How many of you builders/owners forget their battery system when doing a build?

[PT Sportwagon]

I just got back from a local car show with about 60 cars. everyone of them( that I could see) except the originals. had basic even nasty battery terminals/ cables. even beautiful cars had gouged battery terminals. Come on people it is a custom/performance car forget the factory or pep boys battery cables and terminals, UPGRADE! While I am partially guilty of that with my wagon right now BUT it is not done.

You run high tech EFI, electric fans, ETC yet relies on 40 year old charging system which on a good day may put out 60 amps at highway speeds. or the same 40 year old wiring to get your high amp alternator charge to your battery? Using to small wire gauge to supply your battery is like using a garden hose to put out a forest fire.

How many are guilty of this or have upgraded there cables/terminals??? or even upgraded your electrical system.

Tim

[Jim Nilsen]

Wish I could have been at the car show to make you proud.
I know what you mean but to some it is one of the "if it ain't broke don't fix it " things that once the car starts and runs you close the hood and eventually say F it and just drive.
Real car guys that like to drive rather than wrench will do that.
But if you have a pristine show piece or a numbers matching car or at least the attitude that you car is perfect and you see the wiring that is just plain wrong you begin to wonder?

Don't forget the battery terminal covers to keep it safe.

[vette427-sbc]

The wiring is the first thing I look at! Clean, properly routed, properly protected and the biggest thing that I think alot of people forget about... SERVICEABLE!! Chances are you are going to be taking things apart again. I made my own wire harness for my car and all major harnesses and components unplug for easy R&R. (unfortunately, this has already proven to be useful :hand:)

[DTM Racing]

Looks wise, a well engineered system can be a bit "bulky"
However, we like to make sure our systems are reliable and strong. No crimp connectors, everything is soldered and covered. This Alt puts out 14.6 volts, and 90 amps at idle, 143 at full boogie. Way beyound what the stock harness can handle.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/1149186_637364229621044_767403368_o_zps8-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Bajadak/media/1149186_637364229621044_767403368_o_zps88074f2c.jp g.html)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/1146433_637364219621045_244440837_o_zps1-1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Bajadak/media/1146433_637364219621045_244440837_o_zps1ae3db2e.jp g.html)

[astroracer]

I am working on the van wiring right now. No scrimping and no gouged terminals. Everything will be well routed, protected AND servicable! This is no easy task to do things right and is taking a lot longer then I ever thought it would.
Building all of the relay centers and locating components is time consuming! :)
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/photovi-7.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/photo1vi-4.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2013/08/photovi-21.jpg

[SSLance]

Worse than battery cables and connectors in my opinion...are spark plug wires...

It is unbelievable how many engines I see with all sorts of pretty up doo-dads all over them...and spark plug wires just laying wherever they fall. Never understood that detail failure.

[N2BNLOW]

I haven't made it that far yet, heck I'm still running on the generator.

[mmosley]

Optima in the trunk, 0 gauge hot and ground cables, relays for all the important stuff including fans and the headlights, 136amp alternator (tested put out about 165 amps), dedicated 6 gauge cable from the alternator back to the battery, dedicated 6 gauge cable from the alternator ground terminal to the cylinder head, and etcetera. Will be re-doing some of this when the car goes back together.

[mmosley]

-double post: sorry-