Well, I am beginnging to install the dash I bought from Richard and Judy. To start, I have removed all the wiring from the chevelle, and am going to run a relay system, rather than power through all the switches the way it is now. I have researched a little, but still would like to know what brand of relays people are using. I will be using them on these ciruits:

ignition
start
fuel pump
water pump
cooling fan
running lights/taillights
brake lights
headlights

That simple. I was looking into TYCO electronics for their 30A Automotive relay..each circuit will have a seperate fuse, so I would like all the relays to be the same, in case I need to replace one later down the road..

Thoughts?

I've had extremely good luck with Bosch relays. I run them on my fan, water pump and fuel pump. IIRC $9ea with the pigtail on Ebay. HTH...

Most automotive style 30-40A relays are the same physical size, and are interchangeable. My company sometimes uses Tyco relays our convertible top systems. They are good quality, as are any of the name brand ones. Bosch are good too. smile.gif

chris

Yeah the Tycos are like $3.80 a piece from Digikey, and I can buy the receptacle and spades to make it look real clean...those are like $0.90 a piece

not to try to put a dampner on anything, but in my opinion, you don't need relays for all of those things, your brake lights and tail lights won't be sucking enough amps to really need a relay. Neither will your ingition. The main thing you need relays for is, water pump, fans, headlights, and fuel pump, sometimes power windows, and for your start use a ford remote solenoid. Also most of the relays are pretty good, you can't go wrong with bosch or hella

Cody,

You are right in fact, some of the ones I listed aren't going to have relays, I just listed the circuits that the car will have.

Thanks for the input. I found a local electronics store that sells bosch SPDT automotive relays for $2.95 a piece

I forgot I got two relays for that price:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6763&item=7941165449&rd=1

Make sure the $3 ones you're looking at come with the pigtails. Makes for a much cleaner/easier installation.

Kjett,

actually digikey.com sells the connector with the spade connectors that go inside the connector :rolleyes: that way I can build from the connector back, (no butt connectors, or soldering wires together and heat shrink)

See Here (http://dkc3.digikey.com/PDF/T043/1177.pdf)

Last two items on the very bottom of the list

Here is another good source of Bosch relays and relay sockets:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showprod.cfm?CATID=47&DID=7&ObjectGroup_ID=31

I have used two complete Painless systems as well as their seperate relays with good results. Also checkout http://www.madelectrical.com which is a great source for really good electrical advice and parts.

I am using the Powermaster XS Torque Starters. How much current does the "start" wire typically draw when the button is pushed to activate the solenoid. < 30Amps?

What I plan on doing is running a relay on this circuit and have the coil of the relay go throught the neutral safety switch and the Pushbotton switch for starting.

Also as far as wire sizes, I planned on using 18gauge for all the coils of the relay, and 12 gauge for the 12V to each relay input and 12 gauge to each component I will be running