Just finished the Big 3 on my vehicle last Saturday. It is a great upgrade to any vehicle. All that extra current flow helps with cranking and ignition as well as getting more amps to the battery in a shorter time. Watch the video and do it.
I have my subs and amp power coming from the front battery, when I put the bass up my lights on dash board dim will this upgrade help me in my situation ?
Great job! I like to use dielectric grease on all my connections , just so they don't rust or corrode in time. Especially living in New England with the winter road salt.
Im so glad that I found your channel. We have practically the same vehicle which made this extremely easy to follow along. Im very glad you were the one to explain this. You do a very good job on your content.
its amazing how much that big 3 upgrade actually helps the system. proper grounding for amps and batterys are too the thing to keep in mind with building a system. great video again EXO!
That is pretty interesting, but what really helped me on my wiring was to run positive and negative cables straight back to my amp instead of bolting to ground. That helped my dimming lights. I'm pretty sure the big three will only make it better.
Your vid of the big 3 that you did on your van,oh yeah the van, was the FIRST video of yours I ever watched. Here we are years later and your still making em' and I'm still watching em'.Outstanding work over the years man. Thanks for the good times EXO!
The 3800 are one of the best engines GM has made, Thus why they call them lifetime motors. They run 300K miles easily if taken care of. Wife has a grand prix for 13 years now and still runs like a new. .
it looks like you connected the fuse block to the battery twice. is that right? You said to go from the alternator positive to the fuse and then the fuse to the positive battery. It looks like you connected both ends of the fuse to the battery. Am I missing something or is that how its supposed to be done?
Great video, I saw someone use a 200a fuse for their classic car, not sure how old it was. I have a 1989 Chevy k1500 with a new alternator and was wondering what size amp I should use.
As usual exo you've done it again very well explained my basshead brother a big thumbs up I've been subscribed to both your channels well the original for 3-1/2 years and when you went with a second channel i subbed as well i hope one day we can meet up and get to sit in each others rides mine is nothing like frankie but once i get all my surgeries done and over with i want to do a big build i wish i could have you help me with it that would be awesome i never miss a vid bro :)
Oh, one thing I would have liked to have seen you use dielectric grease on the connections, a $0.99 pack which are right by the check out at any auto parts store will go a long way or better yet Parts Express has plenty of different sprays and greases to clean and protect electrical connections of all kinds...I get all kinds of great install from them for both home and car audio/video installs
Not quite sure but if your original ground has a decent amount of resistance in it, would it not be possible that leaving it in there would create a ground loop?
I have always I guess done a big 4. Do what you did in the big 3 but added a ground from my engine block to the frame. My side post negative terminal had a thick wad of wires coming from it. 3 (0) gauge and then the factory ground wires. Was actually thinking about putting in a ground from the cab to the frame. That way everything is grounded good
Awesome video, but i have a question......How do you do the big 3 upgrade if your battery is in the boot from factory? Do you have to run 1 gauge from front to back?
EXOcontralto I got the 3800 motor to where do I do the battery ground? I have a really short wire going from negative to wall right next to battery will that black wire be the negative? The wire is maybe 8 inches long maybe shorter
yeah My Bonneville has the battery under the backseat....so doing the big 3 takes more wire. on the flip side... running the 0 guage from the back battery to the alternator requires no firewall drilling because the grommet for the stock power wire is nice and fat and already supplied by GM
I have ran 2/0 from: Engine - to chassis - Battery - to chassis - Alternator + to battery + Should I still do a run from battery negative to alternator chassis?
I don't use fuse on the charge wire, I don't think it's necessary but prolly isn't a bad thing to do. Are u gonna make a video showing how to ground ur secondary battery that's gonna be in the trunk? I want to see how u get to the frame from inside of trunk. I'm scared to cut a hole in my Tahoe to run my grounds.
Exo, why did you connect a 300 amp fuse to the stock alt? stock alt amp rating? Shouldn't that fuse be set aside until you get the new H/O alt? Thanks dude, excellent video.
thanks for one of the best, simplest and clear video of a big 3 upgrade...as inexpensive, fast and easy as these are to do I can't believe its not always the first thing people do in their install....guess its not as sexy as showing off a bunch of cheap, weak sounding subs to your audio ignorant "intercity youth" homie Keep up the helpful videos, the more car audio 101 level subjects are what most people need to know the most about yet know the least
Lol, doing this to my car within the next 2 weeks hopefully, new 320 amp is coming in and doing the wire upgrades all throughout, am excited and a bit nervous not to screw it up lmao
Question: the bat to the alt with the 0g is fused. Makes sense, high power, if issue arises the fuse will protect. But by keeping the stock wire, that path will be next in flow. Is there a fuse in the OEM pathway from alt to bat? One should confirm this and add one if not. If the fuse pops on the 0g so the electricity doesn't melt the OEM wire and fry down the line.
Hey EXO! Great video. I have a 99 Ford expedition and want to do the big 3 upgrade. The default charging cable from the alt to battery runs through a junction on the passenger side before reaching the battery. Is it ok to run a 0 gauge directly to the battery?
Hey just subed. I have a 05 impala, And I was wondering what length did you use for your impala. Trying to order the wire asap. I was thinking 5ft power 5 ft ground..What ya think?
On my vehicle, the alternator connects to the starter and the starter connects to a 300 amp fuse block at the battery. Instead of trying to trace the wire to the starter then to the battery, could I just run a new wire from the alternator directly to the battery and leave the stock alternator to starter wiring? If so, do you have any recommendations on this process? Should I install an additional inline fuse between the alternator and battery? My 240 mechman amp just arrived and I want to complete all the underhood work at one time.
EXO, U ARE DEFINITELY ON POINT WITH EVERYTHING U DO. LOVE UR WORK. Wish I could work with or for U. ALONG WITH STEAVE MEADE OF COURSE. But, my question to U is can I use the current 4 gauge from my wiring kit as an electrical upgrade wire from my battery to the alternator? Currently in the midst of replacing everything within my car audio category. I have MASSIVE voltage drops even off a Yellow Top Battery.
I have a 5th gen Camaro and then battery is in the truck. Will the long ground and power lines from the battery to alternator be an issue being so long?
So basically 1 positive and 2 grounds...? If using those hammer crimped connectors, why need such heavy wire as that's way more than what would go threw the connector?
He’s shaking cause Maine is cold !!! You couldn’t know if you do not live in the north east but my question it’s ... why wouldn’t you replace the factory grounds ?
HEY EXO, it has been a week since you put up this video, when is the next one coming? I really like you videos, informative and clean. Im doing the same for my chevy caprice, but Im waiting for your vids to learn the perfect way to do it.
What up bro I always watch your videos when I in doubt about something. I was wondering if I cant find my engine ground wire to chassis what way can I ground it?
Question: When connecting the ground wires to the battery, did you secure both grounds together without any separation between the ring terminals? Thank You
Exo do you have a video of how you ran the 0 gauge wire on that impala???? I have the same car and I'm trying to figure out how to run a true 0 gauge wire
So when doing the big 3 you don't have to remove the oem wiring? I've been so concerned about this that I'm thinking about just not reinstalling my system. I've got a 2013 F150 XLT 5.0L and I appreciate any advice.
Just finished the Big 3 on my vehicle last Saturday. It is a great upgrade to any vehicle. All that extra current flow helps with cranking and ignition as well as getting more amps to the battery in a shorter time. Watch the video and do it.
I have my subs and amp power coming from the front battery, when I put the bass up my lights on dash board dim will this upgrade help me in my situation ?
Great job! I like to use dielectric grease on all my connections , just so they don't rust or corrode in time. Especially living in New England with the winter road salt.
Great advice sir.
Cobra Kia will never die! 🐍
I just finished this upgrade and I used dielectric grease too
Best big 3 upgrade video I have seen man good job!!
Im so glad that I found your channel. We have practically the same vehicle which made this extremely easy to follow along. Im very glad you were the one to explain this. You do a very good job on your content.
its amazing how much that big 3 upgrade actually helps the system. proper grounding for amps and batterys are too the thing to keep in mind with building a system. great video again EXO!
Watch how to measure ground resistance for maximum power
This is the easiest diy explanation I've watched on YT
EXO thank you for the training. Your vids are easy to follow, your personality and attitude make watching your channel a pleasure.
1 of the best step by step install ever thanks EXO
Agree GO NINERS!!!
That is pretty interesting, but what really helped me on my wiring was to run positive and negative cables straight back to my amp instead of bolting to ground. That helped my dimming lights. I'm pretty sure the big three will only make it better.
Your vid of the big 3 that you did on your van,oh yeah the van, was the FIRST video of yours I ever watched. Here we are years later and your still making em' and I'm still watching em'.Outstanding work over the years man. Thanks for the good times EXO!
Let me just say your videos are killer. Your hilarious and you know what your taking about. Appreciate all the hard work man.
thanks so much , i have a 2000 watt system in my 95 Suburban and headlights where dimming so bad when bass hitt . but now its perfect!
There were a bunch of video options on how to do Big 3 but when I saw you had one up I knew which one to watch 🤙🏽 thanks for all the great videos
Can't wait to see this system once it is finished! Keep up the awesome work EXO!
Thank you EXO I kept hearing about this"big three" but never knew what it really was. I'm new to audio
Hope you've made a great journey these last 6 years!
I love the 3800 series motor easy as hell to work on
Yeah no doubt man:) I have a 3800 Bonneville. Sickest engine ever! :D
I like the 5.7's
Its a good thing theyre easy to work on you gotta work on em often
The 3800 are one of the best engines GM has made, Thus why they call them lifetime motors. They run 300K miles easily if taken care of. Wife has a grand prix for 13 years now and still runs like a new. .
Thank you for explaining this clear and simple ,good teacher even the ones who cant pay attention should understand this how to video
Quick question I hope somebody can answer me. Q: Do you need a second battery to do this or can you just do this with only one?
After you did the big 3 do you just run a power wire to the back to power the amp
Yes from your positive post on the battery
Great build! Keep it up man I'm with you every step of the way!
where those booties at
HEY BROTHER I APPRECIATE YOU FOR THIS VIDEO! I DID MINES AND NOW IM GETTING GOOD POWER TO MY AUDIO! THANK YOU BROTHER
I see you did a good job with securing all the OFC . What I wanna know is did you notice any improvement on your stereo system?
it looks like you connected the fuse block to the battery twice. is that right? You said to go from the alternator positive to the fuse and then the fuse to the positive battery. It looks like you connected both ends of the fuse to the battery. Am I missing something or is that how its supposed to be done?
You make it look to easy. Keep that great stuff coming.
nicee vid! i feel like this one goes more in depth than the older vid, thanks Exo!
The end thing he does is what got me hooked on this guys videos they are fun to learn how de does stuff
Loved the video you said you didn’t have to remove your existing body ground you just added another one
Love how you work bro. I don't get to say that to many people.
Do you have to put a fuse for the power wire to the power alt? or can you just run the wire without the fuse.
You can do it without a fuse, however, if the wire somehow got lose and touched ground, the wire would cause a serious fire.
Using a fuse is almost always recommended for the big 3
If the wire got loose and you had a fuse installed with it as well, the fuse would just blow and protect everything else.
Do you have to add a fuse for the power wire of the alternator? Every kit that I’ve seen does not come with one.
Great video, I saw someone use a 200a fuse for their classic car, not sure how old it was. I have a 1989 Chevy k1500 with a new alternator and was wondering what size amp I should use.
I learned a lot of details on system hook up from you. Keep it coming.
As usual exo you've done it again very well explained my basshead brother a big thumbs up I've been subscribed to both your channels well the original for 3-1/2 years and when you went with a second channel i subbed as well i hope one day we can meet up and get to sit in each others rides mine is nothing like frankie but once i get all my surgeries done and over with i want to do a big build i wish i could have you help me with it that would be awesome i never miss a vid bro :)
Oh, one thing I would have liked to have seen you use dielectric grease on the connections, a $0.99 pack which are right by the check out at any auto parts store will go a long way or better yet Parts Express has plenty of different sprays and greases to clean and protect electrical connections of all kinds...I get all kinds of great install from them for both home and car audio/video installs
U CAN HAVE TOO MANY GROUNDS ALSO SO THE 1 FROM THE BATTERY IS GOOD BUT THE OTHER ON THE FRAME TO ENGINE CAN BE UPGRADED INSTEAD OF KEEPING
Not quite sure but if your original ground has a decent amount of resistance in it, would it not be possible that leaving it in there would create a ground loop?
I have always I guess done a big 4. Do what you did in the big 3 but added a ground from my engine block to the frame. My side post negative terminal had a thick wad of wires coming from it. 3 (0) gauge and then the factory ground wires. Was actually thinking about putting in a ground from the cab to the frame. That way everything is grounded good
Awesome video, but i have a question......How do you do the big 3 upgrade
if your battery is in the boot from factory?
Do you have to run 1 gauge from front to back?
After a big 3 upgrade do you still run amp kit the same? So you'll have 2 fuses under the hood? One for amp kit and one for the big 3?
Yes, that's perfect!
EXOcontralto I got the 3800 motor to where do I do the battery ground? I have a really short wire going from negative to wall right next to battery will that black wire be the negative? The wire is maybe 8 inches long maybe shorter
Yes, that's the stock ground wire most likely. You'll just need to SUPPLEMENT it, not replace it.
What about with the alternator positive and ground wires? Replace or Supplement?
Just to be clear. Are you ADDING wires to the EXISTING wire OR replacing the original/old wires with zero gauge new wire?
Hey EXO, i like your Video´s ! Big Thumps up from Germany ! Geets Siggi
Definitely will try this technique because I put an aftermarket radio in my 🚗 and it's whiny like a new born baby!! The struggle is real
Great video, thanks for posting. Question, did you see any change in your electrical system after the upgrade?
This big 3 video is much better than your old one.
yeah My Bonneville has the battery under the backseat....so doing the big 3 takes more wire. on the flip side... running the 0 guage from the back battery to the alternator requires no firewall drilling because the grommet for the stock power wire is nice and fat and already supplied by GM
This would have been so helpful like 2 months ago when I did the big 3 on my monte carlo lol.
I have ran 2/0 from:
Engine - to chassis -
Battery - to chassis -
Alternator + to battery +
Should I still do a run from battery negative to alternator chassis?
Why do you need a fuse on the positive side from alternator to positive post on battery?
In case of a short, used to prevent a fire from happening
Crimped with a vice grip..massive hand strength
I don't use fuse on the charge wire, I don't think it's necessary but prolly isn't a bad thing to do. Are u gonna make a video showing how to ground ur secondary battery that's gonna be in the trunk? I want to see how u get to the frame from inside of trunk. I'm scared to cut a hole in my Tahoe to run my grounds.
Thanks EXO. For explaining the correct way.
Just what I was looking for, you the man EXO
Great man ... I remember your old big 3 video that was helpfull as this one :)
Alot better explained than the last video. Thanks for this!
One thing you could have added to your install is dielectric grease at your connections. This prevents connection breakdown in the future.
OVER not on the connecting surface, this need to be clear haha
Exo, why did you connect a 300 amp fuse to the stock alt? stock alt amp rating? Shouldn't that fuse be set aside until you get the new H/O alt? Thanks dude, excellent video.
Thanks - You made it simple and easy.
I will be doing mine now!
Thought you had to ground to the frame of the car and ground engine block to frame?
What was the battery voltage prior to the big 3?
I bet it was still 14
@@BillyBob-os7kr mine was about the same. Gained about 0.3
@@yusufjorgenz5951 stock alternator ?
Great video EXO. does the type of 0 gauge wire matter and what wattage should you use this on? Like 1500 or 2000?
Great vid there buddy! Have a Moxie on me. Heating my magnum ready for a system before wintah just need a suggestion for a good head unit.
thanks for one of the best, simplest and clear video of a big 3 upgrade...as inexpensive, fast and easy as these are to do I can't believe its not always the first thing people do in their install....guess its not as sexy as showing off a bunch of cheap, weak sounding subs to your audio ignorant "intercity youth" homie
Keep up the helpful videos, the more car audio 101 level subjects are what most people need to know the most about yet know the least
Lol, doing this to my car within the next 2 weeks hopefully, new 320 amp is coming in and doing the wire upgrades all throughout, am excited and a bit nervous not to screw it up lmao
More upgrades to this vehicle please. I got the same vehicle. What else did u do for the set up. Tryna bounce some ideas.
This was an ex-girlfriend's car so unfortunately that won't be happening lol
Question: the bat to the alt with the 0g is fused. Makes sense, high power, if issue arises the fuse will protect. But by keeping the stock wire, that path will be next in flow. Is there a fuse in the OEM pathway from alt to bat? One should confirm this and add one if not. If the fuse pops on the 0g so the electricity doesn't melt the OEM wire and fry down the line.
How many amps is that stock alternator though, and how much power can you run on it after doing that upgrade?
Hey EXO! Great video. I have a 99 Ford expedition and want to do the big 3 upgrade. The default charging cable from the alt to battery runs through a junction on the passenger side before reaching the battery. Is it ok to run a 0 gauge directly to the battery?
Hey just subed. I have a 05 impala, And I was wondering what length did you use for your impala. Trying to order the wire asap. I was thinking 5ft power 5 ft ground..What ya think?
Did you ever figure that out yet? I have an 02 impala and I dont want to buy too short of a wire
Is it necessary to fuse the added power wire?
I'm glad I watched this because I would have had done more work than I had to removing the old ground and power wire instead of just adding to.
Nice man, always working as smart as we can :)
On my vehicle, the alternator connects to the starter and the starter connects to a 300 amp fuse block at the battery. Instead of trying to trace the wire to the starter then to the battery, could I just run a new wire from the alternator directly to the battery and leave the stock alternator to starter wiring? If so, do you have any recommendations on this process? Should I install an additional inline fuse between the alternator and battery? My 240 mechman amp just arrived and I want to complete all the underhood work at one time.
Do you base the fuse size on the wires size or alternator amps or both? I'm using 1/0 gauge wires as well with a 300A fuse for a 120 amp alternator.
Damn that was nice and easy, for my big 3 my freaken alternator is behind the engine, pain in the ass it was...
EXO, U ARE DEFINITELY ON POINT WITH EVERYTHING U DO. LOVE UR WORK. Wish I could work with or for U. ALONG WITH STEAVE MEADE OF COURSE. But, my question to U is can I use the current 4 gauge from my wiring kit as an electrical upgrade wire from my battery to the alternator? Currently in the midst of replacing everything within my car audio category. I have MASSIVE voltage drops even off a Yellow Top Battery.
Did you test voltage prior to your PERFECT install? If it was equal, aren’t we just building redundancy here?
I have a 5th gen Camaro and then battery is in the truck. Will the long ground and power lines from the battery to alternator be an issue being so long?
Super awesomely done man!!!!
Thanks, Godspeed1!
So if I add on thicker gauge wires then I don't have to upgrade the alternator or battery??? Or do I still have to upgrade them?
First time I see you using the garage :)
Kinda reminds me of your early videos of the van. I think I go watch some of those now....
So basically 1 positive and 2 grounds...?
If using those hammer crimped connectors, why need such heavy wire as that's way more than what would go threw the connector?
Excellent demo!
Did the ground connection make a spark?...I'm making sure i'm doing this correctly cuz mine did...but I do like your explanation of this upgrade!👍👍
Jazz&j whenever you reconnect the battery you'll get a spark, as long as everything is done properly the spark doesn't matter
He’s shaking cause Maine is cold !!! You couldn’t know if you do not live in the north east but my question it’s ... why wouldn’t you replace the factory grounds ?
Adding to them is much better, even more grounding material :)
Thanks for the comment, Zachery - It IS quite cold up there.
HEY EXO, it has been a week since you put up this video, when is the next one coming? I really like you videos, informative and clean. Im doing the same for my chevy caprice, but Im waiting for your vids to learn the perfect way to do it.
By any chance do you remember the length of the wires you used? I have the same car.
I need to know to I have the 02 impala but its still under the same generation. I want to buy some wires but I dont want to be short
Just remove OEM for measurement and follow same path
What up bro I always watch your videos when I in doubt about something. I was wondering if I cant find my engine ground wire to chassis what way can I ground it?
What about the ground from alternator to body/neg battery terminal? Haven't found good info on this. I heard it helps in various ways?
Question: When connecting the ground wires to the battery, did you secure both grounds together without any separation between the ring terminals? Thank You
Would this be beneficial for a small 5 channel and one 12" sub? How about a resetable fuse instead of a replaceable?
What size fuse do I use??do I go off wire size or alternator amperage then choose the fuse size??
Y didn't you go wit the ground from the front bottom of them motor to the chassis? Or that y u grounded the alternator out?
Exo do you have a video of how you ran the 0 gauge wire on that impala???? I have the same car and I'm trying to figure out how to run a true 0 gauge wire
So when doing the big 3 you don't have to remove the oem wiring? I've been so concerned about this that I'm thinking about just not reinstalling my system. I've got a 2013 F150 XLT 5.0L and I appreciate any advice.
cheers for the great vid EXO! super helpful
great informative video man. makes it very easy to understand. youre the man
I received my order of a 0 gauge Big 3 kit the lug on the end of the power wire looks to big for the alternator Positive post bolt what should I do🤔
How do I do a big 4 UPGRADE to my 2000 dodge Durango 5.2L v8? I want to do it myself
Does it matter what size fuse i use? I have a 200 amp alternator, should I use a two hundred amp fuse or does 300 work for everything? Thanks
Love your videos man.
Wait wait wait! Was that fuse grounded out with the through bolts? I just had to ask.. looked like it in the video😂 did it blow?