I got some 0 gauge cable today. I was awestruck by the size. Isn't it a bit overkill? I mean it's over 2000% larger than the positive wire that's on my alternator already? I'm afraid I'm going to have to tie it down somewhere because it weighs so much, I don't want it swinging back and forth. It probably weighs 1 oz./inch.
The idea with upgrading your cables under the hood is you allow more current to flow without a voltage drop. Utilizing a cable 100% is a bad thing, in fact you want to get that % as low as possible. High current through a small cable leads to higher voltage drop because of the collision of energy inside the wire. If I got any of this wrong hopefully someone sets me strait before I spread any more lies =P
0 gauge wire is certainly not overkill...well maybe a little...just depends on your needs...I would run it if I could but the run from my alt to my battery is just a little too tight for 0 gauge...as you know it is not that flexible either. 0 gauge will only let you get the maximum out of your alternator...don't cheap out now and buy some crappy terminals either...get some good ones and clamp em well.
