Aftermarket Product ReviewProvide questions and answers about aftermarket parts for the Third Generation F-Body.
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One day, while searching for 1/0 Gauge Ground Strap, I ran across the website of Gary Clark, owner/operator of InnovativeWiring, where he had a product listed for 82-92 Camaros with Side Post Batteries. It was a 1/0 Starter Cable, 2 Gauge Alternator, 10 Gauge Fan connector on the positive, and a 1/0 gauge engine ground and a 2 gauge for the body ground on the negative.
I emailed him and asked him if he could make all of the cables 1/0 gauge except the fan connector. He told me he could, and all I had to do was put it in the comments section of my order. I ordered December 19th at night, and they were shipped out on the 21st, and hit my home on the 24th. Unfortunately, I wasn't home to get them until the 8th!
I finally got around to installing them, and the negative cable fits like a glove. A little snug, but that's only because the bulk of 1/0 cable. The positive cable I found to be a little different.
I have a 1987 350 TPI, but I upgraded to a 88 Serpentine setup. It seemed the positive cable I got may have fit the V-belt alternator, but not the driver's side serpentine setup. I also couldn't find the fan connector that was supposed to be plugged in.
I emailed Gary, and explained my situation. He asked me to take off my positive cable and measure it out. I told him that his starter cable length was dead on where it was, and that the alternator lead I had for the serpentine setup was 10" longer. That leaves for a little bit of slack, but I bet I'm gonna have some fun running this HUGE wire. I also told him about the 3 way splice in the alternator lead (that black connector that OH SO MANY mistake for a fusible link), and asked him to put two extra leads. I took pictures, and measured out the cable, and not only did he put in two extra leads, but he also include the weatherpak fuse holder that goes to the alternator regulator, the male weatherpak connector that plugs into the harness from the fuse, and the female weatherpak connector that connects to the harness for the ECM! It's a OEM-style bolt-in Big Two.
You still need 1/0 Gauge engine to body ground. You can do this with two 4 gauge ground straps. I got mine for $4 each from AllElectronics.
This is a bolt in Big 3 Wiring Upgrade that can help out everything in your car that uses your power! Headlights, stereo systems, interior lighting, whatever!
I am 90% sure that this is a bolt-in for all 85-92 TPI Camaros, you'll just need to specify whether you have V-belts or Serpentine for the longer or shorter alternator cable. TBI Guys, you might use the style that I bought in the first place, so he might already have product up for you!
As for 'Birds, I think your guy's batteries are on the other side? I dunno. But this guy could probably make one to your specifications!
Don't have any installed pics yet, but will get them up ASAP.
Meanwhile, here is the pic he sent me of the new cable.
And for a review of this seller, he is an upright guy, and these cables are QUALITY. You couldn't make them yourself for this cost. $89 shipped. Price might change depending on the added cost of the fuse connector/etc. I would gladly buy a set from him for any future third or fourth gen. These look like lifetime battery cables.
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Last edited by TheScaryOne; 01-20-2009 at 11:28 PM.
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I emailed him last week about how my 88 TPI cables looked different then what he had showing on his site and he recommended I do what you did (take of and measure) But I have not gotten around to taking mine off to do the measuring. I wonder since he did yours if it will now bolt right into my 88 TPI. Did you notice any improvements with the new cables?
I'd been having an unexplicable hard start when warm, and the 1/0 Ground Cable fixed that. Other than that, the car starts faster, everything's a little bit brighter. That little 14 Gauge factory body ground is a joke!
It'd probably be a direct bolt in. I have no idea if I'm using a non-standard cable routing, but I'm running the alternator wire behind the accessories (there seems to be a path behind there for wiring, it's open, and nothing hits it, so it's good.) and that required the length I'm getting. All TPI's should have the fuse and connectors, if not, your car might have come with a fusible link there, and I got a retrofit set of cables. Either way, this should be a bolt in for all TPI's as long as you order the right alternator cable length.
Last edited by TheScaryOne; 01-21-2009 at 12:28 AM.
1-2ft lengths of 1/0 is supercrazyhardcore overkill. i should get something like this made for my camaro, though, as ive been having lots of trouble with the side-post terminals on the cables.
I think Scaryone went a little overboard with all 1/0 cables. I am going to with 1/0 gauge copper cable for the starter cable, and 2 gauge copper cable for the alternator and 10 gauge wire going to the fan connector, 1/0 gauge copper cable for the engine ground and 2 gauge for the body ground.
Rule #37: There is no such thing as "over kill." There is only "open fire," and "I need to reload."
Cables fit GREAT! But I broke the positive terminal off of my starter. My OEM starter. My starter, that is older than I am, and has never been replaced. O.o
Last edited by TheScaryOne; 01-24-2009 at 03:25 PM.
Sweet. I have been planning on doing the Big Three. I have just been to lazy to figure out what I needed and measure lengths, now I can just order them and be done with it.
I'd been having an unexplicable hard start when warm, and the 1/0 Ground Cable fixed that. Other than that, the car starts faster, everything's a little bit brighter. That little 14 Gauge factory body ground is a joke!
this is true, i bought a set of custom cables from a guy online, he makes them in his spare time, i forget the site. I went with 2/0 cables to the starter and the block, #4 for the chassis ground, and #4 to the alternator. Its is really amazing the difference they made, the lights are brighter, and the starter runs like a raped ape. I would highly recommend larger cable to anybody.
That little 14 guage chassis ground is a real joke, mine actually broke and i had to splice it, garbage.
I see he's now listing '88-'89 firebird cables. I'll probably email him to ensure its for TPI applications. Tits!
Let me know. This is exactly what I need. Ever since I moved from Canada to Texas, I've had low voltage issues. Way too much heat and humidity down here.
Already emailed him... Ill pass along the response. I also asked him if he'd be doing headlight harness for the '88-'89 although i doubt he will because i dont think there would be much of a market.
First off, the box was taped by somebody who could get a job as a decorative mall gift wrapper. All the tape was neatly folded and smooth. Upon getting the box opened up, I saw that all the connections were folded in plastic wrap. The instructions were in a ziplock bag that was zip tied to the cabling (meaning you can't lose it until you go to install it)
The weight of the cables is astonishing. The cabling seems to be triple wrapped on some of the connectors. Everything is easy to twist and maneuver. Some real thought went into this product.
One of my pet peeves with side post batteries is the post itself. Those little tiny screws that go into the battery. Top mounted systems seem to have a better "stump" sticking out of the battery. But somewhat unsightly compared to side posts.......The side post setup on the Innovative Wiring with the large screw and nut that goes into the battery looks like the way to go. Good good.
I haven't installed any of this yet. But I already like what I see.
