Engine Harness Modification questions...

[lonetlan]

If I change my mind on stock connectors, I'll get these...

http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/7...kit-p-380.html

[Rotary Related]

Depending on how long you can wait, we will be offering replacement engine harnesses for the S4 at some point. All brand new stuff. You will be able to order it without certain connectors as well since most people do not use the emissions equipment anyways. It will be similar to the factory harness but different enough to be a bit more durable and as always use higher quality components where possible.

[lonetlan]

Originally Posted by Rotary Related

Depending on how long you can wait, we will be offering replacement engine harnesses for the S4 at some point. All brand new stuff. You will be able to order it without certain connectors as well since most people do not use the emissions equipment anyways. It will be similar to the factory harness but different enough to be a bit more durable and as always use higher quality components where possible.

That's great, I already started but, I may be interested.

Originally Posted by Tanj!

If you go with the Weather Packs you will need a crimp tool. The rubber plug is crimped to the wire to hold it in place. I'm about to rewire my entire SA project as most of the wiring is in poor shape (not to mention connectors crumbling when touched) after sitting in a field for some time. I'm leaning towards that same Weather Pack kit for the majority of bits and cutting factory connectors off pigtails and replacing them with weather packs for things like tail light assemblies etc. I do plan on continuing to use new OE style connectors for items that plug into the harness like the alternator however. Luckily the wiring for a SA is much simpler than a FC!

Lucky! I'm with you on the tools, I actually made a plan for this project.

[RETed]

Weatherpack plugs are overkill for the interior.
Weatherpacks are designed for exterior use to prevent water and moisture from entering the connection.
This is the reason why they have rubber plugs in them.
Almost every connector in your engine bay is like this.
Hell, I guess it doesn't hurt to do this for the interior, but I think it's a waste of time and money.
Are you trying to build an electrical harness that'll outlast the chassis and your life?

Personally, I prefer Deustch stuff.
The plugs are a lot more lower profile than the Weatherpack crap.
You have the option of using machined pins (more expensive) or stamped and rolled pins (on a budget).
Only caveat is that the crimper can be big bucks for the machined pins.

There is nothing wrong with a crimped connection.
A crimped connection can be just as good, and sometimes better, than a soldered connection.
Soldered connections have a disadvantage in the automotive environment as they can fail due to vibration and moisture - this is where a properly crimped connection is superior.


-Ted

[Rotary Related]

Originally Posted by RETed

Are you trying to build an electrical harness that'll outlast the chassis and your life?

-Ted

That sounds like the products I make. Most of them will outlast the vehicle they came from.

I agree the weatherpack is a bit much for an interior. That's kinda a waste of money. For cheapness sake you could just use 093 molex connectors from radio shack to do the same thing for 1/3 the price. And they are a lot more compact. Widely available as well.

[Tanj!]

Originally Posted by lonetlan

If I change my mind on stock connectors, I'll get these...

http://www.diyautotune.com/catalog/7...kit-p-380.html

If you go with the Weather Packs you will need a crimp tool. The rubber plug is crimped to the wire to hold it in place. I'm about to rewire my entire SA project as most of the wiring is in poor shape (not to mention connectors crumbling when touched) after sitting in a field for some time. I'm leaning towards that same Weather Pack kit for the majority of bits and cutting factory connectors off pigtails and replacing them with weather packs for things like tail light assemblies etc. I do plan on continuing to use new OE style connectors for items that plug into the harness like the alternator however. Luckily the wiring for a SA is much simpler than a FC!