Thinking about cleaning up my engine bay a bit and one of the things I want to do is work on a better placement and connection for my Optima. I really like the way LXOGOOD's battery looks and am aiming at getting the same / similar Phoenix Gold battery terminals unless folks have other suggestions I should consider. I do not ever plan to do the 10 TV route so I don't need all the connections from a block on top of the battery (although it does look cool).

What I've got: Optima Yellow Top battery using factory connectors. My Alpine amp is connected by a mid-level Streetwires cable, not sure of gauge or model (it's red I think in a black sleeve).

I'm on the road in DC and can't take a picture closeup of the current setup , but this one shows most of it (just not close up on the battery):



Here's a pic of LXOGOODs very nice setup:


and the parts I think he's using http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/PHOZBX205

QUESTION What do I need to know about replacing the battery terminals and connecting cables? I'd like to replace the cables as well with something more flexible than the stock wires, but can't find much information on parts (e.g. replacement / upgrade battery cables) or how-to's to change the out. Honestly, I've never really followed the cables out of the battery below eye level to see how / where they connect.

Comments, parts I should consider or pointers?

Thanks in advance.

 

There is no point replacing the stock wiring unless you run a more powerful alternator. Just get the connectors, install them and use extra cable for your ground or go the whole "grownding kit" route. There is really not much to it. It is simple with cables; cut, strip, connect.

 

Thanks Retro... The primary reason I'd want to replace the wires is to make them a bit longer and/or flexible. The stock wires are quite rigid and difficult to pull onto the battery posts; I'd like to get something that is a little easier to pull on and off. Maybe the new connectors will give me the extra inch or so I need (no jokes, please ) to make it fit better.

 

Just that statement is a joke in itself. Coudln't help it. Maybe my mind is just in the gutter this morning. Anyway, post pics when you are done.

 

You can just take a regular 4ga high strand audio wire and use is as a ground. Just bolt it to the engine and to the negative battery post. You can also use another wire to connect the negative engine post to the chasis of your car, but that is not necessary. The alternator wire is pain. you would actually have to get the alternator out to run a new wre from it (that is how it was on my car and I am pretty sure it's the same on GS). To prolong that particular wire you can just unbolt the battery clamp from it and simply extend it with a 4ga wire. The best way is to actually weld the old wire mounting ring and the new ones together. If mot, just bolt them together and use large ammount of heatshrink on them.

 

Dave

i just installed the yellow top tonite

do you have any close up pics

of your engine /battery

i see the problem you had wi th stcok connectors and would like to know

what route you went
thanks

johnny

 

or anyone esle