Cen Tech vs Painless

[crawler73]

I know I know the age old wiring harness question.....Im looking for input from some of the members that have done the EFI swap using Explorer EFI. I had Gary build me a harness years ago and Im just now getting around to working on my bronco again (life happens). Im looking for the pros and cons of each harness and possibly the best harness to match with Garys EFI harness. Im not very good with car electrical so making this dumbed down it where Im looking to go.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I will call them pretty much even. Some people/shops prefer one over the other for the fact that they have used kits from the favorite supplier before and have a good feel for how they go. They are easier the 2,3 15th time you install one. Different brand, new learning curve.

 

[DirtDonk]

And usually the only wires that are needed to integrate the body harness to the engine harness are ground, constant power, switched power, tach signal, and start signal. But those last two might even be integrated into Garry's harness already. Which makes for an even simpler hook up.

Speed sensing circuits aside both Painless and Centech should have sufficient extra circuits to handle whatever you need. With Painless being the obvious leader in that, having half again as many circuits left over as are even used.

Paul

 

[904Bronco]

For simplicity, Centech if it is a relatively stock Bronco.

Painless if you are doing some custom things... aux lighting, freezers, electric windows and door locks, Boom-boom stereos and the like.

American Auto Wiring is another option...

Then there is what is in stock at our Vendors? Stuff has been back ordered everywhere.

 

[73azbronco]

If you really add stuff on, look at a painless rocker panel setup. I basically have three wiring harnesses, stock painless for stock stuff. Dakota for all sensors, and painless for all non bronco stuff, lights, winch, arb, elec fuel pump, etc. OK, four harnesses, I have a radio specific feed to center console that will remain unused, but is there. OK, five, MSD ignition.

 

[rguest3]

I have installed the Bronco Painless and the bronco Centech wire harnesses.

The cleanest install with not so many extra circuits is the Centech. If I need extra higher amp circuits then I install a Blue Sea Safety Hub 150. One location for all the extra power sources such as the Chassis wire harness, alternator Power, Stereo, EFI and other power options.

 

[th3fourn]

I just bought the centech and from what the guys said it may be a little easier and the wire is bigger. Other than that I can't wait to try it out. Let me know how it goes

 

[crawler73]

Thanks for the info guys!

 

[Bronco4x4]

Make sure to check the wire casing material. Some are soy based and the mice find it very tasty. I will need a new harness in the future and need to check on Painless myself. I read an article of Tesla's using the critter appetizer soy wires and it's causing electrical problems.

 

[tripleJs15]

Make sure to check the wire casing material. Some are soy based and the mice find it very tasty. I will need a new harness in the future and need to check on Painless myself. I read an article of Tesla's using the critter appetizer soy wires and it's causing electrical problems.

That's concerning! I have a Tesla as well, but for the Bronco i purchased a Centech kit.

 

[DirtDonk]

Painless uses TXL wire and Centech uses (I believe) GXL wire. So you should be able to search up information on those two types of wire and see if the outer jacket material is standard or if there can be options based on the manufacturer.
I don't know if the letter designations apply only to conductor performance and sleeve temperature ratings, or if they also include the type of materials used.

Paul

 

[eric0o1]

We get asked about insulation almost daily now it seems. Our TXL is petroleum based.

 

[toddz69]

Painless uses TXL wire and Centech uses (I believe) GXL wire. I don't know if the letter designations apply only to conductor performance and sleeve temperature ratings, or if they also include the type of materials used.

Paul

TXL is thin-wall cross-linked polyethylene jacket and GXL is standard-wall cross-linked polyethylene jacket. Both are much better than standard wire that most people use with the PVC jacket in terms of abrasion resistance, cold-flow, etc.

Todd Z.

 

[SSDDBRONCO]

If you really add stuff on, look at a painless rocker panel setup. I basically have three wiring harnesses, stock painless for stock stuff. Dakota for all sensors, and painless for all non bronco stuff, lights, winch, arb, elec fuel pump, etc. OK, four harnesses, I have a radio specific feed to center console that will remain unused, but is there. OK, five, MSD ignition.

What painless harness are you using for all your non bronco stuff?

 

[Broncobowsher]

We get asked about insulation almost daily now it seems. Our TXL is petroleum based.

Good to know. Never thought that much about the tastiness of wire insulation. Usually just application specific questions (UV resistance, marine use, etc.)