Electrical Is 2 Gauge Too Big?

MikeH686

Mine is only two inches though.
10 Year Member
Oct 11, 2011
2,846
1,755
184
Waldorf, MD
Hey guys getting the last little bit of wiring done in the car. My question is I'm tucking wires and running a new wire for my starter going from the solenoid to the starter by the inside of the fender around the radiator support and back down the other fender to the starter so maybe 10 feet max is 2 gauge wire overkill going to this? And I haven't ran the small wire for the start solenoid on the top of the starter ( hi torque mini starter) I was think 12 gauge for that. I'm rewiring the starter solenoid to use a smaller relay and distribution block for all the power wires on the body ... any help would be appreciated here
 
  • Sponsors (?)


I guess bigger is better than smaller. I believe I used 10 gauge for the smaller wire, btw. I used 4 gauge for the starter power wire. IIRC, these were the stock sizes when I replaced them.

Joe
 
Yeah I bought a 59 foot roll of it so I'm gonna use it as much as I can I'm gonna make two grounding straps as well on each side of the block in the back going to the body .
 
2ga is a good idea if your battery is in the trunk.

If you have any left over, let me know. I'll buy some off you. I'm gonna need some 2ga from my starter to my accessory terminal posts.
 
Wire size current table:
53745d1205096904-how-determine-proper-fuse-wire-size-wire-gauge-current-capacity-lenght-chart.gif
 
I figured that just wanted to reassure myself haha thanks and since I'm talking bout thus what amp rating should I get for the starter relay 30 or 40?
The control side of the starter is not a high current circuit. A 30 Amp relay and 10 gauge automotive grade wire should be good. Use automotive grade wire because it has a higher temp rating for the insulation.
 
Yea, I'm using 1/0 welding cable for my battery cables. Some prefer not to use welding cable in automotive applications, but the price was right and it will definitely get the job done. I bough GXL for all my circuit wiring (14-18ga stuff)
 
Right I thought you would need bigger then me because your probably double length of run. RacEoHolic330 you know where to get a 40 amp relay that can go inside my fender like waterproof or resistant? Or would it not be a problem