Assistance adding junctions, and general advice.

[Mr Nick]

Over the years I've added a few electrical items to my Cutlass. Least year I added FAST EFI and a radio, and decided it was time to re-visit how everything was wired. Below is a diagram of my Alt / Batt / Horn Relay connections, and all the accessories I've added.

I am currently using 8 ga. amplifier cable from the Alt to Batt, and Horn Relay to Batt. However, I've read this isn't the best option?

What I want to confirm:

• Routing of the charge cables is correct.
• Where to add a junction to positive side for all the accessories (between Alt and Horn Relay, or between Horn Relay and Batt?)
• Depending where the junction ends up, do I run the charge cable to the junction or leave it at Horn Relay?

I'm looking at something like this:
Attachment 90231
Although something with a cover would look much nicer IMO.

[astroracer]

You need to go here:
http://madelectrical.com/
Do some reading and get some back ground and then ask a few questions. The MAD site will pretty much point you in the right direction. We can help once you get an understanding of what you have and where you need to go with your wiring.
Mark

[Mr Nick]

Yep, I'm familiar with his site. That's where I learned the importance of keeping a 3-wire alternator instead of a 1-wire style.

System 3 http://madelectrical.com/electricalt...evymain2.shtml is a great example of what I think I need. However, it shows accessories added to the Horn Relay, and uses a CN-1 http://madelectrical.com/catalog/cn-1.shtml junction to replace the factory splice. But his description for the CN-1 as a product suggests putting accessories there. I assume hooking up accessories at either spot is fine. I'm looking to reduce clutter at the battery terminals, and make sure everything is safe. I'll probably keep the FAST ECU wired directly to the battery, which the instructions clearly dictate. And run all other accessories off a junction spot. If I ever add an audio amp, that would go straight to the battery as well.

[another69]

Your wiring looks pretty solid to me. MSD also recommends going direct to the battery, but I did what you did. Put the new junction at the horn relay and run all the wiring to it, making it a new, solid junction. Then jump one wire to the old horn relay from the new junction to power it. That way the horn relay will become more of an accessory, and the rest of the wiring will be pretty much unchanged. It may also be a good idea to run the fans off the new junction rather than the battery.

[PhillipM]

I just want to add that most car audio cable is complete crap. Get some quality 8 or even 4 gauge battery cable made for the application. You'll feel the difference when you're holding it even.