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Thread: Alternator cable size

  1. #1
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    Alternator cable size

    I've put a 70amp on a st170 that used to have a pinto inside it and was wondering if the wire size would be ok original one was a 40amp alternator
    Any help
    Cheer

  2. #2
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    Re: Alternator cable size

    St170 into a sierra which had a pinto init

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    Re: Alternator cable size

    I'd double up on the existing - either additional of same size or new single with double cross sectional area!

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    World Champion Decade Plus User alladdin's Avatar

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    Re: Alternator cable size

    if your not using any more current (amps) then you wont need bigger cables , alternator can supply more but its useage that determines whats flowing.

  5. #5
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    Re: Alternator cable size

    I'm only using nodiz pro and fuel pump and fan...
    And thank you I think I understand it
    Many thanks

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    Re: Alternator cable size

    Quote Originally Posted by Ricey1234 View Post
    I'm only using nodiz pro and fuel pump and fan...
    And thank you I think I understand it
    Many thanks
    In which case - why the uprated alternator?

  7. #7
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    Re: Alternator cable size

    Tbh it's one I had laying around tbh mate and I fort I would use it

  8. #8
    World Champion Decade Plus User alladdin's Avatar

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    Re: Alternator cable size

    they are more common / cheaper sh than originals these days

  9. #9
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    Re: Alternator cable size

    I just used that one as I had it that's all but cheers I'll have a look

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    Spanner Monkey

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    Re: Alternator cable size

    I run a 70 amp alt in my Zetec Corsair. All I did was run a new cable from the alt to the solenoid on the pre engaged starter, then the cable from starter solenoid battery does the rest. I also left the original dynamo feed wire in as that circuit is still connected to the ignition switch (reg box removed). Covers all bases. Apart from a giant electric rad fan, nothing else on my car draws that much power, but the alternator suited the bracket i have etc. I was also going to run a heated screen which would have drawn a fair bit, but I changed my mind on that in the end.

  11. #11
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    Re: Alternator cable size

    So just to clarify that I dont need to upgrade it as I'm really only running electric radiator fan and nodiz??
    Many thanks

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    Re: Alternator cable size

    Presumably your car has other electrics too ?

    If you want a new cable, fit a new cable, but lets face it, actual time at any "high output" will probably be very low.

    But 16mm^2 welding cable would easily cover it, and is readily available.
    9.85 @ 145mph 202mph standing mile

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss_c7fML3rw

  13. The Following User Says Thank You to stevieturbo For This Useful Post:


  14. #13
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    Re: Alternator cable size

    Electrics isn't my strong point haha [

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