if you can't tell, i LOVE doing this stuff. Giving things to people who appreciate it and actually enjoy it for years to come is one of the highlights of my life. RUclips has made this possible as i spend a lot of my partner money on products you see in the video's. Sometimes i get them free, sometimes i get a discount, sometimes i go to the store and pay full price no questions asked. But i try my best to give back...every build you have seen here for YEARS has been free of charge to those who received them. Someday it can be YOU. You never know who you are being cool to when you are nice to random strangers. Thanks for watching! Don't forget to follow my instagram channel too for daily updates that hit the web way before YT. instagram.com/meade916
Steve ive been watching your videos since high school when I was car audio obessed and actually inspired me to become an electrical engineer. I'm 27 now and have a career in engineering and rediscovered your channel. Keep on keeping on man.
Damn I'm proud of the kid he was already using the marine terminals. In case he reads this next time get the terminals without the paint on them they are thicker than the painted ones and less prone to crackin I'm speaking from experience.
Ain’t that the truth a system is never done . Man I love helping out young bucks there is a kid in my town who I help out as much as I can teach the future
Facts! Young man at dollar General asked me to install his system... The grin on his face when he showed me his single box 12 pioneer with a tear in it, he don't kno I'm bout to drop him knowledge, he gonna install his own ish, might just give him my old mono blocc, and wires needed... 😂😁 he's got the thirst for the knowledge... He gone get another sub tho.. We don't play play 😁😂
I'm completely blown away with the alternator hook-up, as I try to enjoy my audio setup, it tends to go out. Everything will bump for an hour than it'll just play my front nd rear speakers.
May need a high out put alternator, even if you have the big 3 upgrade. If the battery is using power faster then the alternator can supply it then it will drain
Everytime I see car headlights dancing to the beat, I KNOW they missed the big 3. I replaced 4 alternators, before I did the upgrade, and that was it. No more electric problems 😁👍
i had dancing headlights even after the big 3. only thing that stopped it was leds because they are not so sensitive to voltage fluctuations. that was my case even with the voltage staying in between 13v-14.5v
@@Zack-dk3pt in your case, consider adding a second battery or a large cap paired with a high output alternator, or better yet, lifepo bank with large alt if cost isn't a concern.
Appreciate the knowledge boss hog, I just bought a “Mechman” alternator for my f350 dual battery setup, and yup there is a dinky little wire coming of the Oem alternator....definitely doing the big 3
I been into car stereo systems since the mid 90s the first time i road in a honda civic with 4 10 inch mtx in custom plexi box i was hooked ever since.
I found a thread on camaro5 for the hot start issue the SS v8 has. Its basically a ground oem thats 2 gauge but to a real cheap stamped metal not even the frame. Made a new 0 gauge ofc with copper lugs and direct to the frame and the issue is gone. Next is upgrading the starter wire, the alt wire to 0 gauge also. oem alt is 6 or8 gauge and the starter is 6.
yup. just barely enough to get by....Grounds are usually the biggest bottlenecks in the car even without a system. That's why these racing and performance websites always sell ground upgrade kits. It makes a difference.
Manufacturer will always go the cheapest and lightest route, everything in a car is thought about in that regard, they want it lighter to save overall weight which helps with fuel economy numbers, if only by a little, that helps them meet CAFE regulations, my cars grounds and primary power leads were horridly small, plus the way it was designed I ended up with engine whine real bad, drove nuts until I did the upgrade and the noise went away instantly.
@@270trevon we all learn something new every day. Plus we all have our own direction typically guys only worried about stock or going really fast don't know about big 3 because they dont modify. Stereo fiends like myself will do what it takes to make as much power as possible. I believe my next upgrade will be super caps. I know my stereo would love an extra 200 amps on deck
I had an uncle who worked on cars all his life (repairing OEM problems and such) but when I did a big 3 upgrade back in the day he had no clue why I'd do something like that but understood once I hooked it up to the alternator and battery ground to the frame. This was back in the early 2000's though. Before they made high output alternators for almost every model of vehicle.
My whole tahoe is wired up with SHCA 1/0, dual batteries with that big 4 done. And 2 runs to my amps! Since I installed that stuff, my truck thumps, for 2 10's JL w0! Love their battery terminal, and distro boxes! All quality shit
you would think it is common sense...but 99.99999999999 percent of these back yard charlie or garage Rog installers don't know anything about it. I have been both myself so i ain't talking shit...i mean it's been decades since i was that bad at it haha but ive been there. It's pathetic how many SHOPS don't do this either (or even recommend it).
I got a 320 amp alternator after installing 2 amps in my 06 Acura TL. After that i used 1/0 wire for my big 3 while installing upgraded motor mounts and now my car starts immedately. Even if i didnt upgrade my alternator i still would have done the big 3. But Ive got an Optima D35 in the front and a XS Power XP300 secondary battery in the trunk. Mobile Max Car Audio helped me with the front amp (since acura has those stock amps for all the door and rear 8in sub speakers running off an amp on the passenger side in the front.) But the second amp was much easier as it installed just like a normal amp. Anyone who owns an Acura with a factory amp knows the pain i speak of lol
Awesome video. I wanna replace my stock battery with a xs power agm or the xs titan 8 s5 12v 4900. Do you think the xs agm d 4909 100ah agm with a mechman 370 alt hold my voltage steady? Or would the titan 8 s5 12v underhood bci lithium be better choice at holding my voltage steady? My system gonna be 3k
Great video, very helpful. Please comment on my unique situation. I've got a bmw x5 with a rear mounted main battery under the spare wheel. There is no front battery. From the factory there is a 1/0 run from the alternator to the rear main battery. Type bic group 49... I plan to upgrade that battery to an xs power D4900. How would the big 3/4 apply to this situation. Thanks in advance for your consideration. (Sundown 12" x v3 with d4s JP23 amp, alpine 4 channel amp for door speakers
Hi, thanks for your help with this video! I have a question: why isn't a larger cable added for the alternator ground, but only a large positive is added?
hi i got a 2006 cadillac escalade with a big 3 only stock battery and alternator , my amp shuts off when i put more bass or turn the radio up. voltages go down . is a kicker cx1200 RMS and 3-10" subs . do i need a extra battery or bigger alternator .. i dont go to you because m in florida.. but can you help me.
Steve, did y’all ever do anything about trunk vent flappers rattling? I’m having the same issue with my car in its trunk an would love some advice on how to get them to stop! Thanks! Awesome video!
I had that problem in my 07 tahoe. I added self adhesive foam to the edges of the flaps. That way they still work but the foam stops the plastic from slapping.
hey Steve, I just got some 1/0 power n neg wire... how come mine looks like 4 gauge compared to those cables you installed they are stamped and labeled 1/0 gauge and they were from a store... they aren't skyhigh audio but those you installed looked like they were are thick as the roll out the paper towels lol what am i missing bruh ? sincerely a fan of your work... thanks
Can I do the big 3 on my 2018 Chevy Malibu? I have fuses on my positive battery terminal. I had the xs power D4800 with the 580 short posts adapters in it for a month and a half and then it went dead, won't even charge. I had to put my stock AC Delco battery back in.
Check your stock setup, if it's fused the put another one, if not, put one anyways, not going to hurt anything but it will add some protection for that big honking wire
Thanks for the responses. I have dual runs from alt to battery and dual runs to amp, all fused with SMD ceramic fuses, just wanted to make sure I didn't waste money lol.
Steve, u keep talking about air vents, where are they located. I have a 2014 and have bass, j have done the second skin on rear deck, pls tell me where the air vents are......, thanks
"It takes power, to make power" (Steve Meade). I try not to laugh at the people who put a 5 or 10 thousand watt amp in their car with nothing but 4 guage from the battery, 4 guage ground on a painted surface, and no big three.
Getting everything together for around 4K watts..but I’ve been hearing for the car I’m planning to put it in that the ecu has a limit on voltage so if I were to run the4k with a high output alt, will it end up working?? Have u ever heard of this before... thanks in advance been watching u for a while this vid came right in time
Great video 👍 Got a question, if your already running a new ground wire from your battery negative to the body of vehicle, what is the use to run another new ground wire from your engine block to the vehicle chase?? It doesn’t seem like there would be much improvement adding that second ground wire that goes from engine block to vehicle chase? Can you please explain thank you
The reason for that is because the engine is mounted to the subframe with rubber motor mounts, So just because you have a ground wire going from your batt to your chassis it doesn’t guarantee that the engine itself has a good ground! So the only way to guarantee that the engine itself is properly grounded is to run a ground wire from engine to chassis! Hope this helps
I have 2 American Bass Hd D2 12s American Bass Vfl 5kAmp Custom Box American Bass 320Amp Js Alternator 3 Xs D4800 Battery 3000 watt each 9000k Watts total Issues is my Main under the door battery is swelling. What can i do ?
I have a question, I have a friend of mines that wants to do the big three with jumper cable, is this a good idea???? I wouldn't want something to happen to his vehicle. The cable is thick but im unsure.
if you can't tell, i LOVE doing this stuff. Giving things to people who appreciate it and actually enjoy it for years to come is one of the highlights of my life. RUclips has made this possible as i spend a lot of my partner money on products you see in the video's. Sometimes i get them free, sometimes i get a discount, sometimes i go to the store and pay full price no questions asked. But i try my best to give back...every build you have seen here for YEARS has been free of charge to those who received them. Someday it can be YOU. You never know who you are being cool to when you are nice to random strangers. Thanks for watching! Don't forget to follow my instagram channel too for daily updates that hit the web way before YT. instagram.com/meade916
Is it an Altima or Maxima. Peace
Dope 👍....
@@Compton2952 altima
Good shit Steve. He seems like a very humble appreciative dude.
@@Compton2952 did you happen to watch the video? Peace.
A+ on the wire routing so that when he lifts the hood, it's not obnoxiously obvious the big 3 is installed.
Steve ive been watching your videos since high school when I was car audio obessed and actually inspired me to become an electrical engineer. I'm 27 now and have a career in engineering and rediscovered your channel. Keep on keeping on man.
good to hear that Jacob!!! thanks for the comment! :)
I can watch these videos all day i swear. I love doing audio hook ups its such an amazing feeling when i see them leave happy af bumping
I just smoked my alt tonight. High output on the way. I am just getting into this. I'm already so deep into it financially.. I want to do numbers!!
Audio has been my hobby and passion since I was 9 I’m 38 now. And ya a sound system is never really done.
Showing that boy some love. Steve your the man. 💪🏻🦾💪🏻
Put a 3400 in my fiesta had to cut side of battery box out still bumping. Love your attention to details Steve
I wish I had someone giving me $300+ batteries. Good shit man!!! 👌
Damn I'm proud of the kid he was already using the marine terminals. In case he reads this next time get the terminals without the paint on them they are thicker than the painted ones and less prone to crackin I'm speaking from experience.
as an owner of a 2012 altima it is nice to see what can be done to one and get good ideas for what i want to do to mine one day
Ain’t that the truth a system is never done . Man I love helping out young bucks there is a kid in my town who I help out as much as I can teach the future
Facts! Young man at dollar General asked me to install his system... The grin on his face when he showed me his single box 12 pioneer with a tear in it, he don't kno I'm bout to drop him knowledge, he gonna install his own ish, might just give him my old mono blocc, and wires needed... 😂😁 he's got the thirst for the knowledge... He gone get another sub tho.. We don't play play 😁😂
I'm completely blown away with the alternator hook-up, as I try to enjoy my audio setup, it tends to go out. Everything will bump for an hour than it'll just play my front nd rear speakers.
May need a high out put alternator, even if you have the big 3 upgrade. If the battery is using power faster then the alternator can supply it then it will drain
This Young Buck is the most lucky person I have seen. Mead takes care of him.
He wasn’t readyyyy...for that Milwaukee torque. 😂🙌🏼 Good stuff Steve! Videos are 👌🏼.
Big 3 1/0 OFC wire and a Northstar agm under the hood was the best investment I ever made.
Everytime I see car headlights dancing to the beat, I KNOW they missed the big 3. I replaced 4 alternators, before I did the upgrade, and that was it. No more electric problems 😁👍
i had dancing headlights even after the big 3. only thing that stopped it was leds because they are not so sensitive to voltage fluctuations. that was my case even with the voltage staying in between 13v-14.5v
@@Zack-dk3pt in your case, consider adding a second battery or a large cap paired with a high output alternator, or better yet, lifepo bank with large alt if cost isn't a concern.
@@gtaseed a 200amp alt was the next step but the car got totaled recently so there's that lol.
Appreciate the knowledge boss hog, I just bought a “Mechman” alternator for my f350 dual battery setup, and yup there is a dinky little wire coming of the Oem alternator....definitely doing the big 3
I been into car stereo systems since the mid 90s the first time i road in a honda civic with 4 10 inch mtx in custom plexi box i was hooked ever since.
Dude, I have a 14 f 150 fx4 offroad supercrew 3.5 ecoboost v6, need a big 3 done big time
Big thanks bro finally just got the big 3 done on my Kia optima yesterday after watching this 👍
I have the d3400 xs power in my ranger an dang did it make an huge difference
I found a thread on camaro5 for the hot start issue the SS v8 has. Its basically a ground oem thats 2 gauge but to a real cheap stamped metal not even the frame. Made a new 0 gauge ofc with copper lugs and direct to the frame and the issue is gone. Next is upgrading the starter wire, the alt wire to 0 gauge also. oem alt is 6 or8 gauge and the starter is 6.
yup. just barely enough to get by....Grounds are usually the biggest bottlenecks in the car even without a system. That's why these racing and performance websites always sell ground upgrade kits. It makes a difference.
Manufacturer will always go the cheapest and lightest route, everything in a car is thought about in that regard, they want it lighter to save overall weight which helps with fuel economy numbers, if only by a little, that helps them meet CAFE regulations, my cars grounds and primary power leads were horridly small, plus the way it was designed I ended up with engine whine real bad, drove nuts until I did the upgrade and the noise went away instantly.
He got hooked up so good. He’s further than me and I started my Altima build last year in august with sundown.
Lol these things take time 😂😂
Told an auto electrician about the big 3 he didn't know what I was talking about
Same they guy knew how to replace my engine but shook his head at the big 3 when I mentioned it.
@@270trevon we all learn something new every day. Plus we all have our own direction typically guys only worried about stock or going really fast don't know about big 3 because they dont modify. Stereo fiends like myself will do what it takes to make as much power as possible. I believe my next upgrade will be super caps. I know my stereo would love an extra 200 amps on deck
@@270trevon most mechanics wouldn't, they deal with stock
I had an uncle who worked on cars all his life (repairing OEM problems and such) but when I did a big 3 upgrade back in the day he had no clue why I'd do something like that but understood once I hooked it up to the alternator and battery ground to the frame. This was back in the early 2000's though. Before they made high output alternators for almost every model of vehicle.
It just keeps getting better and better...SMD making it happen! 👍👍
Running under the engine cover looks super clean.
thanks! ya and it was also better for heat too. If there is plastic under there that ain't melted, this wire should be good :D
I have a Altima also and I'm glad that I came across this video... great work as always Steve!!!!!
I love how the steak knife has become an iconic unboxing tool for years now haha 🤣
where did you run the motor ground to? the battery or the frame of car. i got mine to the main frame the chaisis
My whole tahoe is wired up with SHCA 1/0, dual batteries with that big 4 done. And 2 runs to my amps! Since I installed that stuff, my truck thumps, for 2 10's JL w0! Love their battery terminal, and distro boxes! All quality shit
The plastics guy has one great teacher.
Pretty soon Jared is going to start calling Steve "Santa Claus" bcuz every time Steve has him come to the shop, he has badass presents for him.
Steve its only common sense to upgrade the power wire going to the alternator and doing the engine ground. Good shit Steve
you would think it is common sense...but 99.99999999999 percent of these back yard charlie or garage Rog installers don't know anything about it. I have been both myself so i ain't talking shit...i mean it's been decades since i was that bad at it haha but ive been there. It's pathetic how many SHOPS don't do this either (or even recommend it).
Would you recommend a single 2/0 wire or dual 1/0 for 4 amps?
I got a 320 amp alternator after installing 2 amps in my 06 Acura TL. After that i used 1/0 wire for my big 3 while installing upgraded motor mounts and now my car starts immedately. Even if i didnt upgrade my alternator i still would have done the big 3. But Ive got an Optima D35 in the front and a XS Power XP300 secondary battery in the trunk. Mobile Max Car Audio helped me with the front amp (since acura has those stock amps for all the door and rear 8in sub speakers running off an amp on the passenger side in the front.) But the second amp was much easier as it installed just like a normal amp. Anyone who owns an Acura with a factory amp knows the pain i speak of lol
Awesome video. I wanna replace my stock battery with a xs power agm or the xs titan 8 s5 12v 4900. Do you think the xs agm d 4909 100ah agm with a mechman 370 alt hold my voltage steady? Or would the titan 8 s5 12v underhood bci lithium be better choice at holding my voltage steady? My system gonna be 3k
Great video, very helpful. Please comment on my unique situation. I've got a bmw x5 with a rear mounted main battery under the spare wheel. There is no front battery. From the factory there is a 1/0 run from the alternator to the rear main battery.
Type bic group 49... I plan to upgrade that battery to an xs power D4900. How would the big 3/4 apply to this situation. Thanks in advance for your consideration. (Sundown 12" x v3 with d4s JP23 amp, alpine 4 channel amp for door speakers
Broke my wrist LITERALLY, on a Milwaukee Hammer drill that torqued on me Juuuust like that 🤦🏽
Hi, thanks for your help with this video! I have a question: why isn't a larger cable added for the alternator ground, but only a large positive is added?
the ground was also done. Look closer.
😅@@meade916
did you connect the ground to the frame or to the battery?
The alternator is grounded through the engine block, which was upgraded.
Sweet set up..love how he earns it piece by piece..
Did he have to beef up the alternator???
reminds me about my batt that ima upgrade seems to struggle abit when starting I do have an upgraded alt and have done the big 3
How could somebody thumbs down this video? Smh
What would i need for my 12 chevy impala sedan LT to do the big 3 upgrade. Im going to install 2 12" subs 2500w and a 5000w amplifier.
I did that exact thing . 0 gauge and no less then three on your alternator
Good lookin out by explaining what exactly to do step by step this all new to me and im hooked
How to bypass alt fuse in main fuse box
hi i got a 2006 cadillac escalade with a big 3 only stock battery and alternator , my amp shuts off when i put more bass or turn the radio up. voltages go down . is a kicker cx1200 RMS and 3-10" subs . do i need a extra battery or bigger alternator .. i dont go to you because m in florida.. but can you help me.
Steve, did y’all ever do anything about trunk vent flappers rattling? I’m having the same issue with my car in its trunk an would love some advice on how to get them to stop! Thanks! Awesome video!
I had that problem in my 07 tahoe. I added self adhesive foam to the edges of the flaps. That way they still work but the foam stops the plastic from slapping.
hey Steve, I just got some 1/0 power n neg wire... how come mine looks like 4 gauge compared to those cables you installed they are stamped and labeled 1/0 gauge and they were from a store... they aren't skyhigh audio but those you installed looked like they were are thick as the roll out the paper towels lol what am i missing bruh ? sincerely a fan of your work... thanks
Great content Steve showed me the proper way to install a system 👌👌👌
How do I do the big 3 upgrade on a 2004 Chevy suburban with a new smart battery isolator and yellow optima battery. Dual battery set up.
NOT how they did in this video.
Well u first start off by buying a full case of heavy beer and think about it
I love grounding and upgrading everything i even run a bigger ground from my dashboard to the battery
Gotta have the Big 3!
Doing this install on my 07 Tahoe what else would I need besides the sky high wires
Lugs, heat shrink and zipties.
I have a 2013 nissan altima, thanks there is very little about big 3 on these years any recommendations on alternators?
CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN HOW TO DO THE BIG-3 ON A 2011 E350 3.5L V6 CONVERTIBLE MERCEDES BENZ. I HAVE A JS-370 ONE WIRE.?
Can I do the big 3 on my 2018 Chevy Malibu? I have fuses on my positive battery terminal.
I had the xs power D4800 with the 580 short posts adapters in it for a month and a half and then it went dead, won't even charge. I had to put my stock AC Delco battery back in.
14.4 volts 😍
I finally did my big 3 today as well.
Hey Steve, I was told that I need a fuse from alt to the battery, is that true? Once again I can't wait til the next episode lol!
I heard it's not required but I put one on just to be safe
Check your stock setup, if it's fused the put another one, if not, put one anyways, not going to hurt anything but it will add some protection for that big honking wire
Thanks for the responses. I have dual runs from alt to battery and dual runs to amp, all fused with SMD ceramic fuses, just wanted to make sure I didn't waste money lol.
Hi, where do you recommend connecting the my Boshc alternator ground? Th.
Steve, u keep talking about air vents, where are they located. I have a 2014 and have bass, j have done the second skin on rear deck, pls tell me where the air vents are......, thanks
Love these videos i have a 2010 nissan maxima and after watching this i just ordered the Big 3 for my car
Any fuse on the alternator wire.
AH, they don't need one.,........ LOL
🤔🤔🤔🤔Won’t the “PCM” step the power back down manually to prevent shorting out factory wires ?????
Yes but it will consistently stay at higher voltage. That's what this does
The PCM monitors voltage mainly. Only a few monitor current.
This setup has turmed out sweet!! Great advertisement for your products as well all in all great video sounds good even through youtube
E-40 light weight jammin for the win
Nice!!!! Got that Scottie J XS power now!!!!
So you not removing the stock wires....your just adding a thicker wire along withe stock?
yes
Do you got a video installing a big 3 on a honda accord 2015
"It takes power, to make power" (Steve Meade).
I try not to laugh at the people who put a 5 or 10 thousand watt amp in their car with nothing but 4 guage from the battery, 4 guage ground on a painted surface, and no big three.
5:30 that can not happen with my bosch impact.
No voltage drop after that??
dont u need a fuse on the alternator wire?
For a piece of mind I put a fuse on mine.
No fuse is needed on an alternator.
@@orfeous if u Will go through the firewall with that cable then?
True success is sharing one's wealth... bless
Getting everything together for around 4K watts..but I’ve been hearing for the car I’m planning to put it in that the ecu has a limit on voltage so if I were to run the4k with a high output alt, will it end up working?? Have u ever heard of this before... thanks in advance been watching u for a while this vid came right in time
High output alternators can be regular voltage with higher current, most alternators will advertise if they're higher voltage.
Great video 👍 Got a question, if your already running a new ground wire from your battery negative to the body of vehicle, what is the use to run another new ground wire from your engine block to the vehicle chase?? It doesn’t seem like there would be much improvement adding that second ground wire that goes from engine block to vehicle chase? Can you please explain thank you
The reason for that is because the engine is mounted to the subframe with rubber motor mounts, So just because you have a ground wire going from your batt to your chassis it doesn’t guarantee that the engine itself has a good ground! So the only way to guarantee that the engine itself is properly grounded is to run a ground wire from engine to chassis! Hope this helps
The alternator's ground is the engine block.
What do yall use to seal all the edges of a woofer bix?
Every car ive ever owned i always put a system in it.
Hey Steve question your the pro but is that good idea that positive zero gauge running over the engine? As far as heat to the wire? 🔥
It follows the same path the OEM cable does. If it’s good enough for Nissan, it’s good enough for the stereo man.
@@slowpoke96Z28 Wrong, that Chinese jelly wire is not rated at 105C like real battery cable is.
To finish mine, I just have to put the positive cable. All good with the grounds. This definitely helped out.
great info bro. easy stuff that anybody can do. i love seeing this stuff. any little bit helps!
Let the electrons flow!
I thought the xs D2400 had more power then the D3400 that's what it says on there website specs
Steven is the man. Good stuff for real
What XS power battery fits in a 2015 Nissan Altima s 2.5 I cant find any info any ware?
the same one they use in this video will fit D3400
How long did it take to find his keys lol ?😂
No ground on the alternator?
did you not watch the video? SMH
Your an awesome guy Steve. Keep up the good work.
I have 2 American Bass Hd D2 12s
American Bass Vfl 5kAmp
Custom Box
American Bass 320Amp Js Alternator
3 Xs D4800 Battery 3000 watt each 9000k Watts total
Issues is my Main under the door battery is swelling. What can i do ?
Hey there's a delay between the mouth movements on my phone and the words coming out of my stereo. Any thoughts
14.45v is normal charging?
very.
I have a question, I have a friend of mines that wants to do the big three with jumper cable, is this a good idea???? I wouldn't want something to happen to his vehicle. The cable is thick but im unsure.
No not a good idea at all unless he separates the wires ..cut the handles off and terminates each end
Nice and clean install!
What type of drill are y’all using
About to do mine!!
Had a porta-cool at work for like a year! I would have been cookin without it!
Love the hard kink on the battery + wire. And those EMERGENCY use only battery terminals LOL.
No battery clamp?