Wiring, grounding, what alternator?

[junior]

I'll be running the following electrical parts
Radiator fan
Transmission fan
Water pump
2 fuel pumps
6al and digital retarder
What size alternator, wire is needed?

Trying to stick with 1wire alternator


Can someone write out a good grounding plan with appropriate wires alternator and what battery

[greenbullitt]

you need a 3g from a 94-95 mustang, junior.

if the batt is in the trunk, run a short ground to the rear framerail, piggyback that to the engine block, and supplemental grounds help..

[junior]

What size wire?
Why is 3G better than 1 wire?

[greenbullitt]

id suggest a double ott as youre running the length of the car...I dont have any experience with 1 wires

[junior]

id suggest a double ott as youre running the length of the car...I dont have any experience with 1 wires

Gotcha, I was looking at this one

http://storesense1.mysuperpageshosting.com/HS13162/Detail.bok?no=512

[Baba Ganoush]

As Paul said, the 3G 94-95 alt is the goto. I used it for my setup, similar to yours. It's simple wiring as well, and has decent amp output. I also ran my ground to a welded bolt on the frame, then to the motor. IIRC A good ground will have <1ohm resistance.

Now if I could just find the correct plug/harness for it the Alt. I've found a generic big plug, but not the little stator plug. Still looking.

[turbostang]

Gotcha, I was looking at this one
http://storesense1.mysuperpageshosti...ail.bok?no=512

That one's pretty nice. THey appeared to have done away with the voltage guage wire - which, essentially, is the only one you have to mess with. Not to mention, 160A is badass!

[Blackpony]

You can pick up a one wire 100 amp from summit pretty cheap. I'd suggest 0 gauge from the battery to the front, a ground from the battery to the frame, then at least one good ground from the block to the frame just leave a little slack for engine movement.

[Blackpony]

Here you go

http://m.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-810308

[assetuncon]

just need to do a little math. if your going to run each accessory from 1 main cable, calculate the total amperage your going to pull with each accessory and calculate how much the alternator will put out then go to a reference chart http://www.gadgetjq.com/wiring_size_guide.htm

if you are somewhat OCD like myself, make yourself a wiring diagram calculating each draw from the cable and you can determine exactly what size cable you need, breaking down from the original supply cable. that way you can go from your main cable down to smaller sizes without having to run a larger diameter cable multiple lengths of the vehicle.

if you use too big of a cable, you could have power loss from trying to push the current though a big cable. also, if you use too big of a cable, your adding un-needed weight to the chassis.

same as far as the grounding - determine how much your pushing through the ground. on my last build, i installed a size specific ground for each accessory.

if you really want to get technical, there are pages like the following that will help determine alot more variables. http://www.electrician2.com/calculat...cpd_ver_1.html

...im sure your well aware of this but just a reminder, use stranded cable - not solid core....some idiot i work with wired a gooseneck with romex and could never get the lights to work right....

[turbos66coupe]

I would run a ground as big as the main power. Techniclly current passes from the ground to the positive. 3g alternator has a better voltage sense device and setup. Works better all the way around but not as simple so its a trade off.

[Chas_svo]

if you use too big of a cable, you could have power loss from trying to push the current though a big cable. also, if you use too big of a cable, your adding un-needed weight to the chassis.

I'm assuming your first sentence should too small, not too big???

[assetuncon]

I'm assuming your first sentence should too small, not too big???

oops - i should stop posting before i drink my morning coffee...

yes, the smaller the wire the greater the resistance and voltage drop

[fitzwell]

I would run a ground as big as the main power. Techniclly current passes from the ground to the positive. 3g alternator has a better voltage sense device and setup. Works better all the way around but not as simple so its a trade off.

This.