Hiding Engine Bay Wiring

[skullandbones]

Wiring has to be the most daunting task for me in this build. I'm using an AAW Power Plus 12 basic harness with a Summit EFI engine harness. I still don't have the ends attached to all devices but all wire bundles are routed and temporarily wire tied. I'm trying to limit the exposed wiring in the engine bay.

Question: How about some pics and ideas on imaginative ways to hide the wires. I have thought of adding an aluminum channel across the firewall to hide the EFI which comes from the right side of the bay from the computer. Thanks in advance.

WEK

[Ray]

I've seen one or two cars that had the wiring inside the 3/4" frame tubes. I just put mine in split looms and tucked it under the 3/4" tubing. It almost disappears.

Ray

[riptide motorsport]

I'm with Ray.

[skullandbones]

I agree with Ray, too. I guess I was just trying to get some pics to see if I had missed any cool tricks. Thx.

[Mustang Man]

It's really hard to hide in these engine bays because they are so open and have such little "structure"...

I simply wrapped the harnes with split loom, then covered in harness tape for an OE look. Black on the black powder coat frame and it just about dissapears...

HTH...
Mark

[cmsu]

an engine builder I know used to use heater core hose as loom, then again there is a whole lot less wire to hide in a carbureted engine.

[Sailor]

Don't you have wifi? Go wireless! :D

[timp2]

There are zip ties available that have a screw hole at the end to attach them with. I screwed these to the outside of the top 1x1" frame members (maybe it is 3/4"). I put the wire inside split conduit and zip tied the harness to the frame using the above mentioned zip ties. The harness is well hidden, protected, accessable and easily reattached in case the harness has to be opened up because of problems.

[Bill_VA]

I did a lot of planning about how to route the wiring to be as inconspicuous as possible. Behind the firewall I divided what wires went down which side and split a few of them into two (lights and such) so there wouldn't be any wires going across the engine compartment. I them loomed all the wires and attached them to the outside of the 3/4" tubing, with the body on you can't see them at all.

http://www.humtech.com/4bill/100_1041.jpg

[AZPete]

I don't know what engine you have but my 4.6 SOHC had armloads of wires, relays and ugly little black boxes I wanted to hide. I fabbed some aluminum panels for the sides of the engine bay that cleaned up the place a lot and also covered the visual gaps to the outside. (Ignore the question mark- answer since received)
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb180/AZPeteCobra/fuelrailthingy.jpg

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb180/AZPeteCobra/Intake6-09.jpg

[Pierre B]

Something to keep in mind about wire routing: keep it hidden as much as possible, but also keep it accessible for later modifications. I nylon-tied my loomed wire harness to various insulated clips that I pop-riveted to various frame members. If I need access to the wiring later, I simply cut as many of the nylon ties as necessary to loosen the (hidden) harness enough for me to get into it. Once I am finished, I simply redo the loom and electrical tape wrap and the the assembly back in place. Planning my build with an eye to later maintenance access has proven very helpful to me on several occasions, like needing to replace the radiator...twice!!

[skullandbones]

I've enjoyed this thread. It has been very informative. Thanks for the pics: Bill_VA, really like the fresh air vents, top hose, overflow tank, and radiator top cover (cool stuff). AZPete, great idea on the side alum panels. I will definitely consider that. I don't have near the number of devices but more than a carb version. If I can figure out a shroud for the EFI portion at the bell housing and running forward to/under the large Holley manifold, I think the bay will look pretty clean (pics will follow eventually). Thanks to all who contributed! See you later. WEK

[Itzdapig]

this is my first attempt, I have another design which I will install after body comes off for paint.


http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc457/itzdapig/HPIM0305.jpg

http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc457/itzdapig/HPIM0488.jpg

[skullandbones]

Itzdapig: That looks good. Can't wait to see the second generation! Thx. WEK

[Scott L]

I also ran most wires up the outside of the upper 3/5" frame rails. I used 87A style boshe relays for the lights. These have two hot terminals at the same time, so there is a "left" and "right" headlight wire from each relay.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/scottlcobra/Engine/DSCN1676.jpg

I used a plastic fitting from McMaster to attach a zip tie to the ouside of the frame rail.

Item "P" in black on this page -

http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/117/1487/=ds2mk0

Good luck

[jjhill144]

I know I'm kinda late with info, but go Proweld.com. They have everything take care of wires plus much more. James

[buildit]

I know I'm kinda late with info, but go Proweld.com. They have everything take care of wires plus much more. James

Did the Proweld.com link work for anyone else?

[skullandbones]

Buildit: why did you ask because when I went there, something strange happened? Welding parts and lingerie! Was that a joke?

[Sailor]

I didn't see any lingerie when I clicked on it! :(