In my process of updating my S13 interior I have run into an issue. My plans for internal gauges and electrics are as follows
WaterTempOil PressureEGTBoostFuel PressureS-AFC IITurboTimer
Now the problem is all these things require the following;
GroundIgnition PowerIllumination Power(sometimes) Constant Power
Now instead of ghetto splicing into the latter three at the radio and running a ground cable I have theorized that for a much cleaner look I can hook up four power distribution blocks, one for each of the respective sources. My questions are as follows:
1) I have found blocks that have 1 into 4 outputs at most. I would like 1 into 6 or 1 into 8 if possible.
2) All blocks usually use an input of 4 gauge. The source wires I would originally be splicing off of are something like 18-22 gauge. Will this pose any problems?
3) Where to mount the things, I was thinking of the inside passenger side of the firewall, directly behind the glovebox, but I am somewhat concerned about a passenger accidentally kicking something, although I think I can get them high enough to where this is no problem.
Any help, sources, price helps, etc, would be very appreciated. Thanks alot guys!!
Power Distribution Blocks
Trying to put 18 gauge wire in a 4 gauge input would cause quite a problem. Most of those distribution blocks use allen head screws to clamp down on the wire and something that big would never grab a wire that small. You have probably been checking car audio places and that is why you are finding such big distribution blocks. You can get smaller ones if you order them. I've got an extremely nice phoenix gold double distribution block (2 4 into 1's on the same block with divider in middle) that you could take off my hands for a small fee if you wanted. I paid like $30 for it originally but i'd be willing to let it go for much less than that if you are interested.
I would be inserting 4 gauge inputs, then sautering a section of 8 gauge wire onto the longer 18 gauge wire for the outputs. I understand the basic concept of something being too large for it's fitting, as well as the allen keys these things use. I have been checking online and my electrician and the electrical engineering shop here at school. I need to know if there is a (1) INPUT into (6) or more outputs. Most car-audio related ones are (1) INPUT into (4) outputs.
oh ok...I wasn't quite sure what you were asking but then again at the time i was quite tired. If you are just going to be soldering the 8 gauge outputs onto the smaller wire then there is no problem with that, other than the overkill on wire. As far as 1 input into say 6 outputs, yes they do make those but i'm not sure where you would get them from. My uncle has various electronics parts magazines that I have him order stuff for me from. I'm not sure where to get them other than that.