Hi All,

I did as much research on the forum as I could. I must say I am impressed with the amount of documentation here. However, I am looking for more specifics. My apologies if this particular question is covered some where else.

So here's is my question...
How much stuff can I tap on the spare ignition accessories circuit on the under dash fuse panel?

I am installing a few new goodies on my friend's S. (SOS SC kit and 2 SPA gauges). The SOS kit has an electric water pump with a 9 amp draw. The SPA gauges I am not sure what the draw is on that.

He already has a Valentine One hardwired in spare accessory slot.

Do you guys think its ok to run the current Valentine, 2 SPA gauges, AND the Electric water pump for the Aftercooler? Would that be too much draw on that one circuit? In my opinion priority should go to the Water pump since it has the most draw and it has direct effect on how the car runs should it short and fail.

Or should I try and tap another spot? For example: Piggyback the V1 and SPA gauges on a separate circuit like the power mirrors VIA an "add a circuit" and run the Water Pump all by itself using the spare accessory ignition circuit.

I have a few configurations in mind. I am not too familiar with the S and its nuances and problems and I wonder if there are particular circuits that I should NOT tap into because they maybe prone to shorts based on install histories with the car.

Any suggestions or references would be of great help! Also anyone have a link or diagram for the fuse panel box with amp and draw?

TIA!

-L

 

I would run a separate water pump circuit (since it's under the hood and easy to run from the battery to it). Of course, pick up a 10A fuse, relay and (waterproof) block from any auto-parts store and you're set.

You'll wire one side of the relay coil to the accessory output (so it will switch the pump on/off with the key), the other side of the coil will go to ground and one pole will go to the battery, the other pole will go to the pump. Make sure it's the NC (normally closed) and NOT NO (normally open) pole.

That leaves you plenty of draw for your gauges and V1 from the accessory line.

 

Thanks for the tip. I didn't think of that. I'm obviously not super adept at electrical side of things.

That being said, any suggestions on where I can tap for ignition switched power inside the engine bay? I don't want to run a wire back into the cabin.

-L

 

I'm sure there's one in the under-the-hood fuse block...but I couldn't tell you off-hand where.

 

Just a follow up.

I was doing a little more research. I came across the install guide for the Vortech SC Kit that they provide online. Seems like the method you suggested is what they instruct you to do.

In the vortech kit manual, they instruct you to tap into the ignition power terminal of the heater blower motor relay. (This is located in the engine bay fuse panel next to the battery.) Then use a dedicated relay for the electric water pump to draw directly from the battery

This is the solution for my original question. Since I can tap the water pump in the engine and from the battery, I don't have to worry about amperage draw and crowding up the fuse panel under the dash!

Any other people installing an SOS kit, I think using the vortech method is a great alternative to the SOS wiring instructions - for wiring the electric water pump only.

You will need a few extra materials not supplied in the SOS kit though:

1 Automotive relay, 1 "fuse tap", some 18-22 ga wire, insulated male and female connectors spade connectors and a ring terminal for the postiive Battery terminal.

You can find the Vortech installation manual here (Page 29) :

http://www.vortechsuperchargers.com/downlo...020-010v4.0.pdf


I thought I'd share for reference!

Thanks All!

-L

 

Yes the above works perfectly! As a side note: you need a Normally OPEN relay not normally closed as stated in a previous post... just so everyone knows.