I had Trick-Switch http://www.trickcableandswitch.com/mm5/m...ICKSwitchPanels

make up the one that was in the Duster

all switches had lights to denote that they were on, the panel had the relays and mini breakers installed...was a very good setup



could be installed anywhere you want it

Leon and AdobeDave,

Very good points.

These are practices we use in Aviation as well. Not only does it help with power distribution it also lends itself to saving weight too. We do everything with weight, reliability, ease of maintenance and possibility of failure in mind.

Wire weight does add up quick.

On another note. Something I see in many vehicles that makes me cringe is Ignition Boxes mounted right next Data and Digital Boxes (EFI, Timers, Controllers, Delay Boxes etc.)

In aviation we go a little extreme and separate AC from DC from Digital / Data lines.

With that said it would be a good idea to keep any High Voltage systems or Boxes separated from Digital and Data boxes.

My own plan is to put my Ignition Box and relays under the dash (I have a removable dash) and mount my EFI and Controllers on a panel in the passenger area somewhere. Probably in the door like we see on Pro-Cars.

I really like my ARC relay panel but I do use it to power a Product Engineering dual relay for the fuel pump in the trunk. Fans have a similar deal in the front.

When you realize the length of the ground has to be included in determing the ga of wire to run, hello extra weight.

When I look at cars at the track now, first thng I look for is their wiring...Blown Hemi Cuda running 8's...So what, show me the wires.

really getting some great advice and pics, Thanks everyone

Smokinwoody (Jeff) if you look at the panel I built you will see that they have different color lenses and rockers for that style switch. It makes it easier to tell whats on with out having to read the labels. The rockers are easy to change with a cheap tool that pops the rocker off from the front without having to remove the switch body. I have used these rocker switches for at least 15 years. They are avalible through Waytek wire if you are interested.

Leon, another thing I like to do is use a relay to drop out all unnecessary items during cranking. On this car, being a street car, I left the parking lights avalible for safety, but the relays for fans, headlights, etc. all lose their grounds during cranking for more voltage. I also "DUH" proof the electric fuel pump by tying the tach, line lock, etc into the circuit, so if the pump isn't turned on, you notice it fast. I design my systems for the application - a show car will be more geared towards hiding everything, and a race car will be geared for function with more attention to voltage drops.

That's a pretty clever idea. We do all these things we think up but, sometimes you have to stop and say keep it simple stupid. Talking weight. I am guilty of running a #14 that is included with a panel to the relay in the trunk. Really not need whatsoever. The heavy wire may be a little more durable but not a weight saver.

That is one thing I am guilty of taking home with me from the Railroad. Overkill and they care nothing about weight.LOL I have to put my race car thinking cap on at home.

Leon