By Kyle D. – Product Specialist
Let’s be frank for a minute, the factory wiring in your vehicle is simply not designed to handle the high current demand of aftermarket car audio systems. Stock wiring can handle a maximum of 600 to 1000 watt system depending on your vehicle make and model. While a basic sound system with an amplifier or two of low current draw tends to work on most vehicles, it’s when you start to turn up the volume or use higher output amplifiers that you see the effects. Dimming headlights and drops in voltage are common signs that you need to make the upgrade. The big 3 upgrade is used to make sure the power you need is getting to everything in your vehicle without additional resistance. So what is the “Big 3”?
Upgrading the alternator wire to the battery, the negative battery cable to vehicle ground, and engine ground to chassis is considered the “Big 3” upgrade. To complete the upgrade you can either replace your factory wiring or simply run thicker cable alongside it, the choice is yours. Most big 3 upgrades are completed using 1/0 gauge wire for the best possible current transfer, if you’re unsure about what gauge wire to use, always go larger. With your factory wires replaced you might notice a sense of freshness to your vehicle. It may crank less before the engine turns over, you will get better system charging as well as little to no voltage drop. If your lights dimmed before they will dim less or stop dimming all together because of the increased current your electrical system will receive. The big 3 upgrade is a big solution!
