So I've got alot of 2/4 guage wire laying around. And I wanted to upgrade my big 3 under the hood. So far I've found and upgraded the ground to chassis cable. However I'm kinda lost where the battery connects to the engine block, and where it connects to the alternator (2 wires coming out).

Anybody got any advice or pics to help guide me. I'm kinda hesitant to cut open my wire insulation cause I don't want to mess anything up. I was just gonna run new wire outside the insulated old wire.

 

What year?

1984-1990 used a Delco internally-regulated alternator (1984-1986 used a 12SI, 1987-1990 used a CS130,) and 1991-up used an externally-regulated Nippondenso.

Ergo, the wiring will be different.

Further, about half the time you'll find an ancillary ground terminating near the alternator on 1991-up.

AND, don't forget that the alternator output lead is fused! (fusible link wire 1984-1990 and 1996-up; pair of MAXI fuses in the PDC labelled "Generator" on 1991-1995,) and this fuse protection damned well should be retained or replicated/replaced! Engineering doesn't usually win arguments with Accounting or Legal - and every vehicle I've ever worked on (going back to the 1955 Model Year) has had SOME fuse in that circuit (MAXI fuse, MEGA fuse, PAL fuse, JCASE fuse, fusible link wire - whatever.) It's there for a reason, kids!

What's your reasoning for wanting to do your electrical upgrade - are you correcting an issue, or what?

(Nota Bene: I'm assuming you're talking about 2AWG and 4AWG wire, yes? I've conservatively rated 4AWG for up through about 150A underhood [100% duty cycle] and 2AWG would be good for up to about 225A or so [100% duty cycle.] I do this for a living, so I've put some thought into it...)

 

Thanks. I have a 2001. I was gonna use the 4 Awg. Im Doing this because i have the wire just laying around and I wanted to make sure my electrical is giving me max power without putting to much strain on anything.

And I already have a 1000 watt sound system an 100 watt headlights.

 

Your 2001 should have a 117A alternator - so install at least a 120A fuse. ANL or MEGA should give you a rating you can use (find something 120-150A, inclusive.)

 

Okay man thanks!!