joelx21

iTrader: (8)

I'm in the process of doing the BIG 3 in my 2000 Z28 Camaro with 1 AWG, but now I'm stumped.
I understand the BIG 3 as being:

BIG 3 =
Alternator to battery (+)
Engine block ground to battery (-)
Chassis ground to battery (-)

However, when I went to the positive terminal, I found more cables than I expected.


CABLE #1: Being one of the BIG 3, I expected to see.

I wasn't expecting to see CABLE #1 and CABLE #2.
What are their functions?
When doing the BIG 3, do I need to replace all of them? Wouldn't that make it the BIG 5?

Thanks,
Joel

joelx21

iTrader: (8)

I'm thinking about buying extended bolts for the side posts.

For the (+) side
-I'll use the factory (+) ring terminal and just cut off the wire that I'm replacing(CABLE #1) and replace it with 1 AWG.
-I will then hook up the new cable directly to the new bolt.
For the (-) side
-I'll toss the factory ring terminal and hook both grounds directly to the new bolt

That way, I'll leave the other wires alone.

What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Joel

Fosnot

iTrader: (15)

When I did the big 3 I did
2ga:
alternator to battery+
battery negative to chassis
engine black to chassis.

shoemike

iTrader: (25)

The #3 wire that is in the loom with the block ground, goes to the starter.

BTW
There is a non sponsor that sells a 2 gauge cable kit.

joelx21

iTrader: (8)

Loom... that's what it's called.

I was originally going to go with 0 gauge, but decided that it was too big. I then wound up getting(finding) 3/0 and 1 awg wire. The 3/0 is too big and while the 1 awg wire is also a tad overkill... it was free! If it wasn't for that, I would definitely go with the 2 awg.

What I suggest earlier... would it work?

• Cut cable #1 from the (+)OEM ring that goes to the alternator

• Keep the (+)OEM terminal with the remaining accessories cables
• Buy extended terminal bolts

• Bolt in the OEM ring and the 1 awg alternator cable with the extended terminal bolt.

It won't look pretty, but I'm wondering if it will do the trick.

I really appreciate your help guys. I have never attempted to do anything electrical on my car before and while I'm sure that I'm making this out harder than it actually is... I just want to make sure that I do it properly.

Joel