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Positive battery cable

markl350

markl350

Donation Time
What gauge copper would be recommended for custom making a positive battery cable for my Tiger with Hipo 289? Thanks!
 
You will find some threads on this forum regarding the battery cable gauge by using a search engine with "site:forum.sunbeamalpine.org battery cable gauge".
 
I made all my own battery cables when I ran my automotive business. I would try #2 AWG for a stock small block with that length, the object being one-quarter volt drop from battery to starter. How high is the compression? Does it drag or kick when cranking hot? Maybe #1 AWG. A modern, permanent magnet gear reduction starter like the Denso adapted units will draw less cranking amps than original starter. I like the idea of protecting the cable with fiberglass sleeve. I swedge terminals, use marine glue filled heat shrink, and a little solder. I like AGM deep cycle/ marine batteries.
 
hartmandm said:
You will find some threads on this forum regarding the battery cable gauge by using a search engine with "site:forum.sunbeamalpine.org battery cable gauge".
Click to expand...
I did try searching but everything I could find was geared toward Alpines, not Tigers. Thanks for the suggestion and a great site.
 
Shannon Boal said:
I made all my own battery cables when I ran my automotive business. I would try #2 AWG for a stock small block with that length, the object being one-quarter volt drop from battery to starter. How high is the compression? Does it drag or kick when cranking hot? Maybe #1 AWG. A modern, permanent magnet gear reduction starter like the Denso adapted units will draw less cranking amps than original starter. I like the idea of protecting the cable with fiberglass sleeve. I swedge terminals, use marine glue filled heat shrink, and a little solder. I like AGM deep cycle/ marine batteries.
Click to expand...
 
Thank you very much for the information and links. I was also thinking #2 since it is turning over easily now, the cable has just seen better days and I don't want to risk it. I plan on ordering a premade one from Battery CablesUSA. Agreed on the AGM deep cycle / marine. Do you recommend putting in some type of a fusable link?
 
markl350 said:
Thank you very much for the information and links. I was also thinking #2 since it is turning over easily now, the cable has just seen better days and I don't want to risk it. I plan on ordering a premade one from Battery CablesUSA. Agreed on the AGM deep cycle / marine. Do you recommend putting in some type of a fusable link?
Click to expand...
Fuse links not used (or suitable). I suggest double protection anywhere the cable can be damaged by heat or mechanical means. You can slide fiberglass sleeve on the cable over the end with the lug. Belt and suspenders work fine. Measure twice when you order....allow for slight loop at ends and bends. Factory cable length a smidge short.... You might ask the maker if they offer sleeving.
 
markl350 said:
I did try searching but everything I could find was geared toward Alpines, not Tigers. Thanks for the suggestion and a great site.
Click to expand...
What I found was Alpine cables were likely originally #4 and Tigers had longer and thicker cables. :)
 
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