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Bulkhead or inline connector for engine wiring harness

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Old May 22, 2013 | 09:57 PM
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Default Bulkhead or inline connector for engine wiring harness

I plan to mount the PCM inside the car under the dash. I am looking for a clean bulkhead pass through (or inline connector) to be able to split the main harness. It looks like it would need ~80-90 pins total. I could do it in a couple of connectors as there probably isn't a single one that big. Any experience or ideas are appreciated.

Thanks
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Old May 22, 2013 | 11:15 PM
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Originally Posted by NassauBlue98
I plan to mount the PCM inside the car under the dash. I am looking for a clean bulkhead pass through (or inline connector) to be able to split the main harness. It looks like it would need ~80-90 pins total. I could do it in a couple of connectors as there probably isn't a single one that big. Any experience or ideas are appreciated.

Thanks
Not sure about any connectors, but you can use a split grommet to run your computer through the firewall. I think mine was about $30 from Jegs and it turned out great.

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Old May 22, 2013 | 11:36 PM
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Originally Posted by NassauBlue98
I plan to mount the PCM inside the car under the dash. I am looking for a clean bulkhead pass through (or inline connector) to be able to split the main harness. It looks like it would need ~80-90 pins total. I could do it in a couple of connectors as there probably isn't a single one that big. Any experience or ideas are appreciated.

Thanks
This sort of thing is not for the faint of heart or wallet...

http://www.iimuchfabrication.com/electrical.html

Andrew
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Old May 23, 2013 | 01:21 AM
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Metri-pack bulkhead connector is what you need.



LINK
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Old May 23, 2013 | 08:02 AM
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Originally Posted by sierrac3_s2000
Metri-pack bulkhead connector is what you need.

LINK
Even after buying both male and female connectors you will be tons of cash ahead of the mil-spec stuff from II Much fabrication. This is the route I would go for a driver - it works for the OEM's. The mil-spec stuff does look cool though, Detroit Speed uses them all the time.

One thing to note is either route will require a special crimp tool to make the connections properly.
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Old May 23, 2013 | 08:28 AM
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I uses this connector.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/22-Cavity-Weatherpack-Bulkhead-Connector-Kit-12-to-20-AWG-w-Locks-/230837733667?pt=Race_Car_Parts&hash=item35bf004923&vxp=mtr
very nice, easy to put together.
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Old May 23, 2013 | 09:40 AM
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We use the Molex and Amphenol connectors a lot at work. Definitely a bullet proof way to go. I've seen them used in a few car builds.
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Old May 23, 2013 | 02:38 PM
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Awesome - thanks for all the responses and especially the links, guys! There are a few good options out there.

I have the crimp tools for the weatherpack and metripack (at least the 150, not sure if that is the same one for the 280/480 referenced on the 30 pin), so those are catching my attention. The Molex sure are nice and I have seen those used in vehicle applications. The Molex XRC crimp tool looks like it is $300 - yikes!

The pass through grommet is interesting (and very cost effective) as well. I never really thought about that. The packaging size on that ends up being significantly smaller. I need to do some sizing up on the space I have available.

I assume you guys end up using 3 (or 4) of the 20-31 pin connectors, right?
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Old May 23, 2013 | 06:03 PM
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You can use a much much smaller hole, if you pull the wires out from inside the car to the engine bay instead of having to make a hole big enough to fit the ecu connectors through
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Old May 23, 2013 | 07:37 PM
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Every connection you build into your system will be another source of future trouble. Use the split grommet and pass the (intact) wires through...
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Old May 23, 2013 | 09:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Krom
You can use a much much smaller hole, if you pull the wires out from inside the car to the engine bay instead of having to make a hole big enough to fit the ecu connectors through
Thanks - I was wondering which way would work out better. I was surprised at the small size of the pass through harness in the picture posted earlier...

Originally Posted by S10xGN
Every connection you build into your system will be another source of future trouble. Use the split grommet and pass the (intact) wires through...
You're very right. There is a lot to be said for the simplicity of the pass through. The bulkhead connector has the advantage of easier removal/install, but you risk more and pay more for it.

I'm still doing my research, but your point is well taken...

Originally Posted by 1964SS
Not sure about any connectors, but you can use a split grommet to run your computer through the firewall. I think mine was about $30 from Jegs and it turned out great.
Thanks for posting this, 1964SS.

More details for anyone following this or searching it later:

I found it at Summit for sub $30 like you said: Link to split grommet at Summit
- Available with holes from 1/4" to 1" in 1/8" increments.
- I also found that the overall outer diameter is 3".

Seals-It Website
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Old May 24, 2013 | 12:47 AM
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I used the grommet like the one above on my previous build. They work well and seal really well around your harness. In the future though I will use the bulkhead. You are correct that for the engine you will only need a few wires but I plan on running my complete front end harness through mine and hide it inside a fender well out of sight. That way if the front end ever needs to be removed it will be a simple process.
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Old May 24, 2013 | 02:49 AM
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Very common in the import community, I would suggest buying a harness though. Ive had a few friends run his honda harnesses without problems.
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Old May 24, 2013 | 05:29 AM
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Originally Posted by S10xGN
Every connection you build into your system will be another source of future trouble. Use the split grommet and pass the (intact) wires through...
Boy, I don't know about that. I see your argument. If you were talking 1970 and older connections I wouldn't hesitate to agree. I know Chrysler used some firewall bulkhead connectors that have pretty bad reputations. But can't say I've ever had an issue with EFI connectors. The sealed metric pack stuff is massively reliable and the Molex stuff is expensive for a reason.

At the same time I think everyone has had issues with wires chaffing on sheet metal edges and causing intermittent shorts. That kind of bug will flat drive you crazy. Obviously keeping the grommets in good shape and you have a single point of failure. But still, if you build the connector right it and do a lot or maintenance being able to disconnect the wires rather than tugging them out of the way might be the better option.
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Old May 24, 2013 | 07:13 PM
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It will take a long time for the bundle to chafe through the grommet, then split loom then wire jacket. If it still bothers you, hollow out an OEM pass through grommet, run the LS bundle through and inject with sealant
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Old May 24, 2013 | 07:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Pop N Wood
Boy, I don't know about that. I see your argument. If you were talking 1970 and older connections I wouldn't hesitate to agree. I know Chrysler used some firewall bulkhead connectors that have pretty bad reputations. But can't say I've ever had an issue with EFI connectors. The sealed metric pack stuff is massively reliable and the Molex stuff is expensive for a reason.

At the same time I think everyone has had issues with wires chaffing on sheet metal edges and causing intermittent shorts. That kind of bug will flat drive you crazy. Obviously keeping the grommets in good shape and you have a single point of failure. But still, if you build the connector right it and do a lot or maintenance being able to disconnect the wires rather than tugging them out of the way might be the better option.

I'm talking (the integrity of) factory connections vs. home-built. You never know what you're gonna get when home builders do connectors. For instance, I always solder all of my electrical connections and thought that was the best way until reading posts by PSI harnesses. Now I may re-think my methodology...
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Old May 24, 2013 | 10:48 PM
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I am planing to try these ****IF**** I ever get my swap running.
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Old May 25, 2013 | 08:57 AM
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If you really want to spend some cash jump over to aircraft connectors, Nickle or Stainless, ratching lock built it, VERY nice, very $$ and use high $$ tools.
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Old May 29, 2013 | 10:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Project GatTagO
This sort of thing is not for the faint of heart or wallet...



Andrew

Those of you that are using the Molex connectors (like the Molex XRC), what are you using for crimp tools? I can't find anything less than $300. But, I have found multiple places, including the link above, that says you can use standard crimp tools. To me a standard crimp tool is not $300, so they must know something I don't know...
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Old May 29, 2013 | 11:30 PM
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We are just finishing up a project car that I used the Ampseal 35 pin headers, and connectors on.


Just like those but in the 35 pin version.

Here is a quick video I did of the wiring project so far.

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