Tsunami wiring supplys for everything. Was I taken to the cleaners on this one or is this pretty decent stuff ? Time to google,
Greg
swez on 10/3/2005 10:12:13
Tsunami makes pretty good wire kits. However, when you buy them at retail outlets like CC, the markup is crazy HUGE! If you try to take them back, good luck as they tend to offer store credits and not refunds. That's a double sucker punch they often use.
However, if you paid by credit card, return them for whatever deal you can get, dispute the charges when the bill comes in and that'll save you a big hassle. Then, hit google and find what you need at much lower prices.
Swez
PS If we lack sales pressure rebuffing skills, stay away from "BIG BOX" toy stores. (leave your wallet in the car) Their job is to snoop out your weaknesses and clean out your wallet as fast as possible. Some stores use commissioned sales guys. They know how to sell even the most fruggle types. They also make great commissions on low cost items with high margin prices. (car audio wiring is definitely in that category)
lessismorespl on 10/3/2005 11:33:52
Yes, I just left a post in your Tsunami inquiry. When you buy cable and installation accessories, it is best to buy them online. I purchase them online, even when I working for a car audio shop b/c it cheaper even w/ my discount. Example: Streetwires Zero Noise 4 ch. RCA's Retail $89.99, w/ my discount $39.99, bought them online for $32.79 shipped, Tsunami 4 ga wire and ANL fuse holder Retail $79.99, my discount $54.99, online $39.99 and the guy off eBay threw in an AGU dist block and 20 ft of 14 ga speaker wire. I paid $25 for 25 ft of Streetwires 14 ga. twisted speaker wire and 10 ft of Streetwires twisted 12 ga. Definately try to get some form of store credit or something. Remember, the store credit is not limited to car audio usually. Tell them to put it in a gift card and use the $300+ to buy Xmas gifts for your friends and family......just a suggestion, b/c they seldom give refunds, only in store credit and exchanges.
less
thefury on 10/3/2005 12:18:50
I will return them. They have not been opened and have yet to have any problems returning anything to C/City but if they give me any grief I'll let it be known that they will never get any of my business again. And that is atleast a couple grand a year with CD's,video games,etc..
compvr15s on 10/3/2005 13:08:39
yea just be firm, if you dont hear what you want, ask to speak with a manager.... just tell him that you have other plans now and you do not need the things you bought, nothing has been opened or damaged... and make sure to tell him that you have lots of friends that can just as easily goto bestbuy for their needs.... im sure they will work with you on this. good luck
lessismorespl on 10/3/2005 18:11:47
Yes, a friend of mine was given some hassle about returning accessories that had not been opened, he spoke w/ one of the supervisors and did not onlyget his credit card credited, he was given a $20 gift card. He threatened to go online and file a formal complaint w/ the company. Hopefully it will not be a problem. I have found a few accessories you may be interested in, here are the links:
http://www.knukonceptz.com/
http://www.hawkexpress.com/ampkits.asp
http://www.sonicelectronix.com
http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?&DID=7&WebPage_ID=18
These are all pretty good sites to deal with and carry some quality accessories for decent prices. Also try eBay and knukonceptz deals direct, so you are cutting out the middle man w/ them, they make excellent cable and accessories, in fact, there power cable has the highest strand count on the market and is rated 3rd in overall resistence per ft, Streetwires is rated 1st and JL Audio 2nd. Check these out, I'm sure you can get all you need for much less.
less
cplkittle on 10/9/2005 23:41:15
I'm not too familiar with streetwires, but I can say that the difference between cheap wire and name brand is huge. For example, Raptor 0ga is the same size as Stinger 4ga once you strip off the insulation, but the insulation is the same size as all 0ga, so which is more important... thicker insulation or thicker wire haha. Monster and Stinger are the two finest stranded wires that come to mind.. most cheap brands boast their 120 strand count 0ga wire will carry over 5000 watts... maybe AC. I think there should be very stringent standards on something as important as power wire and accessories.
Greg
Replies (13)
compvr15s on 10/1/2005 21:31:23
i would imagine 4awg would be ok here, but would not hurt to goto the next size if you have future upgrades in mind.... but more to be worried about is your electrical system, will it hold upto that much draw... if you have not done so already upgrading the major three wires under the hood will help to ensure that every lil bit of power is going to get where it needs togo
lessismorespl on 10/1/2005 22:49:46
4 ga will work fine. I personally would go w/ 2 ga or 0/1 ga if you plan on future upgrades. The Big 3 will help somewhat, but 100 amps of current is pretty major when you figure the peak output of your factory alt is probably only 90-100 amps. The Big 3 will help huge prevent huge voltage drops and stablize the overall voltage, but it will not help that much in this case unless you add good Deep Cycle battery and eventually find a higher output alt. I know the DieHard Gold alts that Sears sells are about 105 amps, but even then it not enough for that amount of current. Try checking out these eBay stores:
http://stores.ebay.com/MAX-ELECTRIC_W0QQssPageNameZviQ3asibQ3astoreviewQQtZkm
Also, check out these sites:
http://motorcityreman.com
http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/highoutput.html
Both of these sites are very reputable and have HO alts for under $200
less
thefury on 10/2/2005 00:20:38
I think I'll go with the 2 gauge kit. Now about the alternator; Would you suggest a 160 or 200 amp alt.? I will not be upgrading this system. And do you think I should look into getting a deep cycle battery along with the alt.? F/Y/I I live in Minnesota so the heater will be in use for a good portion of the coming 6 months. Issh...
Greg
compvr15s on 10/2/2005 00:28:05
well the system will probably draw between 75-90 amps durning normal use, whats your current alt. 105-115 probably, dont leave many amps to run everythign else... id say go no smaller than 150, you might be able to take ur current alt and have it upgraded, so you dont need to go buy a 300-500 dollar alt...
swez on 10/2/2005 11:46:05
The 3800 series engine package comes stock with a 105A ALT. If you have the windshield deicer package, the ALT is a 160A version. Very different in size and mounting brackets to the 105A version. If you have the 160A ALT, it should be adequate with a high CCA rated BAT.
Swez
lessismorespl on 10/2/2005 18:35:03
In many cases, w/ the exception of Irragi, HO, and Ohio, a good highoutput alt will run you less than $250. Most shops charge a $1 per amp to rewind, so you would be looking at about the same price. I had a place in Tenn. DB Electrical build me a 200 amp 95 amp on idle for my car, I sent them the vin # and yr/make/model and it cost me $210 shipped. To get the old 120 rewound to 180 amps was going to cost $175 w/ no warranty. DB gave me 3 yrs. You do not have to go to the big names in powerhouse alts. Motorcity Reman can probably do you a 170, 90 on idle for less than $200 shipped, depending on make/model.
Just do some research, I was lucky enough to find this company a few months ago, the contact info may be in an earlier post. Definately consider a new alt before going to have one rewound. My experiences w/ rewinds has never been good and they often fail rather quickly.
less
thefury on 10/2/2005 20:42:44
Thanks for ther imfo guys, I did notice DB electric while googling but there not open on weekends so I'll be giving them a ring tomorrow morning to get a quote. Also talked to a salesman from Pep Boys auto who claims they can get a 160-200 amp alt. for around $200.00 - $220.00. Again I have to call them tomorrow for a more accurate quote.
A little off the topic now but still in the same park I'd like to add that while my beloved Vikings were getting waxed (again), I was in C/City looking for an amp kit, RCA's, & speaker wire and got talked into $343.92 worth of Tsunami wiring supplys for everything. Was I taken to the cleaners on this one or is this pretty decent stuff ? Time to google,
Greg
swez on 10/3/2005 10:12:13
Tsunami makes pretty good wire kits. However, when you buy them at retail outlets like CC, the markup is crazy HUGE! If you try to take them back, good luck as they tend to offer store credits and not refunds. That's a double sucker punch they often use.
However, if you paid by credit card, return them for whatever deal you can get, dispute the charges when the bill comes in and that'll save you a big hassle. Then, hit google and find what you need at much lower prices.
Swez
PS If we lack sales pressure rebuffing skills, stay away from "BIG BOX" toy stores. (leave your wallet in the car) Their job is to snoop out your weaknesses and clean out your wallet as fast as possible. Some stores use commissioned sales guys. They know how to sell even the most fruggle types. They also make great commissions on low cost items with high margin prices. (car audio wiring is definitely in that category)
lessismorespl on 10/3/2005 11:33:52
Yes, I just left a post in your Tsunami inquiry. When you buy cable and installation accessories, it is best to buy them online. I purchase them online, even when I working for a car audio shop b/c it cheaper even w/ my discount. Example: Streetwires Zero Noise 4 ch. RCA's Retail $89.99, w/ my discount $39.99, bought them online for $32.79 shipped, Tsunami 4 ga wire and ANL fuse holder Retail $79.99, my discount $54.99, online $39.99 and the guy off eBay threw in an AGU dist block and 20 ft of 14 ga speaker wire. I paid $25 for 25 ft of Streetwires 14 ga. twisted speaker wire and 10 ft of Streetwires twisted 12 ga. Definately try to get some form of store credit or something. Remember, the store credit is not limited to car audio usually. Tell them to put it in a gift card and use the $300+ to buy Xmas gifts for your friends and family......just a suggestion, b/c they seldom give refunds, only in store credit and exchanges.
less
thefury on 10/3/2005 12:18:50
I will return them. They have not been opened and have yet to have any problems returning anything to C/City but if they give me any grief I'll let it be known that they will never get any of my business again. And that is atleast a couple grand a year with CD's,video games,etc..
compvr15s on 10/3/2005 13:08:39
yea just be firm, if you dont hear what you want, ask to speak with a manager.... just tell him that you have other plans now and you do not need the things you bought, nothing has been opened or damaged... and make sure to tell him that you have lots of friends that can just as easily goto bestbuy for their needs.... im sure they will work with you on this. good luck
lessismorespl on 10/3/2005 18:11:47
Yes, a friend of mine was given some hassle about returning accessories that had not been opened, he spoke w/ one of the supervisors and did not onlyget his credit card credited, he was given a $20 gift card. He threatened to go online and file a formal complaint w/ the company. Hopefully it will not be a problem. I have found a few accessories you may be interested in, here are the links:
http://www.knukonceptz.com/
http://www.hawkexpress.com/ampkits.asp
http://www.sonicelectronix.com
http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?&DID=7&WebPage_ID=18
These are all pretty good sites to deal with and carry some quality accessories for decent prices. Also try eBay and knukonceptz deals direct, so you are cutting out the middle man w/ them, they make excellent cable and accessories, in fact, there power cable has the highest strand count on the market and is rated 3rd in overall resistence per ft, Streetwires is rated 1st and JL Audio 2nd. Check these out, I'm sure you can get all you need for much less.
less
cplkittle on 10/9/2005 23:41:15
I'm not too familiar with streetwires, but I can say that the difference between cheap wire and name brand is huge. For example, Raptor 0ga is the same size as Stinger 4ga once you strip off the insulation, but the insulation is the same size as all 0ga, so which is more important... thicker insulation or thicker wire haha. Monster and Stinger are the two finest stranded wires that come to mind.. most cheap brands boast their 120 strand count 0ga wire will carry over 5000 watts... maybe AC. I think there should be very stringent standards on something as important as power wire and accessories.
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