Wiring Questions / Discussion

[451Mopar]

Lately been looking at different videos and posts on car wiring, and seeing all types of systems and opinions, but not much discussion on the pros and cons.

I am curios on your opinions of different aspects of car wiring. Here is four to start with:
Question #1 - Mostly relates to aftermarket wiring kits. To run wires directly from fuse block / dash harness direct to loads (lights, ignition, sensors, and such), or to break the wiring up into harnesses (rear / tailights, front/head lights, engine, and such).
Question #2 - Related to above the Stock / reproduction and American Autowire use a bulkhead connector where others like Hywire and Ron Francis run through a gromet. Takes on bulkhead connectors. This can be stock or aftermarket.
Question #3 - How much do you care about the wire type being used. Many of the real cheap Amazon harness are PVC insulated wiring as was most of the original wiring. Most reproduction and higher end aftermarket wiring is XLPE (TXL or GXL). Is anyone doing real high end stuff with ETFE (Tefzel) wire?
Question #4 - Opinions on using EPDM (welding) wire for battery relocation.

 

[493 Mike]

Lately been looking at different videos and posts on car wiring, and seeing all types of systems and opinions, but not much discussion on the pros and cons.

I am curios on your opinions of different aspects of car wiring. Here is four to start with:
Question #1 - Mostly relates to aftermarket wiring kits. To run wires directly from fuse block / dash harness direct to loads (lights, ignition, sensors, and such), or to break the wiring up into harnesses (rear / tailights, front/head lights, engine, and such).
Question #2 - Related to above the Stock / reproduction and American Autowire use a bulkhead connector where others like Hywire and Ron Francis run through a gromet. Takes on bulkhead connectors. This can be stock or aftermarket.
Question #3 - How much do you care about the wire type being used. Many of the real cheap Amazon harness are PVC insulated wiring as was most of the original wiring. Most reproduction and higher end aftermarket wiring is XLPE (TXL or GXL). Is anyone doing real high end stuff with ETFE (Tefzel) wire?
Question #4 - Opinions on using EPDM (welding) wire for battery relocation.

My answers do not refer to OEM restorations (much more advanced systems exist today).
#1: I like to build my own.
#2: The OEM bulkhead connector is fine with OEM electrical loads. With vastly increased loads, I would use a grommet.
#3: The better wire today should not have soy-based insulation. More strands=more flexibility (more cost usually).
#4: See #3.
Mike

 

[BeepBeepRR]

Everyone will have opinions but here are my thoughts.

1. OEM applications are plug and play for the most part and easy to get right the first time.
2. Aftermarket harnesses are great with the demand of newer electronics but, are a little daunting when it comes to making it work with existing sockets, gauges and various other issues.