The Benefits of Concentric Twisting in Motorsports Engine Harness Wiring

Posted by Tony eigenseher on

Introduction

Motorsports wiring demands precision and reliability to ensure optimal engine performance. One technique that has gained attention in high-performance motorsports is concentric twisting, albeit this technique has been around for years and with the growth of social media it’s been all the craze these days. But what exactly is it, and why is it beneficial for motorsports engine harnesses?

What is Concentric Twisting?

Concentric twisting refers to the practice of twisting individual wires in a specific pattern, where multiple layers of wires are twisted around a central core in alternating directions. This method ensures that the wires are tightly bound, resulting in a robust and more organized harness.

 

  • Enhanced Electrical Performance

One of the key advantages is the reduction of electrical interference, or EMI (Electromagnetic Interference). Twisting the wires minimizes the chance of crosstalk and signal distortion, helping ensure more consistent and accurate communication between the engine’s sensors, ECU (Engine Control Unit), and other electrical components.



  • Strain relief benefits

Concentrically twisting an engine or chassis loom greatly reduces the strain on a single wire, instead all conductors receive the same amount of strain when twisted properly. Service loops can be seen here in this pictures, its name is simply that of there is ever and need for a repair we leave just enough wire to be extracted from the terminal and repaired if ever needed. 

  • Space Efficiency

Motorsports vehicles often have limited space, and the compact design of a concentrically twisted harness can save valuable room. The organized nature of this method means that wires are less likely to get tangled or take up excess space, leading to a cleaner, more efficient installation. An example would be 66, 79 or even 131 conductors (wires) with a circumference of less than 3/4’s of an inch round. This is if the wire being used is mix of Tefzel m22759/32 18-22awg covered in Raychem DR-25 heat shrink.  

  • Aesthetics and Organization

While aesthetics might seem secondary in motorsports, a clean, professional-looking harness indicates a high level of craftsmanship. Concentric twisting results in a uniform and visually appealing layout, which can make troubleshooting and repairs easier.


Many hours go into harness design before a single wire gets cut. Documentation can easily add up to 10+ hours alone. Like anything else plan your work and work your plan and the outcome will present itself in the form of near perfection. Having a complete engine/chassis builds from the ground up can easily surpass 100 hours if the build is that intricate. I can go on for pages on the tooling involved, wire choice by ampacity, splices, wire identification, connectors being used, breakouts to where the branches need to be placed for sensors, solenoids, switches etc… it gets complicated fast. 

Conclusion

Concentric twisting is not just about making the wiring look neat—it has significant performance and safety benefits. From reducing electrical interference to improving the longevity of the harness, it is a technique that every motorsports professional should consider when wiring their engine harness. For those looking for top-tier motorsports wiring solutions, opting for concentric twisting can be the key to better performance and reliability on the track.