"Big Three"

[sweetride01]

How much of a pain is it to do the "big three" in the E30? I know it will be a lot harder because the battery is in the trunk.

[92 mtechnic cabrio]

What are you talking about?

[Garageaholic]

How much of a pain is it to do the "big three" in the E30? I know it will be a lot harder because the battery is in the trunk.

Are you talking about the big 3 upgrades? Intake/chip/exhaust?

[sweetride01]

:rofl:
No the big three wires, like 1/0awg wire to the battery.

[KenC]

:rofl:
No the big three wires, like 1/0awg wire to the battery.

Why would you run 1/0 g to the battery, alternator, etc? You would throw down well over a hundred dollars just in wire, not to mention that ring-terminals for wire that size are about $25 each. I just don't understand the logic/necessity...

[sweetride01]

http://forums.caraudio.com/vb/showthread.php?t=124175

[parkerbink]

The audio people claim doing this helps to alieviate the draw problems caused by big amps. I am unsure of the validity. Luke, care to chime in with your opinion?

[StereoInstaller1]

This is an upgrade I have been preaching for 20 years now. I have done this particular mod probably 40 or 50 times on different cars, but not one BMW. I plan on doing mine, I expect it to take me about 1 1/2 days, since there is not enough room to leave the old battery cable, and (I think) it must be removed.

Let me say this right up front: I have never seen this help your headlights NOT dim.

the biggest area of improvement will be seen in the run between the alternator and the battery (jump location).

By upgrading this wire, I have found alternators running cooler, thus improving lifespan. I no longer use upgraded alternators unless there is a HUGE system being powered. Digital amps have helped too, since most big ass sub amps have gotten so efficient.

I have never found more than about a 1 volt difference in voltage at the amplifier, but my own GM 105 amp alternators went from 3 or 4 a year to 1 every other year. Never have I found a SPL difference, not even 1db.

I believe the original main battery cable to be adequate for just about anything. I am replacing that for pretty purposes (Audio Jewlery, TM.)

I also believe the battery run needs to be 0 gauge, which is basically what we have now. I am doing 4 gauge from the alternator to the jump ponit, but I am also going to run a battery (some lightweight unit, not sure which) in front.

I am also under the belief that if your headlights dimming bother you, there are 2 choices.

1. Install a .5 farad capcaitor on the power lead that feeds the headlight relay.
2. Turn your shit DOWN!

Luke

[sweetride01]

I have HIDs so they don't dim, but I can't imagine it's good for the ballasts.
So you're saying upgrade the wires to the battery terminal in the engine bay, and clean the battery terminal up?

[marakka]

ALL batteries are in the trunks in the states in e30's? Wow......

[PeaveyBassist]

ALL batteries are in the trunks in the states in e30's? Wow......

Only 325's. 318's are in front. All convertibles are in front. At least this is what I think is true ;)

Will

[Dave]

Only 325's. 318's are in front. All convertibles are in front. At least this is what I think is true ;)

Will

This what I KNOW is true.

[Brew]

318is has a trunk mounted battery. At least mine does.

[AndrewBird]

not to mention that ring-terminals for wire that size are about $25 each.

You are talking about the ring connectors like in that link to the forum right? I don't know where you buy your stuff, but I can get copper connectors for that gauge wire for under $0.75 at my local hardware store. Am I missing something?

[Jordan]

Those are garbage?