Guest gtmattz Posted June 19, 2003 Share Posted June 19, 2003 Hey, im getting ready to gut my 280 to get it ready for a re-paint. My question concerns the wiring harness. I am going to be installing a chev v8 and using aftermarket dash components, so I am wondering if I will be better off just making my own wiring harness or trying to save the existing one to re-use when I re-assemble her. I have also heard that building a custom wiring harness can save weight, is this true? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted June 19, 2003 Share Posted June 19, 2003 make your own!! No doubt!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Simon Posted June 20, 2003 Share Posted June 20, 2003 I want to make my own, but it looks like it will take quite a bit to time and then troubleshooting to get it all working... have many people done it with great success? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted June 20, 2003 Share Posted June 20, 2003 I made my own completely from scratch when I was wiring up my LT1. I am no electrical genius...it really isn't that difficult, just takes time to do it. Once you have a good foundation (electrical center), it is really simple. Trace out your wiring out on a piece of paper so that you have a 'road map' to work from. Include all of the circuits that you will need. I am running everything through relays, and I know how every circuit is wired so I can easily troubleshoot down the road. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MistressMotorsports Posted June 20, 2003 Share Posted June 20, 2003 When I completely stripped the stock wiring harness out of my 72, it weghed 11.5 lbs. Not sure how many extra wires are in a 280 with more smog, fuel injection, etc. I didn't weigh the custom harness that's in now, but maybe it saved 4 pounds or so? I don't think you can save enough to feel. However, I would think a new harness would be better than a 25 year old one. I used a Painless switch center with the switches and fuses all in one box preassembled, then did the rest of the car myself. Since my car is a race car, I didn't mind the look of a Painless box sitting on top of my tunnel. For more of a street look, I'd probably go full custom with the switches built into the dash. Wiring isn't hard as long as you pre-plan as stated above and take your time. Don't get in a hurry with making your connections or you'll be forever chasing loose connectors. There are some good books on automotive wiring which explain what gauge wire to use where, how to make reliable connections, choose fuse sizes, hook up relays, etc. And Tim240Z, that's a beautiful piece of work. Mine doesn't look nearly that good. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest gtmattz Posted June 20, 2003 Share Posted June 20, 2003 thanks guys, its still going to be a while before i have to even start thinking about wiring, my biggest reason for asking was to see if i can just rudely aputate the existing wiring to get it out of my way faster so i guess 'painless' is a company that supplies auto wiring materials and components, i will have to look them up and again, thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsumner Posted June 20, 2003 Share Posted June 20, 2003 GtMattz If you pick up a copy of Street Rodder magazine you will find several companies offering wiring kits and components. Later Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drunkenmaster Posted June 29, 2003 Share Posted June 29, 2003 I made my own completely from scratch when I was wiring up my LT1.I am no electrical genius...it really isn't that difficult' date=' just takes time to do it. Once you have a good foundation (electrical center), it is really simple. [img']http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid42/pdb700589d44ff39f743aaca913346ff5/fcf02268.jpg[/img] Trace out your wiring out on a piece of paper so that you have a 'road map' to work from. Include all of the circuits that you will need. I am running everything through relays, and I know how every circuit is wired so I can easily troubleshoot down the road. Tim That is very tidy. I dont suppose you are willing to share the wiring diagram?? Please email me if you are, Im looking at doing the same thing and a base map would be of great help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Nic-Rebel450CA Posted June 29, 2003 Share Posted June 29, 2003 so I am wondering if I will be better off just making my own wiring harness After all the work I had to do in wiring my classic truck I would never try making my own wiring harness. Especially since I found a universal wiring kit for only $220 that is so cool I am going to get it and redo my wiring. 22 circuits with fuse box. Every wire is labled every 5 inches so it is impossible to not know where the wire goes. Wires are like 15% extra in length so they will work in any vehicle. If you are interested PM me and I will get the contact info. (It's in one of my classic trucks mags around here somewhere ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted June 29, 2003 Share Posted June 29, 2003 That is very tidy. I dont suppose you are willing to share the wiring diagram?? Please email me if you are' date=' Im looking at doing the same thing and a base map would be of great help.[/quote'] I am planning to put a diagram together (with MS Visio or something) when the car is painted and I put everything back together. Actually I am planning to put a manual together for my car so that I can remember all the unique belts, hoses and other custom stuff I've used, including all the wiring stuff. Once I figured out how to wire the LT1PCM (took a long time, going pin by pin on the PCM with the Factory Service Manual), it only took me a day to sketch out the diagram and put the fuse panel together (cut the aluminum etc), and put on all the connectors on the wires and soldering everything and run the wires. I used some multiple terminal plugs from JY cars. I bought all the relays from Waytekwire.com (excellent source), but you could save some money by pulling the relays from JY cars. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drunkenmaster Posted June 30, 2003 Share Posted June 30, 2003 Sounds good. So what items did you wire behind relays? Im guessing, all lighting, but what else? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted June 30, 2003 Share Posted June 30, 2003 The relays will power: Horn Turn signals High beam Low beam Starter Fan Tail lights Brake lights Reverse lights (although I may not use reverse lights) Fuel pump Ignition 2 x extra (in case I want to add some stuff down the road). BTW, all the red wires going to the back side of the board were eventually wired to the fuse box. The output from the relays go to the blue connector pad (yellow wires). Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rc's240z Posted June 30, 2003 Share Posted June 30, 2003 Very sanitary work, please copy me on your visio wiring diagram. Thanks! Ron rc240z@cox.net Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drunkenmaster Posted August 30, 2003 Share Posted August 30, 2003 any luck on that wiring diagram Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted August 30, 2003 Share Posted August 30, 2003 not yet. I am shooting paint on the jams today, and the whole car next weekend. After that I'll be putting everything back together and drawing up the wiring. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drunkenmaster Posted August 30, 2003 Share Posted August 30, 2003 sounds great. Spent all day debugging the wiring on another 260Z I bought and I seriously feel like ripping it out and starting again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zolorin Posted September 3, 2003 Share Posted September 3, 2003 Very nice relay board layout I am contemplating to do the same with the wiring -- since I am planing to repaint the whole car! Send me a copy of your wiring also, when you are done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nismo280zEd Posted September 4, 2003 Share Posted September 4, 2003 hmm this give me an idea... relocate all those old relays into the interior of the car.. and replace them with new ones... for my 280z. hmm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
georgiaz Posted September 25, 2003 Share Posted September 25, 2003 I used the stock wiring harness on my 75 280 and although I have had a couple of gremlins, it works well so far. Most of the problems have been with the headlight, blinker and flasher switches rather than the wiring itself. I removed 27 pounds of wire and relays etc. etc.. I'm starting to think about air conditioning though and I will probably have to start from scratch with that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tom sixbey Posted September 25, 2003 Share Posted September 25, 2003 one day i'll have to do all of this too.. - how do you wire stock switches and gauges into a custom harness? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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