Wiring early C4?

JOHNL · 07-22-2002, 11:22 PM

What are the the best ways to run the 8 gauge wires for the amp to the battery? Should I drill a hole thouht the firewall? where about? I was thinking below the master cylinder. I plan tro run the ground to the battery also unless someone points Me to a closer ground. Also would it be much better for Me to run new speaker wires to the rear speakers instead of going though the stock wires? What is a good route for them? Thanks alot for any advice! :seeya

_Nomad_ · 07-22-2002, 11:40 PM

First of all, what size amp are you going to use? I would prefer to use 4-guage power and ground wire just in case you decide to upgrade in the future. You don’t want to have to rewire the car if you do. The best way to run power from battery to back of car is to drill just above and to the right of the gas pedal or above and to the right of the break pedal. This will put you in the engine compartment just below and to the left of the power break booster. There is nothing there to get in the way and is an easy run from there to the battery.

Don’t waste money and wire trying to ground back to the battery. Ground at any of the rear bolts that bolt the seats to the floor pan. It is a solid 12v ground to the frame and very easy to get to.

Yes, you should run all new speaker wire. Just leave the Blose wiring where it is and don’t mess with it, you may need it someday if you decide to sell the car and put the stock system back in it. Run the speaker wire under the hush panel, under the carpet between the seat and the doorsill, up behind the seat, over the fender well and into the opening for the speaker. You will have to remove some trim and pull up the carpet but it is really quite easy.

Don’t forget to fuse the power wire within 18” of the battery.

Good luck. :seeya

JOHNL · 07-22-2002, 11:59 PM

It's a 300 watt amp I plan to run a sub woofer amp in the future So maybe I should go with 4 gauge wire from the battery So it can be split inside the car for the two amps Is this a good idea? The car is a non bose. Thanks again!

92TripleBlack · 07-23-2002, 09:23 AM

I drilled the hole where Nomad described. You want to first look on both sides of where you are drilling to make sure you will clear everything. Then drill a 1/8" pilot hole. If you are to close to anything, better with a tiny easly repaired hole. Ten go to the bit that matches your wire. Use 4 gauge and run it back along the driver's side under the frame rail cover and carpet. It can be split with a $10 splitter in the rear of the car into 8 gauge wires for each of your amps. Also, run the same size ground to the frame. Some people use the seat bolts. I used the frame itself by drilling throught he compartment behind the driver's side seat and bolting the wire to the frame. Make sure you seal the holes you drill with silicon. Use 12-14 guage wire for speakers and 12 for subs. Tweets can use 16 gauge. :cheers: :smash: