Correct length of the battery cables?

[ysmalkie]

Would anyone know what's the correct length of the battery cables on the 4.2 S1?
I am looking for the Battery +, Battery - and if possible the starter cable...


Tadek

[david muir]

Just buy very flexible welding cable which has a huge cross-section..........no current drop!

[chrisfell]

But please, please, please, for the sanity of the next owner, buy a length of red cable for the positive terminal.

[Series1 Stu]

Or at least fit a red sleeve against the positive terminal.

Sorry, I can't help you with the cable lengths though.

Regards

[malcolm]

Long enough to reach the terminals?

[ysmalkie]

Thanks all for the advice! Does not get me close the exact dimensions, but the thought of having them long enough is very valid :-)

[cactusman]

As a matter of semantics, it is voltage drop not current drop The current in a cable is the same at each end. The higher the current for a given cross sectional area the greater the voltage drop between the ends...cables have finite resistance. Thicker cables mean lower voltage drop and higher power availability at the load end...which is what you need for the starter. Unless your cable is a superconductor there will always be some voltage drop! play on...

[Allrand]

Hi Tadek, just measure the length from the solenoid along the Lh frame rail, across the ficture frame & back along the rh frame rail to the starter, allowing a little extra for slack. A PO routed mine around the rear of the engine to the starter. If you're not worried about orignality that's a good idea because it's quite a bit shorter.

[Heuer]

it will also depend on which way you intend to mount the battery. Originally the terminal posts were at the back, under the heater box, but that makes removal difficult so many owners mounted them the other way around. It also depends on which battery you intend to use as many makers no longer supply them with the correct FRV11/7A configuration - terminals at the back, +ve terminal on the left for 3.8 cars. Your chosen polarity will also effect your choice. Lots of information in the Factory Fit thread on the subject.

I have seen the braided earth cable with a 6" yellow sleeve although I can find no documented evidence it was original fit.