Can I use my 4 gauge "audio" wire to hook up my alternator?
09-19-09, 01:05 PM
#1
Can I use my 4 gauge "audio" wire to hook up my alternator?
Installing tomorrow my 200amp alternator that I just bought. I have spare 2-4 gauge wires (Monster) from my audio setup. I need to connect a larger gauge to accommodate the new output. Question being is that can I use those audio wires or shall I buy electrical ones from AutoZone?
Thanks!
Thanks!
09-19-09, 01:39 PM
#2
http://www.rbeelectronics.com/wtable.htm
Go to the last chart. 12v/200A at 3ft only calls for 10gauge. Even 5 feet only needs 8 gauge. You should have plenty of headroom with 4 gauge.
Go to the last chart. 12v/200A at 3ft only calls for 10gauge. Even 5 feet only needs 8 gauge. You should have plenty of headroom with 4 gauge.
09-19-09, 02:06 PM
#5
Lexus Test Driver
4awg would be fine. Where did you get the alternator? I was going to upgrade my big three this weekend when I decided I'm going to need the alternator to support my flux capacitor and my future audio setup but I wasn't sure who makes a me good one.
09-19-09, 02:20 PM
#6
I got it off ebay. Called them up and did my research. I will attempt to install it tomorrow and will keep you updated. So far the seller is quick in shipping. Paid on Thursday and received it today. Pretty fast. Also a 1 year warranty on top. Below is another link that he just posted since I bought his. FYI I'm running Yellow Top Optima, JL Sub 13W6, JL 300/4, JL 500/1, 4.5 Farad, and more. This is my last upgrade hoping it'll help fix the auto shut off from my amp to the sub once hitting 50 volume. Oh yeah, all my dials are turn down and it's not even running at 30% capacity.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lexus...d=p3911.c0.m14
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lexus...d=p3911.c0.m14
)... nothing like overkill for power upgrade, but you should do "The Big Three" while you're at it:
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09-19-09, 04:49 PM
#8
BTW, your "auto shut off" doesnt makes sence! I think you may be wanting more than you're getting from that woofer and you might be turning your deck too high trying to push more out of it and thats where your clipping is coming from. JL's shouldnt have ANY problems clipping like that! Hope it DOES work for you and isnt something else. The JL amps power themselves they way they are built and are bad as s.... I'm running (or rather WAS running) 2 JL 1000/1 amps and a 450/4 and 3 1800amp batteries off stock alternator and NEVER had a problem. IMO, its better to overpower your woofer and stay off the gain 
Last edited by Mr Jokster; 09-19-09 at 04:52 PM.
09-19-09, 04:54 PM
#9
BTW, thats an awesome deal on that alternator... I might have to pick one up.
09-20-09, 10:17 PM
#14
Lets see if I can remember this correctly.... Most to all of the time what companies do to achieve ~200 amps is with the regulator and not the actual alternator thus making the alternator to work its rear off before it melts down :/ the other thing that happens is that yup it does well, but instead of running 200amps its actually making 140amps, but in that case, thats still a lot of juice . but again you can put 25psi on an engine block, but doesnt mean it wont blow a head gasket, meaning... you can get an alternator to pump out 200 amps of juice, but doesnt mean it not gonna break down. I've even heard that some top dogs like Stinger alternators have failed. The best of the best are the Arragi alternators, but are hard to find...
. but again you can put 25psi on an engine block, but doesnt mean it wont blow a head gasket, meaning... you can get an alternator to pump out 200 amps of juice, but doesnt mean it not gonna break down. I've even heard that some top dogs like Stinger alternators have failed. The best of the best are the Arragi alternators, but are hard to find...
09-21-09, 11:45 AM
#15
Lets see if I can remember this correctly.... Most to all of the time what companies do to achieve ~200 amps is with the regulator and not the actual alternator thus making the alternator to work its rear off before it melts down :/ the other thing that happens is that yup it does well, but instead of running 200amps its actually making 140amps, but in that case, thats still a lot of juice . but again you can put 25psi on an engine block, but doesnt mean it wont blow a head gasket, meaning... you can get an alternator to pump out 200 amps of juice, but doesnt mean it not gonna break down. I've even heard that some top dogs like Stinger alternators have failed. The best of the best are the Arragi alternators, but are hard to find...
. but again you can put 25psi on an engine block, but doesnt mean it wont blow a head gasket, meaning... you can get an alternator to pump out 200 amps of juice, but doesnt mean it not gonna break down. I've even heard that some top dogs like Stinger alternators have failed. The best of the best are the Arragi alternators, but are hard to find...Last edited by sakataj; 10-18-10 at 07:25 AM.