So I've done exactly as Amorget stated; go create another thread on the subject:

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/car-...ml#post4741489


Reply with which you guys think is better and why.

 

My take, it all depends on the connector. In the aviation world they use special butt connectors that basically solder, crimp, and seal all in one. However, those cheap butt connections with hard plastic shields that you buy at the local parts store suck.

Personally I always solder/shrink wrap. Butt connectors are bulky and I am not willing to pay over $1 a butt connector for the aviation level butt connectors.

 

Let me clarify by stating that I am not saying butt connectors should NEVER be used. There are times when a solder joint is impractical. But they are such a poor and atiquated way of doing things that I like to use them as least as possible.

 

I work in the telecommunication business, about 30-40 years ago we used a solder joint for splices. Now days we use plastic grease filled connectors only because of convenience and speed of splicing. But by far a solder splice is a far Superior splice, especially with a shrink tube on it.

 

Bottom line is that crimp connectors will work fine most of the time if you have the right size and good quality butt connector crimped properly with the correct crimp tool set to the right depth and the proper amount / size of wire in the connector. That is a lot of variablility and room for error.

Its OK to crimp your audio connections but not your ignition wire.

See the tech tips at the top of this forum. Really good info there.

 

a lot of the issue stems from people not having the adequate skill/technique or tools to do the connection correctly. the cheaper crimpers are not going to do a good job at making sure the crimp is secure, leading to failure. However, you get the same issue with soldering - a cold joint is a bad thing too and too easy to do without practice.

I personally prefer a soldered and shrink wrapped connection over a butt connected setup for my important stuff - pcm, ignition, dash, alarm. anything else can go either way depending on what I have available at the time for accessibility, tools, and time.

 

If you guys go read the thread I posted up until my response that comes after Amorget, the original argument (and I use that term losely) was that a solder joint is an inferior connection because it "oxidizes the wire and creates electrical resistance".