Looking to replace the alternator charge cable, and was wondering if I should wire it with 2 wires from the alternator or just the 1.. and what gauge wire would be best suitable?

My alternator is rated to 45 amp, and given the length needed to goto the solenoid... it should be less than a metre.

Thinking 1 wire, 8 B&S gauge with new spade and ring terminals.

As an update, there was an issue with the connection between the cable and the ring terminal. After cleaning up the terminal, soldering the wire to the terminal and re-crimping the wire to the terminal - its all working properly.

For reference, 1x 6mm cable of around 1m in length is rated upto 50amp.

I think one wire goes to the battery post and the other to the fuses. This was to prevent the voltage drop seen at the battery post, which sagged at low revs/low battery on the early charging systems, from affecting the instrument gauges. One would be fine, most likely. Alternators are stable and powerful, and the sag one used to see isn't really there anymore.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

It is all to do with the current rating of the Lucar connectors.
the 9.5mm or 3/8 Lucar connector as used on alternators has a maximum rating of 35A, but that is providing it is tight and clean. every time you disconnect or reconnect it it it will loosen.
If you want to draw the rated 45A from your alternator then 2 cables would be best.

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Cheers Dave.

Makes sense... might be a matter of monitoring it. Suspect ignition light would be a good indicator if there's an issue with the resistance from the connector.

The ignition light is wired through the field winding, the smaller connector on the alternator. you will have to monitor the main output seperately. it wont be a problem unless you use high power lights.

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Cheers Dave.