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Re: Race car wiring

To: Jonathan Amo <webmaster@landracing.com>
Subject: Re: Race car wiring
From: "Thomas E. Bryant" <saltracer@awwwsome.com>
Date: Mon, 09 Jun 2003 07:43:32 -0700
List:

There are various approaches to wiring a car and I have used many of 
them. I don't disagree with anything that has been said to this point, 
but I will say that a well laid out plan for the wiring is an 
intelligent way to go.

I don't see where I need spend gobs of money on wiring, however. I 
completely rewired my car last year and although I didn't keep track of 
the expenditure, I doubt that I spent much more than $100. Now if you 
are going to bring me a car to install the wiring system, then you are 
probably going to bring a good sized check. Wiring is labor intensive. 
And I would attempt to do a better looking job than I did on my car.

There are different schools of thought on solder joints. And that's OK! 
Personally, I don't solder, but, I can't understand the instructions not 
to. I guess I, like some others on the list, need a fuller explanation 
of the reasons. If soldering is done with rosin core solder,(acid core 
is a no-no) the correct amount of heat is used and the connection is 
sealed from the environment there is no problem. At least that is my 
understanding. According to GM's Specialized Electronic Training Course, 
crimping and soldering is the recommended procedure.

It has been my experience that the correct (or larger) wire sizes is 
critical. Fuses or circuit breakers can save a lot of grief down the 
road and on any circuit that requires heavier amp loads, use a relay or 
constant duty solenoid. One of the mistakes that I often have found in 
wiring problems, is trying to put too much amperage through switches. 
This was a big factor in ignition switch failures in years past. The 
accessory side of the switch was loaded with add on accessories to the 
point that the switch just went away. Another thing I see too often is 
the installation of inadequate battery cables. Resistance is not your 
friend in wiring schemes. Many times too big is just right!

John, I would be glad to help, but I don't think that you really need 
that much outside assistance. Just sit down with a piece of paper and 
indicate the location the loads and switches, decide which ones need a 
solenoid or relay and then connect them.  (Except for the main battery 
switch, all the circuit on my car are protected by a fuse or circuit 
breaker and are controlled by a relay or solenoid.)

Have fun!

Tom, Redding CA - #216 D/GCC

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