(Yes, I did a search... )

No, this is not to discuss the merits of grounding kits - assume grounding kits are GOOD and you are getting one....

So, there are the really cheap ones with fake Nismo logos in ebay selling for $25 (and $18 shipping), and then there are the ones in the $70-90, and then the Nismo one for $130 and some others for $150 or so.

I personally got one from a guy in eBay who made it himself - from what I've read the quality of the wires is an issue, as is the difference between "universal" lengths and one that is custom made for the 350Z.

Question #1: Why is the Nismo one sooooo expensive?

Question #2: What is that plate for on the cheap Nismo knockoffs at ebay

 

Question 1: Nismo is super expensive because it is Nismo. You are buying THE name brand for Nissan. Plus, the quality will be good, guaranteed.

Question 2: Im actually not totally sure what that plate is. Probably where you attach to ground the wires.

 

The plate is so you have a central location to ground all the wires too...imagine a spoked wheel in your engine bay.

I'd say price is the major difference between kits. Don't buy nismo unless you have cash to burn. Z- xtreme kits are probably the best overall value...check the inventor classifieds.

 

If you are reasonably handy with tools, you can easily make a grounding kit yourself. It's really a matter of buying audio monster cable and the right connectors, cutting the wire to length, soldering the wire to the connectors, and applying insulation (usually heat-shrink) to the joints.

A lot of people choose to have someone else make the kit; it's easier and to some worth the money. Some people go the real easy route and buy it from Nismo.

I have no idea what you bought from ebay, but as long as the connections are good and the wire is of a reasonable guage (copper close to 1/4 inch thick or more) your quality is probably adequate. The benefits of a grounding kit are so nebulous anyway, I wouldn't get worked up about it.

For those considering it, I suggest you either make one yourself or buy one for $50 from a respected vendor on one of the forums. I believe in the concept of the grounding kit, but I'm not sure I gained any noticable or measurable benefit from it.

 

i view my grounding kit as a look cool mod and nothing else, if you put it on thinking you will gain 10 hp like some promise, you will be disapointed. but if you put it on, just because you like the way it looks, and then it does some other things like smooth out the idle, give you better throttle response etc, you are happy because you got more than you were looking for. i built my grounding myslef, using 8 guage monster cable, and a heavy duty vice. it looks great and cost me around 50 bucks and about an hour, as another member put it, it was great bonding time with my z, if nothing else.

 

This is the one I got.

 

You bought a great kit. Z327 sells the kits through a website also, and has posted many times on the other forum (motoring). I bought a kit from him as have many others. Great quality, fast shipping, and great price. Instructions are clear and easy to follow--good buy. just search for z327 and you'll find him

 

Well, I finally installed it. Here are some pics. You can click on the image which is linked to a page with larger views.



The quality of the wires is excellent. The instructions are good, and install was easy. I honestly can't say whether I have more HP or idle is smoother, but I can say it looks cool....