HELPPPPPP .I just did the big 3 with my car but didnt do the ground to the engine block, i replaced the alternator to battery, and battery to frame. my car wont start.. what's wrong?
@ninjafisheez Did you lave the stock wires connected? If not, reconnect the stock wires as well. Most vehicles run the primary charge line from the alternator through a fuse box, then into the battery.
@jeffm4688 If you look at 4:09 you will see that there is a bolt on the factory harness...we simply removed the factory wire that went from that bolt to the battery terminal and replaced it with a longer wire that went to the new battery terminal. Those are Hook Audio battery terminals.
Hey I and the same scion xb as shown in the video and I was wondering if you could tell me what size terminals were use on the O gauge wire that you connected to the alternator, strut, and block.. thanks.. great video btw
@big827 How much power do you plan to run? It certainly doesn't hurt to use 0 awg, but something like 4awg would be ideal around 1000 watts rms. Just an example.
I have a question. I have an amp running 1200w with a stock battery and alternator. My car is acting weird I'm guessing it's the battery. Should I upgrade to the big 3, a cap for my battery, or just a better battery.
@Dinam1ta With 1200wrms, you have likely exceeded the capability of your battery/alternator combo. The BIG 3 helps with delivery on the charging side, but you may need to look at upgrading your battery to a nice deep cycle capable of the power you are working with. Pass on the capacitor as it is a bandaid which can cause more harm to the amplifier and not a solution.
@BigLongJon21 The size of your wire from the front battery to the amp(s) is dependent upon your total watts. I like running 0 awg to a distribution block in the back so that you can add your amplifier(s) to that block and expand from there. What is the total watts rms of your system?
@KillerKlown707 In this example, the alternator chassis is bolted DIRECTLY to the engine and there is no need for a wire from alternator chassis to ground. In some vehicles the alternator is mounted separately and a separate ground wire from alternator chassis to battery ground would be ideal for continuity of the circuit.
@millbrook792 It is suggested, but not required. The question to ask yourself is whether you are going to be running anything over 1000wrms or not? If so, upgrade the battery. If not, why are you upgrading the wiring?
im confused on where the alternator's ground is, i know its grounded to the engine, but wheres the pre-existent engine to chassis in my 2001 pontiac sunfire.. i can not find it, battery to ground is obvious, alternator to battery positive is obvious, engine to chassis is not obvious, please message me !
i have a question. im wanting to do this upgrade to my 2006 monte carlo. but the positive lead routes from the battery to the starter, then to the alternater. is it possible to route 1/0 gauge wire from the battery to alternater? i dont to be blowing any fuses or mess up my altnater.
@PlayasWays Check the forums to see if anyone has successfully completed the BIG 3 on your vehicle and follow their advice. If you don't have luck going that route, contact a reputable mechanic.
@brucekirk89 Check the audio forums for people that have your vehicle and may have performed The BIG 3. There experience could save you some time and headache.
If I put a fuse on the wire running from alt. positive to battery positive will i have to run another wire to my fuse box because my factory wiring has a wire running from the fuse box to that wire...???
If i put a fuse on the alt positive to battery positive wire then will i have to run another wire to my fuse box because in my 92 honda accord, it has another wire running from the positive battery terminal to the fuse box..??
@little11Nicky The factory charge wire in most vehicles runs through the fuse box. It is recommended to leave the factory wires in place and simply piggy back the new runs for the upgrade.
@frierson987 Most vehicles are equipped with a low voltage indication. This would be triggered if the voltage drops to the level determined by the vehicles' manufacturer. Since the factory fuse box is still connected, the low voltage light would still be triggered.
Comps and 2 12 JL power by a 400 watt amp ken wood and a planet audio 2500 watt amp and all my wiring was done with monster cable 2 gauge (I think) I also have 4x8 kicker speakers and wanted to upgrade my deck and my rear entertainment system that came stock with the SUV
@Drakky69 The inline fuse from alt+ to batt+ is not required. If you choose to do this then the fuse value should be just above the max rating on the alternator.
Great vid and im glad some1 did a vid explaining that you can leave the factory wire in and just add the big3 on top i have to do it that way cause my factory wire from my alt runs to my battery goes through the fuse box and then battery so i cant remove the original gear but the question i have is what do i do when i install my 250amp alt do i still leave the factory wire or will i have to somehow remove it i have i 1992 subaru legacy gx
@sikvibration The manufacturer of your alternator should have specific instructions for installation of their alt in your vehicle. They may recommend that you use the factory charge wire, or they may insist that you upgrade that run.
@ladodgerslakers2010 Just keep in mind that the smaller wires used will create more resistance in your circuit. I typically recommend doing the upgrade with the same size wire across the board, but it isn't required.
Coo coo thanks bro I'm doing the 3 tomorrow and I was going to connect the black wire to any part of my cars frame to ground it LOL now I know not to hahaha !!! Again thank you.
Ok so I just do alternator to + terminal and connect the black wire coming from my led fuse holder to my negative battery terminal right? By the way if it helps my led fuse holder it's a ((xscorpion)) THANKS
@rickywhitted You are correct that the fusing should be just over the maxx rating of the alternator. This is what was on hand at the time of the video.
wheres a good place online to order the battery ends and the crimp ends for the wires. i have looked around to no avail. i am looking for 2 gauge wire that i am going to run. and 4 gauge to my amp.who makes the battery ends you used on the video? they look well built.
@jeffnjess4 The connections I used are from Hooker Audio. You can get quality connections from AudioSavings, OnlineCarStereo and SonicElectronix d o t com to name a few.
Thanks for this great video! I am relatively new to performance car audio although I have "dabbled" with simple stuff like changing HU's and speakers and installing amps, crossovers etc in the past. Like the last guy to comment on this video, I'm not 100% sure what the positive terminal jumper that you installed is actually for - could you clarify please? Thanks again for the video!
@unicorn7337 If you are referencing the jumper from the positive post on the alternator to the positive battery terminal then that is to increase delivery from the alt to batt by decreasing resistance.
Where can i get the terminal adapters. Those specific ones you used. The fleabay ones be pos garbage(most of them) and made of material that isnt great at conductivity
@bsems1000 Those adapters are made by a company called Hooker Audio. Since YouTube doesn't allow links, I would recommend Googling HookerAudio and hitting there site from there.
Hey I'm doing the big 3 and I have a question... I have a led volt display fuse holder. Can you let me know step by step how to do the alternator to + terminal plus how to connect my led Fuse holder ((the holder only has a 1 black wire)) PLEASE!! thanks !!
@BLAssT0 Follow the steps I have provided in the video. The only additional step you need to take is connecting your black wire (ground) to the negative post on the battery.
Hi I have question.... Can you please detail more the connection from the "alternator to + terminal and the fuse box"??? What and how you did it??.... I'm still a bit confuse ((sorry.. I'm new at this)) I would really appreciate your help. THANK YOU
I have a question, I see that a lot of people upgrade a "engine block to chasis". Would that be equivalent to the "Negative terminal to Engine block" like you just did? Mine has the same "Negative terminal to Engine block" wire like yours so i'm not surr if I have to upgrade that AND add a "engine block to chasis" wire.
@jarred3636 The tutorial I provided is the traditional BIG 3. The run you are referencing is often mentioned in what the guys on many forums have begun doing. They are calling it the BIG 4 upgrade. Your engine is bolted directly to the frame of the vehicle so I see no reason for this run. But, the upgraded run from the engine block to the negative battery post is a must in the upgrade process.
@romyro1 Not that I've ever seen. You are simply adding additional runs to what is already in place. Decreasing resistance and increasing delivery. This has been done for many years.
if your runing ur system at 500 watts is zero gauge going to help? because i got a regular toyota battery and was wondering doing the big 3 should i do 4gauge or 0 gauge
@shivam220 In your case, 4 gauge would be sufficient. But, if you plan to upgrade to more powerful amplifiers in the future then you would benefit from doing the BIG 3 upgrade once with the larger wire now.
I'm currently redoing my sound system and will be using two of your amps in my truck. A Hifonics BRZ2100D for my subs and a Hifonics ZXi80.4 to run my mids/highs. With a 200 amp alternator and an xs power d3400 battery under my hood should I be okay or do I need to look into getting an additional battery?
@ctdv55 I would think your current electrical upgrades would be sufficient, but the proof will be when you measure the voltage drop at the power and ground terminals of your amplifier during high volume listening.
@MaxxsonicsUSAInc Actually I wound up running a BRZ2400D and ZXi80.4. Did the big 3 upgrade with all Stinger HPM 1/0 AWG, went with a Stinger SP1500D battery and a DC Power PRO 280 amp alternator. Actually have a few videos of the setup on my page if you want to check it out sometime.
How many batt's are you running in that car? I went to the Kinetik website and calculated that my system is 1350 rms total and it told me I need (2) 1400 Kinetik batt's? Is that accurate?
Two questions. 1) Can I just run the new wire through the fuse box that is factory for the alternator to positive? 2) Is a 0 gauge power wire and a 0 gauge ground wire the same thing? Could I just buy a length of 0 gauge power wire and use it for all three upgrades? Thanks - Jerry
Does that vehicle have two Kinetic 1800's? I went to the website and calculated my rms wattage(1350 watts) and it says I need (2) Kinetic 1400's. I'd rather have one.
so thats all you do is replace the battery and wires??? i thought it was going to be complicated. But you made it look easy, like a 3 year old could watch this video and know how to do it. Thanks.
hello, i just wanted to ask what brand of cable, ring terminals and heat shrink did you use for the upgrade. also did you need a hammer style crimper or pliers style crimper to crimp the ring terminals to the zero gauge wire? thanks again :)
@djlennondbm The BIG 3 upgrade is wire upgrades only. Upgrading the alternator and battery is something entirely different. I just happened to be upgrading the battery when I did this tutorial.
@memodedonachuy The fuse from alt + to batt + is completely optional. If you decide to do so, the value should be a little above the maxx rating on the alternator.
@jr93pdro The fuse from alt + to batt + is completely optional. If you decide to do so, the value should be a little above the maxx rating on the alternator.
hey great videos dude! im installing a high output alternator in my 2005 scion xb,either 130amp or 165 amp. do i need to upgrade all of the big 3 or can i just upgrade the alternator + to the battery +? and by doing this, do you think this will help with the interference problems in my tv monitors? ( lines in the rear screens)
@13mrpunk Your electrical system is only as strong as your weakest link. Leave the factory wire in place and add the additional wiring as you are able. The lines in your screens could have to do with your signal cables being run next to power runs. Try separating your audio and video cables from power runs if possible.
@MaxxsonicsUSAInc Can you please help me, The big 3 is done to my main battery that is in my truck and I am planning on connecting a second battery which my amp will be connected to but the two batteries will be connected with a relay/isolator. Will the Big 3 still help my system or what??
@usualyblazinkronik I would recommend contacting an alternator manufacturer such as XS Power or Ohio Generator since the upgraded alternator depends on the total rms power of your amplifiers as well as the requirements and available models for your vehicle.
How do you know what size fuse to use. i have seen a few of these videos and some don't have a fuse box some do. so how to i find out what size fuse to use?
@portugal82 The fuse from alt + to batt + is completely optional. If you decide to do so, the value should be a little above the maxx rating on the alternator.
ive done this to my car, battery pos. to alternator pos, batt negative to chassis strut tower, engine block to chassis(same spot as batt negative to chassis strut tower) all with 4 awg, is this okay???
hey there hope u are fine!!!!!.....we talked about the big 4 like 3 months ago(dont worry i dont spect u remember u must have thousends of questions every day hahaha) now i bought a siren for my car u know the one that the police car has but this one is small is only 50 watts....my question is how big must the fuse be for this siren?sorry i dont have any other spec, hope u can help me out whit this one cuz i have 1 week witht it and i dont wanna damage it hehehe ....ahh Happy XmaS!!!!!
A question, if you upgrade your car battery ( obviosly to strongr one) wont you need a more powerfull alternator and wont it fry some fuses or electrical equipment?
@Simonas69 Upgrading the battery increases the reserve for the electrical system. The overall voltage is typically lower for the system if the alternator is not upgraded as well. Fuses and electrical equipment are not affected simply by upgrading wiring and batteries.
i heard that using the kinetic batteries as your actual car battery is not that great..especially in the winter i heard they are not good then..any truth to that?
@MaxxsonicsUSAInc Can you please help me, The big 3 is done to my main battery that is in my truck and I am planning on connecting a second battery which my amp will be connected to but the two batteries will be connected with a relay/isolator. Will the Big 3 still help my system or what??
@MaxxsonicsUSAInc Can you please help me, The big 3 is done to my main battery that is in my truck and I am planning on connecting a second battery which my amp will be connected to but the two batteries will be connected with a relay/isolator. Will the Big 3 still help my system or what??
@MaxxsonicsUSAInc With a optima battery and 140amp with the big 3 done, what else do i need to run the soundstream XXX6500 amp and the soundstream REF4.920? would i need another battery, capacitor, or could just run both?
@dbow79 In my tests, Optima yellow top batteries are good for around 1800 watts. You will need more batteries for sure, and maybe even a larger alternator. Measuring the voltage drop at the power and ground terminals on the XXX6500 will provide your answer.
@akosiasizzz yeah you can but it depends how much power you planning on powering? I would just do it in 1/0 so that you wont have to come back and replace it
@akosiasizzz yeah you can but it depends how much power you planning on powering I would just do it in 1/0 so that you wont have to come back and replace it
@akosiasizzz you can...but, as a car audio guy myself, I cannot recommend it (unless your needs are minimal). i did mine with 4 gauge about 10 years ago. now i'm installing a bigger, better system and, let me tell you, i should have gone with the 0 gauge. i always tell people to consider changes they might make down the road as well. but, if you plan to keep the power demand down and do not plan to add any more wattage to your system, 4 gauge is fine. hope this helps.
So why do you put a fuse on the 0 gauge wire from the alt to the battery if the factory wire is still hooked up. Why dont you have to fuse then both or neither of them. A little confused on that.
And if you install an amp to this set up, do you need to put a fused link on wire that goes to the amp? If so what size?
@Wjncs The fuse from alt + to batt + is completely optional. If you decide to do so, the value should be a little above the maxx rating on the alternator. In many vehicles the stock wiring runs through the factory fuse box.
Yes, any power run coming off of the battery requires an in-line fuse within 12" of the + battery terminal. The total fusing can typically be figured by adding the total fusing of your amplifiers together. It is ok to round up if needed.
@jp198780 just so the factory positive and the positive from the alt can have a nice clean connection at the terminal. Its not mandatory. just probably pleases the eye more.
Is it possible to just install a completely different power system for all aftermarket needs? Ex. I want to install a second new battery and alternator to solely run all my aftermarket stuff.
@What8Really what you want is a dual battery system one battery to start the car one to run everything else no need to run a second altenator just need a battery isolater talk to your local auto electrition
yes you can. the normal way of doing this is by replacing your ac compressor with an alternator because of mounting issues. but you can always find another mounting location. any more questions? let me know.
hey mike i just got a 1997 nissan pathfinder and im planning on installing 4 ascendant audio 15in. mayhem subwoofers and to move those 2 hifonics brutus brz 3000.1d (1 for each pair) also im replacing my factory alt. for a mechman 220 amp. alt. and a knetik khc2400 for my factory batt. also 2 extra khc2000 for the amps what do you think of this what can i improve on what else will i need for this set up?? oh and im also going to be using 18sound speakers what amp will you recomend to move them??
@007novice The BIG 3 upgrade provides increased delivery over factory wiring by reducing the resistance in the circuit. Think about drinking a milkshake through a coffee stir vs a larger diameter straw. Which will work faster and with less effort? The battery was changed to increase the reserve in my electrical system. This helps my amplifier live up to their potential. In some applications an upgraded alternator is required as well.
wht will u prefer this setup to power
BigLongJon21 3 months ago
im running 2 10;s through a 1300watt amp. is that a big enough amp?
okjustleave 3 months ago
@okjustleave What's the rms power handling of each subwoofer?
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 3 months ago
HELPPPPPP .I just did the big 3 with my car but didnt do the ground to the engine block, i replaced the alternator to battery, and battery to frame. my car wont start.. what's wrong?
ninjafisheez 3 months ago
@ninjafisheez Did you lave the stock wires connected? If not, reconnect the stock wires as well. Most vehicles run the primary charge line from the alternator through a fuse box, then into the battery.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 3 months ago
How did you guys extend the factory positive & what kind of terminals were those ?
jeffm4688 3 months ago
@jeffm4688 If you look at 4:09 you will see that there is a bolt on the factory harness...we simply removed the factory wire that went from that bolt to the battery terminal and replaced it with a longer wire that went to the new battery terminal. Those are Hook Audio battery terminals.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 3 months ago
Hey I and the same scion xb as shown in the video and I was wondering if you could tell me what size terminals were use on the O gauge wire that you connected to the alternator, strut, and block.. thanks.. great video btw
scorpiocityboy 3 months ago
@scorpiocityboy Those are 0 awg ring terminals from Hooker Audio.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 3 months ago
My battery earth is connected directly to the engine block. Should I just change that cable, or should I also ad one earth from battery to chassi?
MrAndrimnir 3 months ago
@MrAndrimnir Add a ground from battery negative to chassis.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 3 months ago
I have a ford focus would it be a good idea to add a zero gage to my car?
big827 4 months ago
@big827 How much power do you plan to run? It certainly doesn't hurt to use 0 awg, but something like 4awg would be ideal around 1000 watts rms. Just an example.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 3 months ago
I have a question. I have an amp running 1200w with a stock battery and alternator. My car is acting weird I'm guessing it's the battery. Should I upgrade to the big 3, a cap for my battery, or just a better battery.
Dinam1ta 4 months ago
@Dinam1ta With 1200wrms, you have likely exceeded the capability of your battery/alternator combo. The BIG 3 helps with delivery on the charging side, but you may need to look at upgrading your battery to a nice deep cycle capable of the power you are working with. Pass on the capacitor as it is a bandaid which can cause more harm to the amplifier and not a solution.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 3 months ago
dose the wire going to your amp have to be zero age wire also
BigLongJon21 4 months ago
@BigLongJon21 The size of your wire from the front battery to the amp(s) is dependent upon your total watts. I like running 0 awg to a distribution block in the back so that you can add your amplifier(s) to that block and expand from there. What is the total watts rms of your system?
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 3 months ago
dose the wire goning to your amp have to be zero age wire
BigLongJon21 4 months ago
does your wire going to your amp have to to be zero gage too
BigLongJon21 4 months ago
The blue cable is a 50mm2 cable ? Or more ?
craiovitaaa 4 months ago
@craiovitaaa Yes, to qualify as 0 awg, the cable must be 53.5mm2 or larger. ( AWG= American Wire Guage )
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 3 months ago
okay so i get it, but the engine block to car chassis isnt the alternator ground, you dont have to upgrade the actual alternator ground wire ?
KillerKlown707 4 months ago
@KillerKlown707 In this example, the alternator chassis is bolted DIRECTLY to the engine and there is no need for a wire from alternator chassis to ground. In some vehicles the alternator is mounted separately and a separate ground wire from alternator chassis to battery ground would be ideal for continuity of the circuit.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 3 months ago
Quick question.
Do you have to replace the battery with a aftermarket battery?
millbrook792 8 months ago
@millbrook792 It is suggested, but not required. The question to ask yourself is whether you are going to be running anything over 1000wrms or not? If so, upgrade the battery. If not, why are you upgrading the wiring?
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 8 months ago 4
im confused on where the alternator's ground is, i know its grounded to the engine, but wheres the pre-existent engine to chassis in my 2001 pontiac sunfire.. i can not find it, battery to ground is obvious, alternator to battery positive is obvious, engine to chassis is not obvious, please message me !
Bryd3n 8 months ago
@Bryd3n My best suggestion is to ask a mechanic.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 8 months ago
i have a question. im wanting to do this upgrade to my 2006 monte carlo. but the positive lead routes from the battery to the starter, then to the alternater. is it possible to route 1/0 gauge wire from the battery to alternater? i dont to be blowing any fuses or mess up my altnater.
PlayasWays 8 months ago
@PlayasWays Check the forums to see if anyone has successfully completed the BIG 3 on your vehicle and follow their advice. If you don't have luck going that route, contact a reputable mechanic.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 8 months ago
@ 2:12 or so it sounds like he is saying hooker!!!!
nobo631 9 months ago
thx for info well done very helpful :)
philaburton 9 months ago
@philaburton Thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 9 months ago
ok well i have a plug on my alt not a nut????
brucekirk89 9 months ago
@brucekirk89 Check the audio forums for people that have your vehicle and may have performed The BIG 3. There experience could save you some time and headache.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 9 months ago
If I put a fuse on the wire running from alt. positive to battery positive will i have to run another wire to my fuse box because my factory wiring has a wire running from the fuse box to that wire...???
little11Nicky 9 months ago
If i put a fuse on the alt positive to battery positive wire then will i have to run another wire to my fuse box because in my 92 honda accord, it has another wire running from the positive battery terminal to the fuse box..??
little11Nicky 9 months ago
@little11Nicky The factory charge wire in most vehicles runs through the fuse box. It is recommended to leave the factory wires in place and simply piggy back the new runs for the upgrade.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 9 months ago
I have one question when u disconnect the alternator positive cable do u just leave it hanging when u replace it with the 0 gauge???
bayboss88 9 months ago
@bayboss88 No, it is recommended to leave the factory wire intact and piggy back the upgraded wire.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 9 months ago
If you do this you're charge light would never come on telling you you'e alternator or battery has quit right?
frierson987 9 months ago
@frierson987 Most vehicles are equipped with a low voltage indication. This would be triggered if the voltage drops to the level determined by the vehicles' manufacturer. Since the factory fuse box is still connected, the low voltage light would still be triggered.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 9 months ago
2:49 if you look real carefully, you can see that he dropped it lol. Great tutorial
BiggJern 9 months ago
id recommend tightening that strut nut tighter than you did in this video...will cause creaking and possible unnecessary wear to your strut mount.
hitbenchman1 9 months ago
@hitbenchman1 Absolutely! It is good and tight, but that is an excellent point.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 9 months ago
Comps and 2 12 JL power by a 400 watt amp ken wood and a planet audio 2500 watt amp and all my wiring was done with monster cable 2 gauge (I think) I also have 4x8 kicker speakers and wanted to upgrade my deck and my rear entertainment system that came stock with the SUV
jbarah05 10 months ago
@jbarah05 I believe you would benefit from the BIG 3 upgrade.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 9 months ago
Should I do this for a 08 expedition I have 4 subs 2 10s kicker com
jbarah05 10 months ago
Do you need the inline fuse? Or was that just a saftey precaution? How do you know what size fuse to use?
Drakky69 10 months ago
@Drakky69 The inline fuse from alt+ to batt+ is not required. If you choose to do this then the fuse value should be just above the max rating on the alternator.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 9 months ago
Great vid and im glad some1 did a vid explaining that you can leave the factory wire in and just add the big3 on top i have to do it that way cause my factory wire from my alt runs to my battery goes through the fuse box and then battery so i cant remove the original gear but the question i have is what do i do when i install my 250amp alt do i still leave the factory wire or will i have to somehow remove it i have i 1992 subaru legacy gx
sikvibration 10 months ago
@sikvibration The manufacturer of your alternator should have specific instructions for installation of their alt in your vehicle. They may recommend that you use the factory charge wire, or they may insist that you upgrade that run.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 9 months ago
@MaxxsonicsUSAInc: how bout a 2001 aztek
80591593030 9 months ago
where can i find those wire spliters that you have on the positive terminal?
DakotaEhlenberger 10 months ago
@DakotaEhlenberger Google HookerAudio as that is the manufacturer.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 9 months ago
i can't find battery terminals with two 0 gauge entries.. could i do it with ..
one with 0 gauge, one with 4 gauge?
or is it
one with 0/2 , one with 2/4?
witch one is better let me know thanks
ladodgerslakers2010 10 months ago
@ladodgerslakers2010 Just keep in mind that the smaller wires used will create more resistance in your circuit. I typically recommend doing the upgrade with the same size wire across the board, but it isn't required.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 9 months ago
@ladodgerslakers2010 look up tsunami battery terminals. there one of the few that i know that still uses two 0amg terminals
DakotaEhlenberger 9 months ago
@DakotaEhlenberger Thank you.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 9 months ago
Coo coo thanks bro I'm doing the 3 tomorrow and I was going to connect the black wire to any part of my cars frame to ground it LOL now I know not to hahaha !!! Again thank you.
BLAssT0 10 months ago
Ok so I just do alternator to + terminal and connect the black wire coming from my led fuse holder to my negative battery terminal right? By the way if it helps my led fuse holder it's a ((xscorpion)) THANKS
BLAssT0 10 months ago
@BLAssT0 That is correct. Your LED require a ground to work properly and that is what the little black wire is.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
@MaxxsonicsUSAInc do you think you could do a big three on a 2000 or newer expedition
1jrod3 9 months ago
@rickywhitted You are correct that the fusing should be just over the maxx rating of the alternator. This is what was on hand at the time of the video.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
How much on average would it cost me to get this done professonally?
gabe7773 10 months ago
@gabe7773 That would be a question for your local shop or installer. I would call around to shops in your area to get a few estimates.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
wheres a good place online to order the battery ends and the crimp ends for the wires. i have looked around to no avail. i am looking for 2 gauge wire that i am going to run. and 4 gauge to my amp.who makes the battery ends you used on the video? they look well built.
jeffnjess4 10 months ago
@jeffnjess4 The connections I used are from Hooker Audio. You can get quality connections from AudioSavings, OnlineCarStereo and SonicElectronix d o t com to name a few.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
Thanks for this great video! I am relatively new to performance car audio although I have "dabbled" with simple stuff like changing HU's and speakers and installing amps, crossovers etc in the past. Like the last guy to comment on this video, I'm not 100% sure what the positive terminal jumper that you installed is actually for - could you clarify please? Thanks again for the video!
unicorn7337 10 months ago
@unicorn7337 If you are referencing the jumper from the positive post on the alternator to the positive battery terminal then that is to increase delivery from the alt to batt by decreasing resistance.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
Where can i get the terminal adapters. Those specific ones you used. The fleabay ones be pos garbage(most of them) and made of material that isnt great at conductivity
bsems1000 10 months ago
@bsems1000 Those adapters are made by a company called Hooker Audio. Since YouTube doesn't allow links, I would recommend Googling HookerAudio and hitting there site from there.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
Hey I'm doing the big 3 and I have a question... I have a led volt display fuse holder. Can you let me know step by step how to do the alternator to + terminal plus how to connect my led Fuse holder ((the holder only has a 1 black wire)) PLEASE!! thanks !!
BLAssT0 10 months ago
@BLAssT0 Follow the steps I have provided in the video. The only additional step you need to take is connecting your black wire (ground) to the negative post on the battery.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
would it be okay to use 4 gauge wire. I'm pushing a 1500.1 watt amp
edwardsmj7 10 months ago
@edwardsmj7 Absolutely! If possible, leave the factory wire in place and piggy back the new runs.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
if im runnin 3000 - 4000 watts what gauge wire should i use for my big 3 change
026495 10 months ago
@026495 0 gauge if at all possible my friend. That is a lot of power!
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
@MaxxsonicsUSAInc awesome thanks :D
026495 10 months ago
Hi I have question.... Can you please detail more the connection from the "alternator to + terminal and the fuse box"??? What and how you did it??.... I'm still a bit confuse ((sorry.. I'm new at this)) I would really appreciate your help. THANK YOU
BLAssT0 10 months ago
@BLAssT0 You will see some BIG 3 tutorials skip the fusing. This is entirely up to you.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
I have a question, I see that a lot of people upgrade a "engine block to chasis". Would that be equivalent to the "Negative terminal to Engine block" like you just did? Mine has the same "Negative terminal to Engine block" wire like yours so i'm not surr if I have to upgrade that AND add a "engine block to chasis" wire.
jarred3636 10 months ago
@jarred3636 The tutorial I provided is the traditional BIG 3. The run you are referencing is often mentioned in what the guys on many forums have begun doing. They are calling it the BIG 4 upgrade. Your engine is bolted directly to the frame of the vehicle so I see no reason for this run. But, the upgraded run from the engine block to the negative battery post is a must in the upgrade process.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
wait why do you have that toyota shi on the engine and its a scion????
keepin201 11 months ago
@keepin201 Scion is a Toyota brand.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
do you need a fuse on the power wire from alt. and battery?
m40a3assass1n 11 months ago
@m40a3assass1n It is not required.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
great video man i did the big 3 upgrade and now my system better thanks :)
solow707 11 months ago
@solow707 Awesome! Thanks for the feedback.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
wow jeep cherokee used like 2 feet of 1/0 gauge :D
rockhard450 11 months ago
@rockhard450 Lucky. ;-)
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
Is monster cable any good?
ks0322915 11 months ago
@ks0322915 Monster Cable is one of the best!
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
Can i leave the factory wires in place or would it be better to just take them off?
ks0322915 11 months ago
@ks0322915 Anytime you can leave the factory wiring in place I recommend it.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
so more or less we are just adding 3 new wires instead of replacing 3 wires correct?
eighty5iv 1 year ago
@eighty5iv Correct! Add the three additional wires if the original factory wires are in good condition.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
what kind of battery terminals and jumper were those?
jitjoseph 1 year ago
@jitjoseph Hooker Audio
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
i always think that green screen is real
jitjoseph 1 year ago
@jitjoseph Awesome! That means I've done the lighting and editing correctly. ;-)
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
is it possible if you do the big upgrade to a car that it would mess up the ECU?!?!?
romyro1 1 year ago
@romyro1 Not that I've ever seen. You are simply adding additional runs to what is already in place. Decreasing resistance and increasing delivery. This has been done for many years.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
if your runing ur system at 500 watts is zero gauge going to help? because i got a regular toyota battery and was wondering doing the big 3 should i do 4gauge or 0 gauge
shivam220 1 year ago
@shivam220 In your case, 4 gauge would be sufficient. But, if you plan to upgrade to more powerful amplifiers in the future then you would benefit from doing the BIG 3 upgrade once with the larger wire now.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
I'm currently redoing my sound system and will be using two of your amps in my truck. A Hifonics BRZ2100D for my subs and a Hifonics ZXi80.4 to run my mids/highs. With a 200 amp alternator and an xs power d3400 battery under my hood should I be okay or do I need to look into getting an additional battery?
ctdv55 1 year ago
@ctdv55 I would think your current electrical upgrades would be sufficient, but the proof will be when you measure the voltage drop at the power and ground terminals of your amplifier during high volume listening.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
@MaxxsonicsUSAInc Actually I wound up running a BRZ2400D and ZXi80.4. Did the big 3 upgrade with all Stinger HPM 1/0 AWG, went with a Stinger SP1500D battery and a DC Power PRO 280 amp alternator. Actually have a few videos of the setup on my page if you want to check it out sometime.
ctdv55 10 months ago
@ctdv55 Awesome! I will definitely check out your vids!
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
How many batt's are you running in that car? I went to the Kinetik website and calculated that my system is 1350 rms total and it told me I need (2) 1400 Kinetik batt's? Is that accurate?
tdavis105us 1 year ago
Two questions. 1) Can I just run the new wire through the fuse box that is factory for the alternator to positive? 2) Is a 0 gauge power wire and a 0 gauge ground wire the same thing? Could I just buy a length of 0 gauge power wire and use it for all three upgrades? Thanks - Jerry
Jdog12345432 1 year ago
@Jdog12345432 1) Yes 2) Wire is wire, the manufacturers simply color them differently to avoid confusion.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
hey can i add a zero gage and leave the factory or will it mess someting up
elcompajalisco 1 year ago
@elcompajalisco If possible, leave the factory wiring in place and simply add your upgraded wires.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
Does that vehicle have two Kinetic 1800's? I went to the website and calculated my rms wattage(1350 watts) and it says I need (2) Kinetic 1400's. I'd rather have one.
tdavis105us 1 year ago
thanks for making this i at first i thought it was gonna be hella hard to do but damn this is easy and make a huge difference
piepi11 1 year ago
@piepi11 Happy we could help out! Thanks for the feedback.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
little battery LMAO
1RAH 1 year ago
how do you add an extra alternator and battery?
canas0 1 year ago
so thats all you do is replace the battery and wires??? i thought it was going to be complicated. But you made it look easy, like a 3 year old could watch this video and know how to do it. Thanks.
The1olemissfan 1 year ago
@The1olemissfan Happy to hear this tutorial made it look easy. It is time consuming, but well worth the efforts.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
wat amps should tha anl fuse be from alt to battery
pooponastick1ful 1 year ago
So when i go to ground the wire to the engine block and it can be ANY bolt on the engine block?
crulockdown 1 year ago
hello, i just wanted to ask what brand of cable, ring terminals and heat shrink did you use for the upgrade. also did you need a hammer style crimper or pliers style crimper to crimp the ring terminals to the zero gauge wire? thanks again :)
gummiegorilla 1 year ago
@gummiegorilla I used Hooker Audio cable and terminals in this vid. Hammer style crimp is the way to go when working with larger wire in my opinion.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
Do i have to replace my alternator? or do you think just replacing the battery would do? You know. In order to do the whole 3 big update thing?
djlennondbm 1 year ago
@djlennondbm The BIG 3 upgrade is wire upgrades only. Upgrading the alternator and battery is something entirely different. I just happened to be upgrading the battery when I did this tutorial.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
Hey Mike, so I was wondering, by doing this will it give me more horsepower for my shitty car?
elasticrubberband123 1 year ago
do you have to put a fuse from the positive battery to alternator cause some videos here dont do it and you did of so how big of a fuse
memodedonachuy 1 year ago
@memodedonachuy The fuse from alt + to batt + is completely optional. If you decide to do so, the value should be a little above the maxx rating on the alternator.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
how many amps does the in-line fuse from the battery to the alt?
jr93pdro 1 year ago
@jr93pdro The fuse from alt + to batt + is completely optional. If you decide to do so, the value should be a little above the maxx rating on the alternator.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
If i have a dual post battery can i leave the stock wiring on the side post and upgrade the big 3 on the top post?
JyV121107 1 year ago
@JyV121107 Absolutely!
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
what brand 0 gauge wire did u use?
rainbirdman07 1 year ago
@rainbirdman07 Mainly Hooker Audio wiring...but I have a piece of Stinger in there as well. LOL
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
what kind of fuse amps?
jimmybal10 1 year ago
hey great videos dude! im installing a high output alternator in my 2005 scion xb,either 130amp or 165 amp. do i need to upgrade all of the big 3 or can i just upgrade the alternator + to the battery +? and by doing this, do you think this will help with the interference problems in my tv monitors? ( lines in the rear screens)
13mrpunk 1 year ago
@13mrpunk Your electrical system is only as strong as your weakest link. Leave the factory wire in place and add the additional wiring as you are able. The lines in your screens could have to do with your signal cables being run next to power runs. Try separating your audio and video cables from power runs if possible.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
@MaxxsonicsUSAInc Can you please help me, The big 3 is done to my main battery that is in my truck and I am planning on connecting a second battery which my amp will be connected to but the two batteries will be connected with a relay/isolator. Will the Big 3 still help my system or what??
terror1993 1 year ago
if i have a 2100 watt amp, what size alternator should i get?
usualyblazinkronik 1 year ago
@usualyblazinkronik I would recommend contacting an alternator manufacturer such as XS Power or Ohio Generator since the upgraded alternator depends on the total rms power of your amplifiers as well as the requirements and available models for your vehicle.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
How do you know what size fuse to use. i have seen a few of these videos and some don't have a fuse box some do. so how to i find out what size fuse to use?
portugal82 1 year ago
@portugal82 The fuse from alt + to batt + is completely optional. If you decide to do so, the value should be a little above the maxx rating on the alternator.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
ive done this to my car, battery pos. to alternator pos, batt negative to chassis strut tower, engine block to chassis(same spot as batt negative to chassis strut tower) all with 4 awg, is this okay???
mctapout187 1 year ago
@mctapout187 Absolutely! If you left the factory wiring in place then that helps as well.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
hey there hope u are fine!!!!!.....we talked about the big 4 like 3 months ago(dont worry i dont spect u remember u must have thousends of questions every day hahaha) now i bought a siren for my car u know the one that the police car has but this one is small is only 50 watts....my question is how big must the fuse be for this siren?sorry i dont have any other spec, hope u can help me out whit this one cuz i have 1 week witht it and i dont wanna damage it hehehe ....ahh Happy XmaS!!!!!
sauron636 1 year ago
Is it better to add on to the existing wires rather then replace?
Bryd3n 1 year ago
@Bryd3n Leave the factory wiring in place if possible and simply add the new wires.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
A question, if you upgrade your car battery ( obviosly to strongr one) wont you need a more powerfull alternator and wont it fry some fuses or electrical equipment?
Simonas69 1 year ago
@Simonas69 Upgrading the battery increases the reserve for the electrical system. The overall voltage is typically lower for the system if the alternator is not upgraded as well. Fuses and electrical equipment are not affected simply by upgrading wiring and batteries.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
i heard that using the kinetic batteries as your actual car battery is not that great..especially in the winter i heard they are not good then..any truth to that?
rriggs92 1 year ago
@rriggs92 We have used Kinetik batteries as our primary batteries as have many of our customers and I have heard of no ill effects.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
will it alsi help moving the ground wire connecting to the body to strut tower bar while i come up on the zero gauge?? lol im anctious to do this!!!!
CH3EY909 1 year ago
Can't no body fuck with me on my big 3 upgrade I cutt power wire from some ones house of the pole line its like supper 0 Gage
quakj 1 year ago
can i ask something? can i install the big 3 at gauge 4 wire?
akosiasizzz 1 year ago 6
@akosiasizzz Sure can.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 1 year ago
@MaxxsonicsUSAInc Can you please help me, The big 3 is done to my main battery that is in my truck and I am planning on connecting a second battery which my amp will be connected to but the two batteries will be connected with a relay/isolator. Will the Big 3 still help my system or what??
terror1993 1 year ago
@MaxxsonicsUSAInc Can you please help me, The big 3 is done to my main battery that is in my truck and I am planning on connecting a second battery which my amp will be connected to but the two batteries will be connected with a relay/isolator. Will the Big 3 still help my system or what??
terror1993 1 year ago
@MaxxsonicsUSAInc With a optima battery and 140amp with the big 3 done, what else do i need to run the soundstream XXX6500 amp and the soundstream REF4.920? would i need another battery, capacitor, or could just run both?
dbow79 1 year ago
@dbow79 In my tests, Optima yellow top batteries are good for around 1800 watts. You will need more batteries for sure, and maybe even a larger alternator. Measuring the voltage drop at the power and ground terminals on the XXX6500 will provide your answer.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
@akosiasizzz yeah you can but it depends how much power you planning on powering? I would just do it in 1/0 so that you wont have to come back and replace it
kcMacnCheese 1 year ago
@akosiasizzz yeah you can but it depends how much power you planning on powering I would just do it in 1/0 so that you wont have to come back and replace it
kcMacnCheese 1 year ago
@akosiasizzz its not worth it, go ahead and do at least 0, if not 3/0
grandam88 1 year ago
@akosiasizzz you can...but, as a car audio guy myself, I cannot recommend it (unless your needs are minimal). i did mine with 4 gauge about 10 years ago. now i'm installing a bigger, better system and, let me tell you, i should have gone with the 0 gauge. i always tell people to consider changes they might make down the road as well. but, if you plan to keep the power demand down and do not plan to add any more wattage to your system, 4 gauge is fine. hope this helps.
mikeyhh1488 10 months ago
So why do you put a fuse on the 0 gauge wire from the alt to the battery if the factory wire is still hooked up. Why dont you have to fuse then both or neither of them. A little confused on that.
And if you install an amp to this set up, do you need to put a fused link on wire that goes to the amp? If so what size?
Wjncs 10 months ago
@Wjncs The fuse from alt + to batt + is completely optional. If you decide to do so, the value should be a little above the maxx rating on the alternator. In many vehicles the stock wiring runs through the factory fuse box.
Yes, any power run coming off of the battery requires an in-line fuse within 12" of the + battery terminal. The total fusing can typically be figured by adding the total fusing of your amplifiers together. It is ok to round up if needed.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
whats the little jumper for?
jp198780 1 year ago
@jp198780 just so the factory positive and the positive from the alt can have a nice clean connection at the terminal. Its not mandatory. just probably pleases the eye more.
bsems1000 10 months ago
Is it possible to just install a completely different power system for all aftermarket needs? Ex. I want to install a second new battery and alternator to solely run all my aftermarket stuff.
What8Really 1 year ago
@What8Really You should consult an alternator manufacturer and mechanic for that one.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 1 year ago
@What8Really
just get a HO alt (check into DC power). Then add a second battery for your aftermarket components
kcMacnCheese 1 year ago
@What8Really what you want is a dual battery system one battery to start the car one to run everything else no need to run a second altenator just need a battery isolater talk to your local auto electrition
hxcgrant 1 year ago
@What8Really
yes you can. the normal way of doing this is by replacing your ac compressor with an alternator because of mounting issues. but you can always find another mounting location. any more questions? let me know.
murfdog199 1 year ago
hey mike i just got a 1997 nissan pathfinder and im planning on installing 4 ascendant audio 15in. mayhem subwoofers and to move those 2 hifonics brutus brz 3000.1d (1 for each pair) also im replacing my factory alt. for a mechman 220 amp. alt. and a knetik khc2400 for my factory batt. also 2 extra khc2000 for the amps what do you think of this what can i improve on what else will i need for this set up?? oh and im also going to be using 18sound speakers what amp will you recomend to move them??
acaron1 1 year ago
my factory charge wire goes through my factory fuse box, how should I run my ne 0 gauge? thanks!!!
jeromecstll 1 year ago
@jeromecstll Exactly as shown in the tutorial. The in-line fuse is optional, but I chose to include one.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago
hi..
Im new to this kind of stuff..
I wanna upgrade my car audio system..
What should be the effect of the big 3 upgrade and also why did you change the battery??
007novice 1 year ago
@007novice The BIG 3 upgrade provides increased delivery over factory wiring by reducing the resistance in the circuit. Think about drinking a milkshake through a coffee stir vs a larger diameter straw. Which will work faster and with less effort? The battery was changed to increase the reserve in my electrical system. This helps my amplifier live up to their potential. In some applications an upgraded alternator is required as well.
MaxxsonicsUSAInc 10 months ago