Tancuda

Hi, what would be the original gauge size for the wire that goes from the battery (actually the horn relay) to the "BAT" terminal on the back of a stock alternator (71 442).
Can't see it on the wiring diagram. The one I have if original, is 10 gauge.

Thanks

oldcutlass

The stock wire according to this, was a 12ga. I would keep the 10ga or even go to an 8ga.

gs72

X2 larger gauge will never hurt. The factory gauged the wire based on amp load and cost per unit.

Olds64

x3, especially if you're using CCA wire on the cheap.

Vintage Chief

Agree w/ everything stated above. I don't have the 1971 CSM in front of me at the moment. NOTE: The 1971 CSM contains a separate B&W wiring diagram for the 4-4-2 model. There are subtle differences between the color A Body "V-8" wiring diagram & the B&W 4-4-2 wiring diagram. The B&W 4-4-2 wiring diagram may well be a 10ga wire.

Tancuda

Thanks, I'll be using a good 10ga wire (not CCA).

Tancuda

Would love to have that seperate wiring diagram for 442..

Thanks

Vintage Chief

Purchase an original OEM paperback edition (used) 1971 CSM. Plenty on eBay. You should have this as your bible anyways. Buy an original OEM, not new as new are copies of original and poorly reproduced.

Vintage Chief

You said you already had 10ga. The big difference is the ‘71 4-4-2 got an ALT w/ internal VR. Very possible 10ga was OEM but I’m not in front of a 1971 CSM at the moment.

Tancuda

It worked with that 10ga old wire for so many years I believe, going to change it completely with the same gauge.

Thanks