11 replies to this topic

[gazza82]

What is the correct size cable from battery to starter solenoid? Loads available ... which one to use?

[cal844]

Depends on the year of car you're buying for

[MiniMadRacer]

I think the length is something to consider and what type of battery terminal you have on your car... I think the cable routing changed over the years meaning different lengths were used.. I would use the thickest that will fit through the hole in the boot floor

[gazza82]

Custom .. my Austin "Bitza" .. I'm relocating the battery to the boot, like a Mini. Basically a mix of Austin A35, MG Midget and Mini parts :)

Probably going for a 60amp alternator if that helps ...

[MiniMadRacer]

I think it has more to do with the Battery power than the alternator...

 

16mm2, 8.2mm OD, 110A

20mm2, 8.9mm OD, 135A

25mm2, 10.0mm OD, 170A

0mm2, 12.7mm OD, 300A

14.6mm OD, 415A

 

 

[cal844]

You need a grommet on the boot floor, so your cable size will need to take this into consideration

[GraemeC]

16mm2 is about standard, 20mm2 is a nice upgrade.
Look for multi strand flexible ‘welding’ cable rather than the old style stiffer battery cable
https://www.ebay.co....0-127635-2958-0

Edited by GraemeC, 03 October 2021 - 10:36 AM.

[Spider]

I use 25 sq mm, I find it a nice size and little voltage drop for the starter motor. The original was equivalent to 16 sq mm.

As you are only after a few metres, try a welding supplier, they usually sell it by the metre off the roll as flex.

[gazza82]

Thanks all .. 25mm2 it will be!

[whistler]

Does the 25mm2 cable fit into the floor channel OK as the outside  diameter will be larger?

[Ethel]

Defo a case of bigger is better for once.

 

The size is the cross sectional area of the copper, the finer the individual strands the less space there'll be between them so the smaller the overall diameter of the cable can be. 

 

An old thread suggests 3/8" was the original cable OD, never measured one personally.

 

If you're putting your own together give a thought to the terminals. Your best option could be to get the supplier to crimp an eyelet on for the engine end.

[Spider]

Does the 25mm2 cable fit into the floor channel OK as the outside  diameter will be larger?

 

I've not had an issue with single insulated cable, but I'll also point out that our locally made Minis also had steel covers (one each side), runs full length of the floor, that's bolted on, covering all the under car cable and pipes . I'd suggest checking if double insulated cable is to be used.