Grounding Question

[Project D]

OK, I have searched and still can't find a question for this one. I have a grounding kit that I was given that has 8 gauge wiring. I have seen many cars with 4 gauge wiring, but is that really necessary? I figured that 8 gauge should be more than enough for the job. Any thoughts are appreciated.

[Yoshi]

if all your stock grounding straps are fine, chances are that regardless of ga, it won't make a damn bit of difference.

"hyper-grounds" and the like, are like changing your plug wires or fuel filter... you're not really gaining power, so much as replacing what you might have lost from age and wear/tear. Not to say that you won't get a small gain... it makes things generally more electrically efficient, and that's ALWAYS a good thing.

To answer your question 8ga is just fine.
Is your car having grounding issues already? Maybe you'll see a big improvement, but otherwise I'd look at it as a backup system for your old stock grounding straps... I've also heard people say that the hypergrounds help people with larger stereo setups who get line noise.

[Project D]

Actually, I am looking at doing "the swap" so I figured that doing a hyper ground while everything was out would be a good thing, especially for the money. I'm looking for a little more efficient system and it was recommended by my friend with his supra. He said, no real gain HP wise, but brighter lights, stereo is a little louder, and it ran a little smoother. If I can accomplish those things, then I have achieved my goal as far as grounding is concerned.

[projectRDM]

Difference in Nissan and Toyota wiring also. Although our cars generally have a lot of excess ground points the ones they use are good. I've never seen much difference with upgraded wiring anywhere on a 240 unless you're shortening it all several inches, reducing resistance.

[caall99]

or larger guage = reducing resistance

[Jonnie Fraz]

Simple to figure out if you need to upgrade your ground system. Using a multi-meter check the continuity between your battery ground and your motor. Do this with the ground cable off the battery. Mine was like .02 ohms or somthing minimal. IMO hyper grounding is hocus pocus, like cold air intakes.

[Project D]

I am not sure if it is a need. It is a cheap way to upgrade electrical and since the engine is out and ready to be put in, figured it would be a good part (especially for free) to throw on. It couldn't hurt.

[nismo101]

IMO hyper grounding is hocus pocus, like cold air intakes.

Cold air intakes hocus-pocus? Hey man, I have dyno tested many cars before and after an intake in a controlled situation. Power is gained in almost all cases. Whats hocus pocus about that?

You think turbos are hocus pocus too?
(just teasin)

[Replicant_S14]

Whatever.
4AWG = .0003 Ohms/ft (@150F)
8AWG = .0007

Either way, what Russ is getting at (I think) is that some of the o.e. grounds are absurdly long.

[24Zero]

I put the Stillen grounding kit on my Z. There was minimal difference in power, but it added some eye under the hood!

[Project D]

^^^^This is what I am figuring:

My car is 16 years old
The grounds could prob. be better
it was free
if nothing else, it will look cool

All in all, I am sure it will be a fun install and it may help, who knows.

[RBS14]

haha the last thing a Z needs is more shit under the hood. I dunno about you guys, but I like as few wires as possible under my hood.

However, if you got the kit for free, and you're going to be doing a swap anyways, it's a no-brainer.

[projectRDM]

Whatever.
4AWG = .0003 Ohms/ft (@150F)
8AWG = .0007

Either way, what Russ is getting at (I think) is that some of the o.e. grounds are absurdly long.

Exactly. Just cutting the extra 18 inches out of the battery's ground cable is a start, that will do the same as any ground cable setup ever will. And you can use the leftover wire to ground the alternator or make a better one for the block.

[Project D]

^^^ That's a helpful tip for all of you guys that didn't have a kit. Keep the suggestions coming.