Technical Electrical Question

Hello I have a 56 Buick Century with a 12 volt system.. doing the generator change to alternator. Question is every forum I go to says the wire on back of alternator leading to battery use 10 gauge wire. WHAT WILL HAPPEN. IF YOU USE 8 GAUGE WIRE ....THANKS

 

nothing bad will happen , bigger is better

 

10 gage is the minimum, not the maximum. With wire, the smaller the gage number the bigger the wire. So 8 gage wire is bigger than 10 gage and 6 gage is bigger than 8 gage (and 10 gage). The bigger the wire the more amps it will carry and has less resistance and voltage drop (all good things).

 

The 8 gauge wire will be harder to bend around sharp corners.

 

Okay thanks....I just wanted to make sure ...I bought the kit with the Diode on the wire and the 2 prong plug from Speedway and I have to get the wire that goes to the battery. WILL BUY THE. 8 GAUGE !!!!!!!!!

 

8 Gauge wire is good for 40 amps I would put a 40 amp maxi fuse in line near the alternator to protect the wire. Many cars have an inline fuse right after the terminal on the alternator. My OT '72 Firebird has one there and since I purchased the car new I know Pontiac put it there.
KK

 

Wire it like this.

 

The Alternator that I have is the 3 wire 90 AMP GM INTERNAL VOLTAGE REGULATOR