Rewiring engine and alternator ground and power wires

MRSHARP86

MEMBER
2013 BUICK REGAL
2.0L
4 CYL
TURBO
2WD
AUTOMATIC
76,000 MILES

Hello,

Hoping you all can can help with my current project since you helped me immensely on my last one.

I just completed a complete audio system overhaul in my car listed above, which now commands roughly 2000 RM'S, and 4000 watts peak demand on my charging system. To accommodate this, I’m wanting to replace the engine ground wire, the alternator’s charging wire, and the battery ground wire with OFC 1/0ga cables.

My question: Do y’all have a wiring diagram or any advice to help me do it correctly and with the least amount of headache?

Secondary question: I have my stock alternator still on the vehicle should I replace this with a high-output model; and if so, which one(s) will fit on this car?

Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide!

- Landon Sharp

5 Replies

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

Replacing the alternator with a high output one couldn't hurt. As for as adding grounds to your vehicle. Run an extra ground strap from the engine block (bell housing bolts or equivalent for front wheel drive make great mounting locations) to the frame and another from the frame to the negative battery terminal. I wouldn't replace the ground straps, I would add two extra ones as previously stated. I doubt that a higher output alternator is going to be producing enough current for you to replace the positive wire coming from it, it should be more than sufficient for the amps that the new high output alternator will produce. I would recommend looking on Ebay or Amazon for the new alternator. Please get back to us with how everything turns out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Monday, August 19th, 2019 AT 8:44 PM

MRSHARP86

MEMBER
9 POSTS

Hey there SCGRANTURISMO and fellow 2carpros Experts. I wanted to follow-up on this question. I did all the wire additions as you indicated (added a ground for engine block and an extra for neg battery terminal; also, I replaced the original battery negative wire as it was looking somewhat deteriorated.

That brings me to the alternator. I am an armature when it comes to these things; however, I’ve tried reasonably hard to find a high-output alternator that will fit into my vehicle without modification so-far unsuccessfully. I find all sorts of HO Alts, but I can’t seem to find anything saying it definitively fits my 2013 Buick Regal Turbo.

Any chance one of ya’ll would be able to send me a link if you find one; or, if not that, can you give me the specs for my alternator I would need to ensure I compare and get the right replacement?

Thanks as always, y’all rock.

Sincerely,
Landon Sharp

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Monday, December 30th, 2019 AT 6:34 PM

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello again,

You can't go wrong with companies like Summit, Jegs, or you might even try Trick Flow. All have web sites that will allow you to purchase directly over the internet.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Monday, December 30th, 2019 AT 6:43 PM

MRSHARP86

MEMBER
9 POSTS

So I tried those sites but unfortunately no luck. The only alternator I found for my vehicle was on the Summit site, but it was a stock AC Delco unit.

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Monday, December 30th, 2019 AT 7:12 PM

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

Okay, hmm. If Summit doesn't have it, they may not manufacture one for your vehicle. Next I would try looking on Ebay or Amazon for one. If they don't have one, maybe try reaching out to General Motors directly and see what they have to say. Please keep in touch and let us know what you find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros