This is probably a dumb question however I am a new Nissan owner so I don't know what the logic behind a ground kit is? How does a bigger kit help? And is it necessary for every car or is it just a 350 that needs this?

 

"Increase Horse Power & Torque

Enhance ECU Efficiency / Engine Performance

Stronger & Faster Starts

Smoother Idle

More Responsive Acceleration

Superb Looks



Automotive electrical and computer systems are designed to tolerate up to 100% noise on their input lines. Meaning, if the ECU is expecting a 12-volt input signal, the signal may vary in the range of 0 to 12 volts.

Fluctuations in signal are due to noise and resistance in the system. Noise is generated by spark plugs firing, discharges through the tires to the road, alternator turning on/off, etc. Resistance is the inability of the system to conduct electricity properly.

One of the best-proven ways to compensate for noise and resistance is with proper grounding. Engine grounding has been used in the racing industry for years. The benefits have been proven and documented.

The Custom Engine Grounding Kit allows for cleaner data transfer to the ECU. The result is more accurate measurements by the ECU and therefore more accurate performance, smoother idle and better acceleration. "

That is the www.z-extreme.com explanation of it and as far as I know they are correct. They left out one thing. If your speakers are buzzing at all, the grounding kit will take care of that noise as well

 

This months edition of Turbo magazine has a good write up on grounding kits with dynos that show 2-4 hp gains. The hp gains are minimal but the wires also help with engine idle, smoother revs, better ecu efficiency like 350zdanny said. I made mine myself for about 40 bucks. Or you can order insaneamines, a lot of his customers have been very pleased.

 

I'm extremely skeptical that these do anything for the ECU itself. An ECU is just a typical electronic device, and nothing that standard needs 4-gauge wire. It just doesn't.

Here's what I think it does do: I believe it helps give a stronger, more consistent spark to the ignition coils. The ignition coils generate a very high-voltage charge, and I can see them getting a cleaner zap with some extra metal to suck juice through.

If by ECU you actually mean the ignition system including ignition coils (which doesn't seem like it to me since it wasn't stated that way), then we may be saying the same thing.

 

There are no documented benefits from the so called grounding kits, except to lighten your wallet. If you study/research the 350Z grounding you will see that all of the so called grounding kits ground themselves to themselves via already present stock factory grounding.

JMS in TX

 

Do a search...

 

This has been argued over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again.

There are many threads regarding these issues you should do a search and find the information. The best information regarding pros and cons have already been discussed. You're not going to get the best explanations in this thread because those with the real data have already explained the theory behind it ad infinitum.

I know I've already posted sound electronic theory on grounding kits, but don't feel like typing it up once more.

I'll just say this... yes I installed one and it definitely smoothed out the idle.