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#1
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Battery Cable Questions
Hello again all,
I'm going to replace my stock battery cables with lower guage versions to hopefully help with a slow when hot starter problem (I have already replaced the starter, which did not improve the problem). I was worried about the heat issue when I switched to headers over 40 years ago, but didn't really have any problems until the last year or so; of course, the original 403 was a bit smaller than the 455 (Pontiac version) I swapped in 20 years ago, but the starter seemed to handle it ok, even with a compression ratio of 10:1. Anyway, where can I source these new cables, and what are the stock lengths for a 78 Trans Am? They are probably the same for either the 403, 400, and 455, but I'm not sure, and my searches are not giving me concrete answers. Thanks, Joe
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78 White T/A, Carmine interior, Fisher T-tops, WS-6 package, 3.08 gears, a/c, rear discs. Original 403 with 300,000 miles replaced by new Pontiac 455 (roller everything, 6x-4 heads, Performer manifold, Hooker Headers, Hughes converter, Cliff's Q-jet) - I only get 12 mpg! |
#2
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I used 1/0 welding cable from ebay - works great.
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#3
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1970 GTO (Granada Gold) - 400 / TH400 |
#4
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Made up my own with some marine battery terminals and large lugs using 2/0 welding cable. I mounted a Ford solenoid to act as a relay and used a copper buss to jump between the positive post and the starter solenoid. This way the positive cable on the starter isn’t hot until the Ford solenoid is activated.
I used the stock positive connection that’s located on the inner fender at the horn relay to mount the Ford solenoid and link that post to the Ford solenoid using a heavy copper buss. This installation is on my ‘64 Le Mans convertible. The last picture is my ‘64 Tempest when it had a Tri-Power 455. It had a similar Ford solenoid installation and the same 2/0 battery cables I made up, the solenoid is visible near the fender edge. Never any problems starting with a flick of the key in any weather.
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1964 Tempest Coupe LS3/4L70E/3.42 1964 Le Mans Convertible 421 HO/TH350/2.56 2002 WS6 Convertible LS1/4L60E/3.23 |
#5
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I would buy a modern mini/reduction starter...& use with your existing cables.
You could buy thicker cable for the existing starter & still have the problem. Then what? |
#6
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I got mine from American Auto wire, cut to fit. Nice but not cheap. X2 on the mini starter, I've had great luck with Powermaster
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Chris D 69 GTO Liberty Blue/dark blue T400, 9" w 3.50s, 3905lbs 461, 850 Holley, T2, KRE 310s, Comp HR288 w 165s, RA manifolds, 11.60@114, 1.58/60 The spare: 467, 850 Holley, T2, Edelbrock Dport 310cfm w RA manifolds, HFT 245/251D .561/.594L, 11.59@ 114, 1.57/ 60' |
#7
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I've been using these guys for years. Great product, great service.
https://custombatterycables.com/
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'73 T/A (clone). Low budget stock headed 8.3:1 455, 222/242 116lsa .443/.435 cam. FAST Sportsman EFI, 315rwhp/385rwtq on 87 octane. 13.12 @103.2, 1.91 60'. '67 Firebird [sold], ; 11.27 @ 119.61, 7.167 @ 96.07, with UD 280/280 (108LSA/ 109 ICL)solid cam. [1.537, 7.233 @93.61, 11.46 @ 115.4 w/ old UD 288/296 108 hydraulic cam] Feb '05 HPP, home-ported "16" D-ports, dished pistons (pump gas only), 3.42 gears, 275/60 DR's, 750DP, T2, full exhaust |
#8
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Thanks everyone, I'll find some for sure; upgrading the cables is simple enough, so I'm going to give it a go - the existing cables are 20-30 years old, so it's probably about time anyway! If I still have problems, I'll look into a reduction starter...
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78 White T/A, Carmine interior, Fisher T-tops, WS-6 package, 3.08 gears, a/c, rear discs. Original 403 with 300,000 miles replaced by new Pontiac 455 (roller everything, 6x-4 heads, Performer manifold, Hooker Headers, Hughes converter, Cliff's Q-jet) - I only get 12 mpg! |
#9
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They make a heat shield that covers the starter, one of those may help as well.
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