What you need is an ultra reliable Lotus engine.
Got a feeling I might regret saying that.
So I'm looking at battery cables. I want to take a cable from the battery to the fia switch, then back to the starter solenoid, then on to the
starter. Total length is close to three meters for the positive cable.
Looking at the starter (according to Haynes) it's 2400w at 12v or 200amp by my calculations.
Taking into account amps i think I need flex 35 (11.8mm od, 35mm2 cross section). However adding in voltage drop I'm looking at 50mm cross
section or 13.3mm od.
Does this sound right?
What have you fitted?
Engine is a venerable xflow.
Buy a set of 400A jump leads and cut the clamps off. It should be more than enough and alot cheeaper than battery cable.
In my case no idea what I fitted - nicked it all of my MX5 donor car - OK for Mazda it will do for me
Nowhere near that size on mine. I had some what I think are 110a cables kicking about and used those. No issues so far.
Never noticed the cables even getting warm.
ebay link
Stu
I used 35mm copper welding cable. Used crimp on lugs to connect to the starter and to the chassis for earth.
Used QR battery terminal connectors.
3m would be under a fiver.
Paul G
p.s. Good for making up quality jump leads as well. Beware cheap aluminium jump leads.
35mm2 (2awg) should be more than adequate.
[Edited on 16-7-18 by loggyboy]
I had some 200A leads and they got hot when cranking, which would slow after a few turns. Swapped for bigger 400A leads and it cranked alot faster and they don’t get hot.
Do you mean to say that your engine doesn't burst into life the instant you turn the key ?
What you need is an ultra reliable Lotus engine.
Got a feeling I might regret saying that.
What is the purpose of your car?
That may lead you to the right answer...
Are you looking for extreme lightness?
Or reliability is a more worthy goal?
Voltage drop coupled to cold weather may lead to extended cranking which is not a good thing on a thinner than desirable cable.
I would go for thickker unless I was racing the car.
HTH.
Angel Acevedo
Purpose is to pass IVA and get driven for a few miles before I'm too old / broken to do it 
35mm cable is going to be bought - just trying to decide if i get it pre-made or buy a 20 quid hydralic crimper ebay special and cable....
quote:
Originally posted by MikeR
Purpose is to pass IVA and get driven for a few miles before I'm too old / broken to do it
35mm cable is going to be bought - just trying to decide if i get it pre-made or buy a 20 quid hydralic crimper ebay special and cable....
I just bought a set readymade up from Halfords, much less hassle. Been on two years no issues.
quote:
Originally posted by 907
quote:
Originally posted by MikeR
Purpose is to pass IVA and get driven for a few miles before I'm too old / broken to do it
35mm cable is going to be bought - just trying to decide if i get it pre-made or buy a 20 quid hydralic crimper ebay special and cable....
No need for special crimpers.
Buy the lead and lugs and use a dot punch or blunt chisel to crimp them.
One supplier even includes a length of heat shrink in the deal.
eBay lugs & cable
I made a crimper from bits of scrap, works well.
Crimper bits
In action
Finished