Please all reply I need help

[chevelle1970]

Tim,
AKA 71RS/SS396
VA talked me into trying a 140 amp 3 wire Tuff Stuff. Rick at VA said I need to run a ground from the alternator case to the block, I’m going to try that he also said I may need a larger wire from the alternator to the Junction/Starter I think I’m running an 8 gauge I’ll go to a say 4 gauge what do ya think?

Thank you to everyone that replied your thoughts and consideration are much appreciated.
Good luck on all your projects.
Keith

[71RS/SS396]

Tim,
AKA 71RS/SS396
VA talked me into trying a 140 amp 3 wire Tuff Stuff. Rick at VA said I need to run a ground from the alternator case to the block, I’m going to try that he also said I may need a larger wire from the alternator to the Junction/Starter I think I’m running an 8 gauge I’ll go to a say 4 gauge what do ya think?

Thank you to everyone that replied your thoughts and consideration are much appreciated.
Good luck on all your projects.
Keith

You could just run another 8 gauge to the starter/junction and probably accomplish the same thing I've done this in the past and had good results. I would also overkill the wire size for the power feeds to your fan relays. You will reduce the voltage drop by using larger wire which will lower the current usage. I'm basically using the same set-up you currently have with the same accy. and the only time I see low volts is at idle with everything on, as soon as I come off idle the volt gauge goes up past 13V. It certainly won't hurt installing the bigger alt. though.

[TnBlkC230WZ]

Tim,
AKA 71RS/SS396
VA talked me into trying a 140 amp 3 wire Tuff Stuff. Rick at VA said I need to run a ground from the alternator case to the block, I’m going to try that he also said I may need a larger wire from the alternator to the Junction/Starter I think I’m running an 8 gauge I’ll go to a say 4 gauge what do ya think?

Thank you to everyone that replied your thoughts and consideration are much appreciated.
Good luck on all your projects.
Keith

How long is the current charge wire? Wire size is determined by load and length. At 160 amps a four foot 8 gauge wire will have a 1 volt drop on a 12 volt system (slightly more at 14 volts). This one volt drop is within normal ranges and isn't an issue if your sense wire is there to up the voltage. With a one wire alternator, you will never get full voltage unless you are only drawing 25 or 30 amps.

I don't recommend a one wire altenator for street applications either, but if you do run one, you need to up your wire sizes one or two gauge sizes. So if your run is over 2 feet, a 4 gauge cable is needed instead of the 8 gauge needed for the three wire alternator. Under two feet and the 8 gauge should be ok with only a .5 volt drop.

Keep in mind your nominal draw is probably less than 80 amps

[H2Ogbodies]

A often overlooked concern with underhood wire is to make sure it is iso rated for proper heat protection-inferior wire has metal fillers such as tin and aluminum that can not only make it more brittle but makes it not withstand heat as well, so current draw can create more heat with in the wire than with quality iso rated wire designed for automotive use. I use Delphi spools for most of the harnesses and relay kits I build.

[chevelle1970]

Thanks again guys good advice. I will go to a three wire alternator; also I would say the wire running from the alternator around the back of the motor/firewall to the starter junction block is about 4 feet long. Tim I think I will do as you suggested and just add another 8 gauge wire that will save me from having to peel the harness apart.
I bought most of the wire when I was doing the project from summit most of the wire was Painless branded wire hopefully it is a good quality wire?
Thanks again for all the help and suggestions I have printed off this thread and plan to attack this using all the suggestions.
Tim I need to go back and look at the cooling fan wire as well and increase the size.
I used wire that was the same size as the wire that spal had coming out of the fans. In looking at this I did find a connecter that was burned. I changed the connecter and saw a 3 amp load drop.
Thanks for that advice as well.
You all have been a great help I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. I was ready to swap out my accessory drive now it looks like everything will most likely work out ok.
Ya’ll Rock!!
Keith