Big 3 Upgrade: wire lengths?

I did some searching around the 1st gen and tech chat forums but have so far come up empty. I'm about to do the 'big 3' upgrade coupled with a CS144 alternator and I am looking for advice from others on how long to make each of the wires.

I've only found wiring diagrams and photos thus far, all I need is specific lengths of each wire so I can order some custom-cut, pre crimped 1/0 wires.

I'm also planning to throw either a 200A fuse or breaker in the alt-battery wire. Any advice on which to use?

Cheers.

 

For your lengths, can you run a temporary wire, take it out and measure it?

 

Use some string or small gauge wire follow the path you want measure .

I make mine own cables so I just measure the old ones add an extra 2" longer is better then to short.

 

Thanks, I did that yesterday with some 14ga lying around so I have some estimates based on where I figured I would run the cables. I wanted to see if anybody had information from their trucks that worked for them.

 

Thing is I might decide to run my wires completely different then you .

Give you my measurements you end up with cable a foot to long or worse to short.

This way you know what you want for the way you want to route them.

 

Before you go cutting wires, you'll need this adaptor. I have the part number laying around somewhere. I'll post it when I find it.

 

I did that. This isn't like a dual battery setup though, where someone's second battery could be in one of several different locations (all with their own respective wire lengths).
I'm wondering where people ran theirs and how long the wires were as examples.

For the GM CS-144 alternator? I picked up the proper harness and plug from Rockauto when I ordered the alternator. If you're talking about something else though then I'm interested to know.

 

^ Post a pic of what you have,
The one I have, plugs into the GM alternator and the other end... the Toyota plug that went into the OEM alternator plugs into it.

 

That's a bomb-ass adapter then. I just bought the GM harness plug with the intention of splicing it into the Toyota plug's location, but your way is much easier. Where did you get it?

 

Found something similar I think:

http://store.alternatorparts.com/wi...cs-style-plug-to-toyotal-oval-style-plug.aspx

 

That is the same that I have. Much better than cutting into your wiring should you decide to go with the OEM alternator.

I went back to OEM as I kept smoking the GM's. Bearings kept going out. Be careful on belt tension with these alternators, they don't handle a tight belt well at all. I don't remember the tension #'s but ask a tech at a Chevy dealer.

Good luck.

 

Will do. Thanks for the tip. I haven't heard of that issue before. I bought an AC Delco alternator so hopefully it holds up.