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I am trying to purchase a positive battery cable for my 4 speed 68 442 and the manual show (3) different choice of routing it (2) of them are for a 4 speed and (1) for automatics. . I really like the longest routing one that goes all the way to the front edge of the valve cover. I called American Autowire and they told me that there is only one length which is 53 1/4" long. I have seen the longer cable installed in pictures. I wonder if anyone as installed the longer one and if a part number for it is known. Also what is a C60? Thank you in advance.
Last edited by W-27; August 4th, 2021 at 12:17 AM.
American Auto Wire is incorrect, so far as factory positive battery cable lengths. There were indeed three different lengths, one each for the pathing noted in the PIM. Don't order it from AAW. This is the one you will need, from eBay seller Midway Muscle Car. When you order it, you go to the Notes section and tell them which version you need (free-form text highlighted below).
This is what I did for my '68 4-speed 4-4-2 with AC. I received the correct length, and optically correct "spring ring" cable and it fits PERFECTLY. It is a high quality cable of correct gauge, connector(s), insulation, and pig-tail to power distribution block. I am very happy with mine! One thing to note, the spring ring aspect is engineered to fit the style and size of battery posts available on the car when new. Most present-day batteries will have a slightly larger diameter post that will require expanding the spring ring nearly to it's maximum.
To elaborate on previous statement, when C60/Air conditioning was an option, as in my application, the alternator is moved to the driver's side of the engine, thus requiring the specific routing of the positive battery cable shown in the PIM.
Last edited by BackInTheGame; August 4th, 2021 at 07:05 AM.
These guys above are correct. The two SM routings are if you had A/C or not. If you have the A/C the cable routes behind the alternator which would be on the driver side with A/C.
Still confusing as the diagram shows the shorter cable being for a C60 as well and no indication of the longer one being for an A/C car. What does S.M. stand for? I hate abbreviations.
That makes sense. My automobile is not an original A/C one but i like the longer routing and the way it looks better in the engine compartment. Does anyone have the correct part number for the longer one (they dont accept returns and i rather do it once correctly.
Thanks for posting the Ebay item. My cable had been leaning on the exhaust manifold and after some heavy arcing needs to be replaced. I have been searching for a replacement but not happy with what I've seen until now. Any idea what gauge they are, 2 or 4ga?
Steve
Sorry, I'm not sure of the gauge, and don't recall it being listed on the paperwork that came with the cable. It is MASSIVE compared to what (aftermarket) was on the car when I bought it. I'll see if the gauge is documented in anything I have.
(later) Nope, the gauge was not listed in the paperwork I received with the cable.
Last edited by BackInTheGame; August 7th, 2021 at 04:25 PM.
I think that the important thing here is that it is made exactly like the original and carries the same gauge. The important thing is to choose the correct length for your application and options.
August 4th, 2021, 12:14 AM
