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I've custom built at least three engine harnesses and maybe four versions of chassis harnesses for my car. Figured I could share my experience and have a thread that I can reference later on for parts.
For every wiring job, you'll going to need the essentials:
Stuff that will help you, but isn't absolutely essential:
- multimeter - Amazon.com: ATD Tools 5536 Digital Multimeter: Automotive
I test continuity almost exclusively -- and having a multimeter with a buzzer helps quickly identify where wires are running.
- soldering iron / station - https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC/
Having a station makes soldering much much easer. A battery operated one is nice too, but they tend to lose their ability to heat up quickly.
- power supply station - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QJS8RW0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
A power supply station lets you easily test sensors on a bench. Concerned an IAT sensor isn't working... turn on the power station, apply 5v, test the sensor.
- test leads w/ alligator clips - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XX25HFX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Your best websites for wiring supplies:
www.waytekwire.com
racespeconline.com
www.milspecwiring.com
prowireusa.com
www.bmotorsports.com
For new Honda connectors and pins:
www.bmotorsports.com
For circular, quick disconnect, mil-spec plugs:
https://www.milspecwiring.com/MATCHED-KITS_c_671.html -- Good kits which will have everything you need for a first time build.
https://prowireusa.com/c-41-milspec.aspx -- Good for individual components
https://www.waytekwire.com/products/16/Aptiv-HES-Connectors/ -- Decent plugs, they are plastic and the locking mechanism is easier to use, but it's bulkier than the above kits.
In terms of building harnesses, it's all about planning. I use Excel to have a spreadsheet to quickly see where wires are going, and AI to provide a visual representation of what is happening. I do most of this first, so I am not sitting at a table staring at a ton of wires trying to figure out where everything goes. See attachments for those examples.
How to pin, wire, depin, rewire, concentric twist, heat shrink, etc... HP Academy is a great source for info:
I personally hate breaks in my wires ... If I need to lengthen or branch off a wire, I usually run a new wire from the connector and branch off from the terminal, if necessary -- instead of doing a quick tap. In some cases, that's just not possible (ie. fusebox wiring where you have grounds going to three different relays).
In my setup, I basically took out all of the wiring that manages engine control functions, including relays... and replaced it with a Honda based setup. So, I took my car's OEM ignition, constant 12v, ground, starter signal, tach, and coolant... then plugged that into my own custom Honda based setup.
I have my Main, Fuel, O2, and A/C relays wired like how Honda would.
Anyways, I hope this is somewhat helpful, if not for finding new connectors/pins.
For every wiring job, you'll going to need the essentials:
- Wire cutter - https://www.amazon.com/IGAN-170-Precision-Electronic-Strongest-Ultra-fine/dp/B07GR7QF63
- Wire stripper - https://www.amazon.com/TACKLIFE-Self-Adjusting-Strippers-Automatic-Stripping/dp/B07GJFVXXD
- Crimper for solid barrels - https://www.amazon.com/Deutsch-Terminal-Contacts-Crimping-Tool/dp/B07KXKK8M1
- Crimper for open terminals - https://www.amazon.com/IWISS-Crimping-Terminals-Metri-Pack-Connectors/dp/B071KFLY43/
- Depin tools - Amazon.com: TecUnite 11 Pieces Automotive Car Plug Circuit Board Pin Extractor Kit Supplies Terminals Removal Key Connector Puller Release Pin Tools: Automotive
Stuff that will help you, but isn't absolutely essential:
- multimeter - Amazon.com: ATD Tools 5536 Digital Multimeter: Automotive
I test continuity almost exclusively -- and having a multimeter with a buzzer helps quickly identify where wires are running.
- soldering iron / station - https://www.amazon.com/Weller-WLC100-40-Watt-Soldering-Station/dp/B000AS28UC/
Having a station makes soldering much much easer. A battery operated one is nice too, but they tend to lose their ability to heat up quickly.
- power supply station - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QJS8RW0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
A power supply station lets you easily test sensors on a bench. Concerned an IAT sensor isn't working... turn on the power station, apply 5v, test the sensor.
- test leads w/ alligator clips - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XX25HFX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Your best websites for wiring supplies:
Waytek | 12V Electrical Components Distributor
Same Day Shipping | Waytek is a leading distributor of 12V electrical components including circuit protection, automotive wire, terminals & connectors, switches, relays and more.

Race-Spec Online
MIL-Spec motorsport wiring solutions for professional electronics and equipment including MoTeC, Raychem, Deutsch Autosport. MIL-Spec connectors, MIL-Spec Tools

Welcome to MilSpecWiring.com - MilSpecWiring.com
automotive electrical connectors | battery cable | heat shrink tubing | Prowire USA
Prowire USA | automotive electrical connectors, We carry top quality automotive electrical connectors, battery cable and heat shrink tubing for high end motorsport and automotive electrical applications!

Ballenger Motorsports - High Performance Electronics
For new Honda connectors and pins:


Ballenger Motorsports - High Performance Electronics
For circular, quick disconnect, mil-spec plugs:
https://www.milspecwiring.com/MATCHED-KITS_c_671.html -- Good kits which will have everything you need for a first time build.
https://prowireusa.com/c-41-milspec.aspx -- Good for individual components
https://www.waytekwire.com/products/16/Aptiv-HES-Connectors/ -- Decent plugs, they are plastic and the locking mechanism is easier to use, but it's bulkier than the above kits.
In terms of building harnesses, it's all about planning. I use Excel to have a spreadsheet to quickly see where wires are going, and AI to provide a visual representation of what is happening. I do most of this first, so I am not sitting at a table staring at a ton of wires trying to figure out where everything goes. See attachments for those examples.
How to pin, wire, depin, rewire, concentric twist, heat shrink, etc... HP Academy is a great source for info:
I personally hate breaks in my wires ... If I need to lengthen or branch off a wire, I usually run a new wire from the connector and branch off from the terminal, if necessary -- instead of doing a quick tap. In some cases, that's just not possible (ie. fusebox wiring where you have grounds going to three different relays).
In my setup, I basically took out all of the wiring that manages engine control functions, including relays... and replaced it with a Honda based setup. So, I took my car's OEM ignition, constant 12v, ground, starter signal, tach, and coolant... then plugged that into my own custom Honda based setup.
I have my Main, Fuel, O2, and A/C relays wired like how Honda would.
Anyways, I hope this is somewhat helpful, if not for finding new connectors/pins.
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