altenantor mod

[rktmn]

I had an alternator problem last week which almost caused an engine fire. I have since addressed the problem, and I have added a modification to my charging system which, in may case has resulted in an increase in performance.

I am repeating it here again since it was moved and some of you may benefit from it.

Just an update, with a solution, to my alternator problems:

I instaled a #1 gauge wire going from the alternator output to the + post on my Optima battery. What a difference!!!

The headlights are much brighter, my stereo has more oompf, and my SHO seems to have more horse power.

I had always felt that the charging system on my SHO was lacking. I have been complaining about dim headlight for months, and now the improvement is awesome. Am am definitely going to get some brighter bulbs and polish the headlight lenses.

Voltage output at the battery is the same as before the addition of the thicker gauge wire, but I am sure that the amperage going into the battery has to be much greater.

I first noticed it when the underhood light bulb was no longer dim yellow, instead it is now shinning white for the first time. It is noticeable even during the day.

I am sure that this increase in current has given a boost to my fuel pump and ignition. I would also guess that the spray pattern in my injectors may have also improved, if the fuel pressure is higher and more consitant.

As I turn on the accessories, A/C, headlights and stereo, voltage drops from 13.80 to 12.56 at idle, but as soon as I rev the engine past 2500 rmp, it scoots back up to 13.50 Volts. I have not seen it reach 14V even with everything off or while reving the engine.

I am very happy with this simple mod. I have done this on several of my other cars in the past, but this SHO has definitely shown the greatest improvement.

Perhaps my charging system is old and tired, and bypassing it with a direct, low resistance connection fixed it.

Next I will add a negative #1 wire and ground it right to the engine.

Jose

 

[Ishodu]

The only thing about what you did is. Your feeding your total power to your car down the battery cable. Rather then only what your not using going up the battery cable and into the battery. You best bet would be to install new wire from the alt to the starter but this wire is also crimped with the power line to the under hood fuse box. If you replace them both I am sure there would be a real improvement. I would say the reason why you are getting a huge improvement now is because that wire from the Alt was in poor shape for some time.

 

[rktmn]

Well, the results are great. I realise that my electrical system was definitely not up to what it should have been. Now it is. MY headlights are very bright now, the car starts immediately, actually anything that is directly related to the electrical system feels stronger, and that is not a bad thing.

Feeding the battery an electrical charge, through a low resistance, thick cable 10 inches long , rather than routing the current through 10 foot long, 12 year old cable a 1/3 of its size is going to give you better results anytime.

Of course, I still have the original wiring, but this simple mod has definitely made a huge difference to my SHO.

It is definetly an improvement worth looking into.

Jose

 

[luigisho]

I will be looking into this. Jose have you tried any of those 'grounding' kits or whatever they're called?

 

[SteedaSVT]

what you did is referded to as the "big 3" in mobile elctronics circles.. but since you only did 1 we shall call it the big one

good job!!!!

 

[silversho89]

what you did is referded to as the "big 3" in mobile elctronics circles.. but since you only did 1 we shall call it the big one

well whats the other two?

 

[SteedaSVT]

Negative to Chassis like 4gauge or higher!
and Alt to Starter/Fuse box 4 gauge or higher!

 

[rktmn]

I had actually run a 4 gauge wire left over from my stereo installation, from my negative pole to the body and over to the engine. I soddered all connectors, and actually felt an improvement when I did that. I guess that my electrical system is not ingood shape, and any new wires that I added helped a bit.

This last mod has been the biggest improvement, very noticeable in the starting of the engine, (it starts immediately, no cranking), the headlights are very bright, compared to what they were before, even my stereo sounds better.

I guess that I am going to continue and do the big 3. I do not expect to get such a great gain, but I am sure that there will be some benefit to it.

Jose

 

[luigisho]

Please post results!

 

[ViPER1313]

Coppied from my post in Help & Maintaince:

You know you are bypassing inline fuse on the positive cable by doing this, right? Check the connections on your starter - I would bet that is where you are loosing voltage in the positive cable. If not, instead of running 1ga straight from the alt. to the battery, run new cable / inline fuses to the fuse box under the hood, to the starter and then back to the battery so that it is done correctly. Exploding battery = nones the cool .

For reference, stock positive wire path is:

Alternator->Fuse link->Engine Compartment Fuse Box Post->Starter->Battery
(--------------------- Cable 1 ------------------------) (Cable 2) (Cable 3)
(-------------------Black/Orange----------------------) (-Red-) - (-Red-)

 

[rktmn]

Viper

I will check all my wiring this week end.

Thanks,

Jose