Hotrod | Race car | Drift car Wiring for Beginners. (Alternator Battery Switch Fuse Box Starter)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through wiring a basic race car circuit, including components like a master shutoff switch, ignition switch, solenoids, fuse box, and starter. It's designed for beginners and will help you understand the essentials of automotive wiring for race and drift cars.

Chapter 1: How to wire a basic race car circuit

• Components Needed:
  • Master shutoff switch
  • Ignition switch
  • Continuous use solenoid (e.g., Cole Hersee 200 amp)
  • Fuse box
  • Starter solenoid
  • Starter motor
  • Diodes
• Wiring Overview:
  • Begin with a simple board setup to visualize connections.
  • Connect the main battery feed to the solenoid, then run power to the fuse panel.
  • Attach a light bulb to the fuse box to test power flow.

Chapter 2: Understanding solenoids

• Types of Solenoids:
  • Continuous Use Solenoid: Designed for prolonged power (e.g., powering a fuse panel).
  • Starter Solenoid: Used for short bursts to start the engine.
• Function: A solenoid acts as an electrically controlled switch, allowing a small circuit (ignition switch) to control a larger circuit (battery and fuse box).

Chapter 3: Wiring the solenoid

• Steps to Wire a Cole Hersee 24213 Solenoid:
  1. Connect the main battery wire to the solenoid's left terminal.
  2. Connect a wire from the right terminal of the solenoid to the fuse panel's positive terminal.
  3. Ground the fuse panel to complete the circuit.

Chapter 4: Wiring the ignition switch

• Ignition Switch Wiring:
  • Identify the terminals: Battery input, Accessories, Ignition, and Start.
  • Connect the battery input terminal to the battery power source.
  • Run a wire from the Accessories terminal to the solenoid to activate it when the ignition is on.

Chapter 5: Adding a battery shutoff switch

• Wiring the Master Shutoff Switch:
  • Connect the shutoff switch in line with the battery cable feeding the solenoid.
  • Ensure that turning off the switch cuts power to the ignition switch and solenoid, effectively shutting down the fuse panel.

Chapter 6: Wiring a GM 3-Wire Alternator

• Steps:
  1. Connect the battery terminal of the alternator to the main battery.
  2. Use the two-wire connector to connect the voltage sensing wire (Pin 2) and the dummy light (Pin 1).
  3. Attach a diode in the circuit to prevent backfeeding.

Chapter 7: Understanding diodes

• Function of a Diode: Acts as a one-way valve for electricity, allowing current to flow in one direction while blocking it in the opposite direction. Essential for preventing backfeeding from the alternator.

Chapter 8: Wiring the starter

• Starter Wiring Steps:
  1. Connect the larger terminal directly to the battery.
  2. Wire the smaller terminal to the ignition switch through the neutral safety switch.
  3. Test the starter to ensure it activates with the ignition.

Chapter 9: Installing a neutral safety switch

• Function: Prevents starting the engine unless in neutral or park (for automatics) or disengaged (for manuals).
• Wiring:
  • Place the switch between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid.
  • Ensure the circuit is open when the vehicle is in gear.

Chapter 10: Adding fuses

• Importance of Fuses: Protects wiring from overload.
• Placement:
  • Install fuses close to the battery for the main power feed.
  • Use appropriate amperage ratings based on the connected components (e.g., starter, alternator).

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned the basics of wiring a race car circuit, including the roles of various components like solenoids, ignition switches, and alternators. Always remember to prioritize safety by using fuses and understanding the function of each component in your wiring setup. For further projects, consider exploring more advanced wiring techniques and configurations tailored to specific racing applications.