GROUNDING KIT DIY?

[SEaton]

Can anyone post pics of an installed grounding kit? or a DIY

[Linkseal]

Basically one head (alternator), one Block, one Ground...(sometimes one trans)...will try to post some pics tmr...

[Linkseal]

Here are some pics of my Apexi grounding kits installation...

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e287/Linkseal/06-08-15_09-18.jpg

Connect to the battery and also connect within the Red Circle on the pics...

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e287/Linkseal/06-08-15_09-19.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e287/Linkseal/06-08-15_09-20.jpg

Member Jbann also has one connect to the Transmission...I think that is also a good location to connect...I might do it also...

Link

[Katana]

Guys what have you gained with that kit?How much did it cost?

Do you know any place from which to buy it in Greece?

[SimmZ]

I think a "grounding kit" is a REAL JOKE!!!

OK... if you absolutely want to spend money to ground your car... just buy some feets of "no-name-brand" 8 GA power wire, some 8GA terminals (around 5¢ ea), plug it everywhere you want, then correct it on your batterie terminal bolts (use a longer bolt if there's not enough place on stock bolt) and do you own grounding kit for less than 15$!!

[Linkseal]

Well...Grounding Kit is nothing special to use but better than none ...

Grounding Kits to N/A car might not have much improvement, but you can feel the difference for Turbo cars, especially Subaru or Porsche, which are placing flat 4 boxer or 6 boxer engines. For my Subaru STI, Apexi grouding kits help the car gains around 7whp on dyno (no kiddin)...and the rusts on the surface of bolts and turbo are less than others drving aound the same neighborhood....

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e287/Linkseal/DSC02453.jpg

Another reason for me to install it because this Apexi grounding kit also includes battery stablizer...used to be varying between 14.3 to 12.8 Volt, after installation the range of variation is reducing to inbetween 14.1 to 13.7 volt...basically make the electronic more stable while you open the AC , rear deforst, and listen to ur sub at the same time...

If you just want to ground your car, you can easily source some cheap materials to DIY...here is an example of my DIY grounding wires taken out from my used Audi S4..:thumbsup:

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e287/Linkseal/06-08-15_14-18.jpg

[SEaton]

cool thanks guys, think a DIY ground would be worth it on the Yaris

[SEaton]

US Yaris

[Chris07LB]

...YES.

Follow the above pics, for locations.. you may add more if needed. Basically where I grounded all mine as well.

[SEaton]

did you notice improvements chris?

[paultyler_82]

Yes.. paying $100+ for a grounding kit is rediculous, the only thing different between these expensive "magic boxes" and a DIY kit made of some lengths of large gauge wire and quality connections is maybe some noise filters and little things of that sort, the difference is negligable. There is, however, an improvement with any grounding kit, including the DIY kit... you may notice improved throttle response and smoother idle, to name a few benefits. I wouldn't recommend paying for one of those brand name boxes, make your own, save a few dollars, and reap the same benefits.

[Katana]

Guys can someone explain to all of us how can we mace a ''home made'' grounding kit?What exactly should I buy and from where?

[Chris07LB]

did you notice improvements chris?

Actually yes. :smile: If you read Paul's post one or two up from mine, he hit's the nail on the head!

I paid nothing for mine, as I had lots of brand new audio terminals and amp wire sitting around.

As for a DIY, go over to ScionLife.com, and do a search for Grounding Kit DiY. There was a very good how to, posted on an xB.

[Katana]

To save some time from all of you, there is the Grounding Kit DIY.

http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=29261&highlight=grounding

PS, what does DIY mean???

[Linkseal]

To save some time from all of you, there is the Grounding Kit DIY.

http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=29261&highlight=grounding

PS, what does DIY mean???

DIY = Do It Yourself...

[argylesocks]

DIY = Do It Yourself...

where has the spirit of '77 gone?

:cry:

[Katana]

Guys where can I get these wires described in the DIY?And these connectors?

In an automotive store maybe???

@linkseal tnx for the info on DIY.

[johnnyfive]

any electronics store will have them, or a car audio shop :)

[jmew0ng]

that apex i box isn't making sense to me.. is it just a metal box so that way all connecting wires can come to one source than maybe compared to mikochu's setup (scionlife diy)?

[Linkseal]

that apex i box isn't making sense to me.. is it just a metal box so that way all connecting wires can come to one source than maybe compared to mikochu's setup (scionlife diy)?

Ya...for cheaper way to Ground your car is DIY for sure...My Apexi Kit was taken out from my used STI...so...don't waste it...

[Katana]

Do you think that an automotive store will also have these connectors?From all the stuff needed, I think that they are the hardest to find.

[paultyler_82]

that apex i box isn't making sense to me.. is it just a metal box so that way all connecting wires can come to one source than maybe compared to mikochu's setup (scionlife diy)?

Basically, yes, its just a box that all connecting wires come to so it looks a bit cleaner, and most of them have all kinds of power filters and stuff in them just like a high end home theater surge protector, but the difference between the box and a DIY is unnoticable, far as I can tell, besides, with a DIY, you can hide your wires and make it still look stock.

[Chris07LB]

Do you think that an automotive store will also have these connectors?From all the stuff needed, I think that they are the hardest to find.

Look on eBay. None of this is "hard to find."

4ga. amp wire, buy it in a 25' length.
4ga. terminal connectors.
shrink wrap for the terminals.
and a wire crimper, or vise also works..

Do you guys have a radio shack out there? :confused:

[Katana]

Oh yeah we have!So do you think that I should search there?

[Katana]

Guys from these wires, what should I choose?

http://www.radioshack.com/category/index.jsp?categoryId=2032227&cp=2032058

EDIT:I think this works
http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=8%20gauge%20speaker%20wire&origkw=8%20gauge%20speaker%20wire

[SimmZ]

Look on eBay. None of this is "hard to find."

4ga. amp wire, buy it in a 25' length.
4ga. terminal connectors.
shrink wrap for the terminals.
and a wire crimper, or vise also works..

Do you guys have a radio shack out there? :confused:

4GA is too much for nothing! Use some 8GA and it will be perfect. 4GA wire is stiff and hard to fold. 8GA wire is much more smooth and easy to install everywhere throught the engine bay components.

And please... do not pay expensive price to get some red or blue translucent wires... c'mon... go into a hardware store and buy some flat black ground wire used for welding machines. You'll pay 10¢ a feet for the black wire instead of 1.00$ a feet for translucent red/blue wire.

[Chris07LB]

CORRECTION! 8ga. (Stinger wire) is what I used... Doh! :smile:

[jmew0ng]

use 4GA to pretend you have some kind of super audio equipment :D lol
I had it on my echo to hook up to amp.. it looked neat, but that was about it :|



being the dork I am, I went to buy some 8GA wires based on color >.>

[SimmZ]

I even use 8GA for my 300w-RMS amplifier... so don't be affraid, it can handle a ground. I don't look on my Echo, but based on pictures above I think even the main chassis ground seem to be 8GA. Probably only the starter use 4GA.

[jmew0ng]

Are there benefits from choosing different grounding points compared to others?

or maybe more grounding points?

[Katana]

In order to ask these cables in Greek, how can I define the 8GA thing?Does it have to do with the number of cables inside?

[Chris07LB]

In order to ask these cables in Greek, how can I define the 8GA thing?Does it have to do with the number of cables inside?

Gauge, is the thickness of the wire.... It will also be written on the wire (size).

[Katana]

Οk tnx for the answer.

I'll se what I can do.

[MWill517]

Like so many here, worried about warranty issues. Would a grounding kit need to be removed before takeing your car in for service? Or with it being only grounding and passive for the most part, would it be a non-issue in the case of getting service or warrany work?

[paultyler_82]

I had a site that sold wiring in many guages with all kinds of different solid color insulation and striped insulation... I need to find that link again, prices were pretty cheap, 10-50 cents per ft. depending on quality, guage, and type of insulation.

[jmew0ng]

Do they provide pre crimped rings and heatshrunk-heatshrinks... because I'm having a tough time crimping mine together :\

[paultyler_82]

As soon as I can figure out how many cables are needed and their lengths (haven't done this one on the Yaris yet) I'll be more than willing to provide finished grounding kits at a much more reasonable price than those "magic boxes"

[Katana]

And you know, I would be very interested in buying it from you.

P.S. I live in Greece and I drive the 1.3lt engine model.

[rstb88]

this is gonna be an odd thing to ask, but do you thinl a grounding kit wound be beneficiary to a 1978 VW Beetle?????

[paultyler_82]

this is gonna be an odd thing to ask, but do you thinl a grounding kit wound be beneficiary to a 1978 VW Beetle?????


I've found that these grounding kits work even better on many older vehicles, simply for the fact that they provide such a nice, stable ground. Some wiring on older vehicles is even worse than modern automobiles.

[paultyler_82]

Well, since there seems to be an interest, I'll be doing this as soon as I get back from vacation. To let you know what to expect, I like to make my grounding kits easily hidden, they can be routed along the engine bay with other components and no one will even know it's there, I'll let everyone know when I've finished

[Katana]

Οk, just don't forget us.

[rstb88]

I just got done and I started at 4pm now 6pm. What took so long???? I droppped the screw that held the oem groundwire and had to go replace it. After spending an hour trying to remove the battery tray that DOESN"T come out. i could not put the last bolt for the tray in cause it keeps halling out. I highly recommend doing it just whenever you do it, don't forget to disconnect the positive and always use a magnetic tip socket or whatever. Oh and I dropped the screw cause I didn't disconnect the positive and it arced and scared the shit out of me....

[vodkalush]

Does anyone have the cable lengths for an 07? I'm looking at just getting 4ga battery cables... I get get them in many diff lengths, and would like to only have to go to the store once... If I have to I will just measure first; but if I dont have to that'd be great :smile:

[Katana]

In my opinion, 3-4 metres shpuld be ok.

[vodkalush]

Cool beans, I'm planning on grabbing the cables tonight... its raining though, so I might wait till its sunny (lack of garage...)

[Katana]

Who is going to gather a grounding kit for mine???

[paultyler_82]

Who is going to gather a grounding kit for mine???

Well, I've got the measurements, the only thing that worries me, is that you use a different engine than the 1.5L 1NZ-FE... I'm checking to see where I can get wire the cheapest to keep the cost down, then I'll be able to quote you a price.

[Katana]

Let me post a picture of my engine.

We have to make sure that the points where the cables touch the chassis are the same.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v398/Alex-R/Yaris/Yaris_3jpg.jpg

[paultyler_82]

Let me post a picture of my engine.

We have to make sure that the points where the cables touch the chassis are the same.



Best thing to do would be to take measurements from point to point for me, keep in mind you need to measure as though it were where you want your wires to be routed. I need measurements as follows:

A. From a chassis bolt on left side of engine bay (furthest from the battery) to a bolt on the corner of the engine, should contact the head. (one of the red circles in the pic below is probably the best bet)

B. From the bolt on the head to the bolt holding on the furthest rightward ignition coil (orange circle is for illustration only, the coil that you need to use is covered by the induction box.)
I find the most convenient way to route this wire is around behind and over the back of the engine, hides the wire well and so forth, but this is your choice.

C. From that ignition coil bolt to the negative terminal on the battery

D. From Negative terminal to a chassis bolt on the right side of the engine bay (closest to battery)

Best way to measure is with a rope or string or something... route it just like you would want the wire from point to point, taking care to avoid hot or moving parts that would damage the wire. then measure the length of rope used to get from point to point how you want it routed, then just give me those figures, then I can probably give you a better quote, also, let me know what color wire you'd prefer, Black, Red, White, Transparent Red, or Transparent Blue.

[Katana]

I'll try to make the measurements as soon as possible.

Can you give me any estimations about the final cost?

As far as the colour is concerned, I would like transparent red!

[paultyler_82]

I'll try to make the measurements as soon as possible.

Can you give me any estimations about the final cost?

As far as the colour is concerned, I would like transparent red!

As far as a quote goes, for the trans-red, I can probably hook you up for 20-30 bucks plus shipping, trans red wire seems to be more expensive than the standard wires, but provided I can find it cheap enough, total price may be less than 20. I've got wire terminals and heatshrink out the ears, the only thing that really affects the price is how cheap I can get the wire, I don't keep the high guage stuff on hand, or when I do, it's just odds and ends.

[Katana]

Ok, do whatever you can!

In the afternoon, I'll post the measurements.

[Katana]

Here I am.

These are the measurements in centimeters.

From Body to Head--> 34cm

From Head to the second spark plug from left--> 28cm OR
From Head to the fourth spark plug from left--> 48cm

From second spark plug to Battery Negative--> 76cm OR
From fourth spark plug to Battery Negative--> 55cm

From Battery Negative to Body--> 15cm

The thing is that the fourth spark plug is covered from the airbox, so I have to move it and this is not gonna be easy.Does it matter if we use the second spark plug?

[paultyler_82]

Here I am.

These are the measurements in centimeters.

From Body to Head--> 34cm

From Head to the second spark plug from left--> 28cm OR
From Head to the fourth spark plug from left--> 48cm

From second spark plug to Battery Negative--> 76cm OR
From fourth spark plug to Battery Negative--> 55cm

From Battery Negative to Body--> 15cm

The thing is that the fourth spark plug is covered from the airbox, so I have to move it and this is not gonna be easy.Does it matter if we use the second spark plug?

It shouldn't really matter, I don't beleive, give me a day or two and I'll give you a final quote, it's my days off, so I should have some time to do some wire shopping.

[Katana]

Ok I'll be waiting.

Is it better to use 8 gauge or 4 gauge wire as far as quality is concerned?And what about the price difference?

[Lafiro]

What is the reason to connect wires from components to the car chassis? What benefit does this have if the WHOLE engine and transa basically connect to the chassis as is. Doesnt it mean its already grounded? I mean yes I could understand certain components great electricity which shouldnt be there, but does this really affect the car so much, that you have to now clutter of the engine bay with cables just to ground everything again?

I mean If it really does do something, then hey Im probably all for it myself too then, but someone would have to please have a picture and show us all where to connect the wires and where to groudn them all please!!

[paultyler_82]

What is the reason to connect wires from components to the car chassis? What benefit does this have if the WHOLE engine and transa basically connect to the chassis as is. Doesnt it mean its already grounded? I mean yes I could understand certain components great electricity which shouldnt be there, but does this really affect the car so much, that you have to now clutter of the engine bay with cables just to ground everything again?

I mean If it really does do something, then hey Im probably all for it myself too then, but someone would have to please have a picture and show us all where to connect the wires and where to groudn them all please!!

It provides a better ground to the components involved, which reduces differences in voltage throughout the circuit, it cuts back a bit on transients, and tends to yield a smoother idle and better throttle response. There are some people who even swear it prevents them from getting a static shock when they get out of the car, and others who swear it cleans up the audio sound, and even makes their headlights a little brighter.

As for pictures on where to mount the kit... here's a reference for the 1NZ-FE, this is as equipped on an xA, so your lengths and mount locations may change a bit, but it should be mostly the same.
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=29261&highlight=grounding

[Katana]

The general idea of the connections between the wires is pretty much the same, in any engine.

[vodkalush]

Just installed my custom grounding kit. what a freak'n difference!!! I have a ton of elec. crap plugged in all the time (sirius, 2 cellphone chargers, tomtom, and radar).

starting the car is alot "smother" idle is smother, and it doesnt take 8yrs to shift into 2nd anymore. over all worth the time and $

Sedan wire lengths (well mine atleast):

A ==> B: 22inch
B ==> C: 13inch
C ==> D: 29inch
D ==> E: 10inch

(piuc below stolen from link above)

Cost $41 -

terminals ($6 per pair) I got the non-cororsive ones ment for outdoor applications.

I also used 6gage wire (like $5-6 for 6ft) - bit hard to work with would prob go with 8gage if I had to do it again.

Shrinkwrap - $1.30

I'll post pics later.

[Katana]

Hey Paul where is mine?

I am looking forward to it!

Vodkalush is your car feeling stronger?

[vodkalush]

it seems to be more sensitive/responsive to the g-pedal

- I do want to stress that I am using an above aver. # of elect devices

[vodkalush]

here it is

[Katana]

Τnx for the info.

[paultyler_82]

Hey Paul where is mine?

I am looking forward to it!

Vodkalush is your car feeling stronger?


I'm waiting for your wire to come in, none of my usual places carry trans-red wire in 8 gauge, should be in within a day or two.

[Katana]

Ok tnx.

[BMGYaris]

hey i was just looking into this whole grounding thing, i am planning to do it, just because i am a little unhappy with my purchase over all and i want to make the most of my money:) however, since grouding is to improve the functioning of the electronic components do we need to do anything special to ground the electronic power steering?

[hasher22]

hey i was just looking into this whole grounding thing, i am planning to do it, just because i am a little unhappy with my purchase over all and i want to make the most of my money:) however, since grouding is to improve the functioning of the electronic components do we need to do anything special to ground the electronic power steering?

Nope, plug and play...........well yer just connect everything

[Katana]

I added one to mine and the response to the gas is better.

[paultyler_82]

I added one to mine and the response to the gas is better.

Glad you're enjoying it Katana!

[ItsMyDaily]

doing a DYI right now. Kit looks amazing. Looks like it came that way factory....well it will once I finish cleaning up the battery area, make it a bit neater.

[Katana]

Tell us any comments on how the car is feeling!

[ItsMyDaily]

Tell us any comments on how the car is feeling!

sorry I've yet to drive the car, but will give my impressions soon.:wink:

[ItsMyDaily]

you'll find my intial impressions now posted in my DYI