I have a 1972 Cutlass S, originally a 350/th350 car. It has a 455/th400 in it now. I have been having a problem with too much voltage drop across the starter circuit. When I first measured it it was 1.8 volts Pos. and neg. reading combined. after cleaning and resecuring all battery cable connections I have got is down to 0.8 volts. I would like to get it under 0.5 volts. I was looking at the parts place and noticed they list different cables for the 350 vs the 455. I am hoping some of you Olds historian/tech geniuses can tell me what the difference is between the 350 and 455 cables.

 

Do you have original style 4 gauge cables? If so, you could replace them with 1 gauge cables.

 

Do they make a one gauge with the 90 degree terminal for the starter connection?

 

I think you bend the terminal

 

The ones I have seen online look too short to bend. the Parts place and Online tube sell "455" cable sets that look just like OE. I am just afraid if I order them they will be the same gauge I already have.

 

I replaced the cables on my car with 1 gauge from NAPA. I have no recollection of a 90* end terminal on any of my cars, on either the original cables or aftermarket ones.

 

Actually, the originals do have a right angle terminal at the starter.




Personally, I'm no fan of spring ring terminals either. I use 2-gauge or 1-gauge cables from Battery Cables USA.

Is the voltage drop you're measuring just at the solenoid terminal or at the solenoid output? I'd also watch for pitting and resistance in the solenoid contacts.

 

Agree those ring terminals are doggy poo. Since I've always had a boat, I make my own 1/0 AWG cables from our local Ace Marine Hardware supply store. Most marine stores carry rolls of cable if you have one near at hand.

 

At the solenoid terminal.

 

I have a side post battery also. The link Joe posted doesn’t list any side post cable ends. The cables look beefy makes me consider loosing the side post battery, except I just replaced it a couple of months ago.

 

Following up on this. I ended up installing a set of one gauge battery cables from American Autowire. I did have to bend the terminal at the starter. I haven't taken any voltage drop readings but judging from the way it cranks now I think the drop is very low. It has never cranked over so effortlessly. Even after a hot soak it cranks like crazy and fires right up. Thanks for all the input.