SKiDaZZLe - please email me: mwaller@intralase.com
I may be interested in a RED earthing kit, provided I am provided with some sort of instructions etc.
Thanks,
Mika

 

It occured to me that maybe the difference is that the larger ground wires are reducing ground currents or helping to reduce randon noise on the unshielded wiring that supports the various computer functions. It might be interesting to have a scope monitor the ignition circuit and some of the key data lines into the ECU. If the noise levels were to effect the sensors it would probably happen at higher RPMs where positive effects (smoother running) have been reported. Just some of my thoughts on what might be happening but who knows. Right now the limited tests seem to indicate that something is happening, it would be nice to know exact what.

 

here is a pic of all 4 colors offered:

 

here is a pic of a black kit that was just made for another member here in frisco:

 

It would be interesting to see if you get the same result over the entire rpm range. But I would be interested in one of these kits.
I haven't seen any price mentioned yet.
So how much is it?

 

its in the first post, but $90 + shipping.

michael

 

I would really like the 4 gauge

 

Yes... Skidazzle, do you have any idea how this engine grounding works?

 

for taking the time to do the test, but it's funny how some people just won't believe no matter what...even without the test i totally felt a difference when i installed mine about 2 weeks ago...and they probably will never believe unless the kit is 25 bucks...it's the money issue, people just can't justify 90-130 for wires i guess

oh..by the way, i don't think its the placebo affect because i sure wanted to feel some extra horses when i dropped in the K&N filter or even HEAR a difference but i didn't...yet with the grounding kit i sure felt the difference...

 

Ditto

 

I am an electrical engineer with an interest in automotive systems. I have studied many articles about electrical and computer systems in cars. One thing that they design the ECU for is to accept 100% noise on its input lines. What that means is that if you are expecting a 10 V signal in, it could be anywhere in the range of 0 to 10 V because of all the noise in the system! Noise is generated by spark plugs firing, discharges through the tires to the road, alternator turning off, etc. In other words, there is a lot of inherent noise in the automotive system.

One of the best proven ways to compensate for noise is with proper grounding. For example, if you are measuring a DC signal, you can pretty much use any kind of wire. When you are measuring a high frequency input (ie, the mass air flow sensor or the air/fuel mixture sensor) then it pays to run a ground wire in parallel with your signal (measuring) wire, or to run a coaxial (like your cable TV) wire with the ground on the outside. The engine earthing kit approximates this running of a ground wire along side each signal wire.

Thus, I would say that an engine grounding kit would allow cleaner data to get to the ECU. The result would be more accurate measurements and therefore more accurate closed loop performance and smoother idle. In open loop mode (and I don't know if the Z ever operates in open loop mode) then there should be no difference because the ECU is ignoring most inputs.

One thing I would suggest is to run a ground wire to the exhaust pipes near the oxygen sensors. Since this is another important and high frequency input into the ECU, it should improve things even further.

 

Now THAT is some useful info - thanks!

 

i just finished installing the kit on Michael-Dallas 's car. took about 20 minutes total. its a black kit, so it retains a very stock look. only thing more stock would have been to wrap all the wires in loom...

 

I'm neither a skeptic or believer. From the looks of it, I'd think the stock ground would provide a mere adequate ground. It consists of 2 14-16 gauge wires and 2 ground points. Those wires may deteriorate, corrode, etc. and may become slightly ineffective as the car ages.

With that said, I can't tell a difference w/ the earthing system installed. But also bear in mind that I haven't driven my 350 for a whole week (it's stinking monsoon season here). I think a better test would be my SE-R. It's has over 80k miles and idles/runs just a little rough (motor still runs strong and takes a beating though!). It's my daily driver so I should immediately be able to tell a difference.

Do I think the additional ground is needed? Maybe after 60k miles. Do I think it's worth it? In hindsight, 4 gauge wire may be overkill, but I think $90 is good value for what you get. Am I going to uninstall the system and demand a full refund? Nope. I classify the earthing system mod along w/ the K&N drop-in filter mod. The worst that could happen is that they don't work. But the best that could happen is that they do work. And it's relatively inexpensive to find out.

Also, something to ponder about: I have never known NISMO/Nissan to release a mod that's completely useless. Aftermarket "tuner" companies are more prone to release placebos, but NISMO/Nissan are on the conservative side. It's in their best interest to make money, but also keep you as a customer.

My $0.02.

Michael.

 

If some one with a kit installed could try this it might provide additional improvements. Perhaps even with a tempory setup just to see if it does anything.
For a long term fix one would probably need wiring with a high temp jacket.

 

Since you aren't getting any money from this can you please take some photos and also write down where the wires lead to and the lengths so that people like myself who have the ability to make them can.

In other words, how did you find out the lengths needed and can you post them.

 

Looks nice. One question, do you tin/solder the wire ends before you crimp them?

 

Thanks very much for taking the measurements and posting the results, SKiDAZZLe. This hard data is what we need to make up our minds. It really does look like there is a smaller RPM range with the cables, which would mean a smoother idle. This hard evidence coupled with a plausible explanation by an electrical/automotive engineer has pushed me to the believer side!

I started out skeptical, which is not a believer or disbeliever, it just means I needed some more evidence. You gave me that evidence, and I thank you! (I have learned to mostly discard anectodal evidence, so even a million people saying "it felt better" means little.)

For the price and the easy installation (and the blue cables even look cool) it seems like a reasonable mod. It looks like it does help, and it certainly can't hurt (which can't be said for many other modifications!)

 

Someone asked: if the wire's so cheap, why didn't Nissan install it at the factory?

If it takes you half an hour to install, then it may take an experienced line worker 10 minutes to install. The cost to Nissan might be $25 in labour (and related) expenses, so a $1 wire ends up costing $26.

 

he does this on smaller wires, the way he crimps these huge wires, there is no way they are coming out... i will try and get a pic later tonight.

michael