DIY: Groundwire Kit [Archive] - Toyota Yaris Forums

ItsMyDaily

10-21-2006, 06:51 PM

Recently purchased a groudning kit of of ebay, and thought I'd share my install with those interested.

Here is the kit I purchased: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JDM-GROUND-WIRE-TOYOTA-SUPRA-TURBO-NT-MR2-MRS-91-93-B_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33574QQihZ006QQitemZ1 60041517988QQtcZphoto

This is what was included in the Kit:
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/HvRRZ/DSC09211.jpg

Photos seem to be the easiest way for people to understand an install, so I'll be using mainly the photos I took during the process for this DII.

Start by removing the stock negative terminal and replacing it with the one included in the kit. Now when you remove the stock terminal make sure you only remove the battery terminal adaptor. Leave the factory begative ground wire in place, it will be used wih the new terminal adapter that comes with the kit.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/HvRRZ/DSC09213.jpg
sorry I don't have other angles of the terminal set-up, but it's easy to figure out so don't worry.

Now you don't have to follow me as far as my connections points. You can choose to connect to anywhere you'de like, but here is how I started:
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/HvRRZ/DSC09216.jpg

Connection point from terminal to this point.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/HvRRZ/DSC09218.jpg

second wire:
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/HvRRZ/DSC09219.jpg

this is even easier to figure out, but just incase here is a closer view of it connected to the throttle body.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/HvRRZ/DSC09220.jpg

Third grounding point:
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/HvRRZ/DSC09221.jpg

from there I lead the third wire to this point.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/HvRRZ/DSC09222.jpg

Now you'll move on to wire number 4:
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/HvRRZ/DSC09224.jpg

here is were I connected it to.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/HvRRZ/DSC09226.jpg

fifth wire:
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/HvRRZ/DSC09227.jpg
heads down to the tranny, and this is the only mounting point which I did not use a factory nut to mount. Had to use one of the 10mm bolts supplied with the kit. here is the point.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/HvRRZ/DSC09228.jpg

sixth point:
Now remember that not all wires need to be connected to the terminal as long as they are grounding to either the vehicle or go off one of the other ground points. Here is how I grounded my sixth wire.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/HvRRZ/DSC09230.jpg

the wire then goes around to the back and downward where I mounted it to here.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/HvRRZ/DSC09229.jpg

seventh and final wire. What I chose to do was start off from where I connected the fifth wire. here it is connected.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/HvRRZ/DSC09246.jpg

Now from there I lead it around the front and towards the back from underneath the engine like this.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/HvRRZ/DSC09247.jpg
remember you have the option to connect it somewhere else, this is only the area I chose to connect to as it was the farthest from all of my other grounding points. I also tried to leave the least amount of wire hanging as you can tell in the pic above, just incase there is possibility of it getting caught on something. I actually got the wire to sit higher then the bottom of the front bumper.

Now here is my final connection point.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/HvRRZ/DSC09248.jpg

And there you have it, your car is now very well grounded.
Before putting the engine cover back on make sure to zip-tie any wires that might need to be held away from certain area, or just to keep some from moving around to new locations.
Once again here is the final product once it's all put together:
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b33/HvRRZ/DSC09231.jpg
Nice, clean finish.

vodkalush

10-21-2006, 07:08 PM

Nice write-up. I will def be adding it to the manual.

Kitt

10-21-2006, 07:09 PM

QUESTION: Is it necessary to ground the tranny, no matter if it is manual or automatic?
Should I ground my amplifier as well?

cheers-

ItsMyDaily

10-21-2006, 07:14 PM

Nice write-up. I will def be adding it to the manual.

thankx. I actually thought maybe I should have had it more detailed, but it's really a simple install.

ItsMyDaily

10-21-2006, 07:17 PM

QUESTION: Is it necessary to ground the tranny, no matter if it is manual or automatic?
Should I ground my amplifier as well?

cheers-

It's not necessary to ground the tranny, but it is one of the recommended grounding points that any kit you get will suggest. It's a good idea to do so whether you have an auto or a manual. Remember the motor and transmission create the most friction.

Kitt

10-21-2006, 07:25 PM

10-4

jeff_o

10-21-2006, 10:38 PM

this is really nice and interesting :)

bigsky2

10-22-2006, 03:06 AM

ChinoCharles

10-22-2006, 03:09 AM

That is super clean... not bad for 22 bucks shipped to your doorstep.

Katana

10-22-2006, 07:05 AM

Only 22$?Damn this is cheap!

ItsMyDaily

10-22-2006, 12:10 PM

Hey looks nice!

Just wondering, what gauge or AWG wire did this kit come with?

It looks like 4AWG from the photos, but I'm not sure..

Edit: Beautiful pictures ItsMyDaily - thank you very much. This should make anyone's grounding wire DIY install MUCH easier!

first thank you for the comment. As far as the wire, I am not to sure. The kit never mentioned the type of wire it included, but it looks to me like 4 gauge wires.

ItsMyDaily

10-22-2006, 12:17 PM

guys the price is really cheap for the quality of the kit. I was hesitent at first, and thought when it came in it was going to be a bad purchase, but the it is very nice. It always amazes me how some people will buy name brand grounding kits for hundreds of dollars when all brands include the same parts, and do the exact same thing.

I'm yet to drive the car to give my impressions of the kit. It'll happen soon :)

ItsMyDaily

10-22-2006, 04:02 PM

Just got back after a 20 minute drive. There is one word I think of to discribe the feeling of the car after the groundwire instal........"Smooth."

I am actually amazed that it did as much as it did, but at the same time I kind of expected it to do so when I saw that the Yaris motor has almost no grounds from the factory.

The very thing I noticed is that the initial acceleration is a lot better. There is no delay in the pedal like there was before(although it was a slight delay before).

The second thing I noticed was how smooth the engine felt as it climbed in rpm. The power felt very nice, and some how I find that there is less engine noise.

The third thing I noticed was the transmission. Keep in mind that I have an automatic. The shifting is a lot smoother and feels almost as if it is one endless gear with no shifts. Even downshifting using the pedal feels smoother.

Fourth thing I noticed, and my favorite part, is that I found myself pressing on the gas pedal less then I usually would. The car seems to have picked up some bottom end umph which requires less pedal movment to get it moving up to speed faster. I believe this will help in fuel efficiency.

I think what has happened is the power and torque curves are now much smoother and power may even be coming a little ealier. This is the only way I can explain what it is I am feeling. Is there a chance that all of this is just in my head? Yes ofcourse there is. Who knows? I don't think it's all in my head. Either way for the money this is a great mod to have done.

I'll let you guys know how it helps wih fuel economy once I reach my next fill up.

ChinoCharles

10-22-2006, 06:23 PM

INTERESTING

I'll be buying this soon. The blue matches my shocks. HA!

ItsMyDaily

10-22-2006, 06:34 PM

INTERESTING

I'll be buying this soon. The blue matches my shocks. HA!

:biggrin: Cause everyone is looking at your shocks.

Your right though this is also a nice engine dress up piece. I'm sure it'll look even better once I go ahead and order a blue aem cold air.

ChinoCharles

10-22-2006, 06:36 PM

Hey, attention to detail is the difference between a nicely done CAR and just another rice rocket. :thumbup:

grimez

10-22-2006, 09:48 PM

I want to order one of these ASAP, but I can't find that exact one that you ordered. Would this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JDM-GROUND-WIRE-TOYOTA-SUPRA-TURBO-NT-MR2-MRS-86-95-R_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33574QQihZ006QQitemZ1 60043347124QQtcZphoto) work instead?

ItsMyDaily

10-22-2006, 10:16 PM

bigsky2

10-22-2006, 10:32 PM

Just a note of caution, I think the RED set that the seller offers could be a smaller (thinner) gauge wire, perhaps 6AWG or even 8AWG from the stock photos.

ItsMyDaily provided some excellent pics, very well focused, and it looks as thick as the 4AWG wire I used for my audio install.

Again, nice pics man :)

grimez

10-23-2006, 01:20 PM

Alright, how about this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JDM-GROUND-WIRE-TOYOTA-TERCLE-COROLLA-LE-92-95-AE92-B_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33574QQihZ006QQitemZ1 60042699752QQtcZphoto)?

Katana

10-23-2006, 01:23 PM

Nice result.

ItsMyDaily

10-23-2006, 03:37 PM

Alright, how about this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JDM-GROUND-WIRE-TOYOTA-TERCLE-COROLLA-LE-92-95-AE92-B_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33574QQihZ006QQitemZ1 60042699752QQtcZphoto)?

those are the exact ones I purchased. The red ones are the same also. I do not think the wire size has changed for the red one's. I think it only looks smaller because of the distance they took the pic from. Either one would work.

Kitt

10-23-2006, 03:55 PM

It seems to be very simple, just wires and connectors, i think i can buy the wires, cunnectors a plate and build my own grounding kit... will this work?

vodkalush

10-23-2006, 04:04 PM

You can make your own. Its even simplier to put together then the bought ones. All you do is daisy chain each connection point (alot less wires). The hardest part of the whole process is putting the heat shrink on :smile:

ItsMyDaily

10-23-2006, 04:32 PM

It seems to be very simple, just wires and connectors, i think i can buy the wires, cunnectors a plate and build my own grounding kit... will this work?

Ofcourse you can. As vodkalush said, you can make it a lot more simplier.

vodkalush

10-23-2006, 04:33 PM

haha

so i cant spell....

Kitt

10-23-2006, 04:54 PM

i hate this keyboard...

funkstrong

10-23-2006, 05:30 PM

If any of you are trying to be ultra-thrifty this website has a kit you can buy piece by piece for a pretty good price.

http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?WebPage_ID=149

bigsky2

10-23-2006, 05:52 PM

How come the red one is cheaper?

5.99 as oppossed to 9.99 ?

ItsMyDaily

10-23-2006, 06:21 PM

:biggrin: haha

so i cant spell....

ItsMyDaily

10-23-2006, 06:23 PM

How come the red one is cheaper?

5.99 as oppossed to 9.99 ?

wow good eyes! Maybe the wire size is different, who knows :iono:

Either way it won't make a difference what gauge type the wire is.

bigsky2

10-23-2006, 06:30 PM

wow good eyes! Maybe the wire size is different, who knows :iono:

Either way it won't make a difference what gauge type the wire is.

We can argue that here :wink:

Technically bigger gauge is better.

But yes, I agree that 8AWG, true 8AWG not 8GA plastic with 16AWG wires :mad: are sufficient for reground.

I'm going with 4AWG to keep the grounds consistent with the amplifier's ground wires.

ItsMyDaily

10-23-2006, 06:34 PM

:thumbsup: ^ make sure to let us know how yours turns out for you

bigsky2

10-23-2006, 06:46 PM

I definitely will.

Thanks for the great find, great post, and EXCELLENT photos.

ItsMyDaily

10-23-2006, 07:12 PM

Thankx, and your welcome.

I still have one more update to make to the thread. That would be the install of the final wire from the tranny to the block, so......still a couple new photos to come. Should get that done sometime this coming week end.

ItsMyDaily

10-23-2006, 08:23 PM

:laugh: disregard my post prior to this one guys. I couldn't resist and had some free time, so I went ahead and connected the last ground wire. I updated the DYI with the final wire at the end. Now it's a complete install.

Sorry vodkalush, I know this doesn't make your yarisworld manuel easier. :biggrin:

bigsky2

10-23-2006, 09:30 PM

Eager aren't we ItsMyDaily?

Nice stuff :wink:

ItsMyDaily

10-23-2006, 09:41 PM

Eager aren't we ItsMyDaily?

Nice stuff :wink:

:wink: figured why waste my free time over the weekend on this when I could just get it done now. Besides weekends are time for :headbang: .............................:drinking: ...................:barf: .............................not working. :laugh:

window_lee

10-24-2006, 04:27 AM

did u buy it for just 9.99 US?

ItsMyDaily

10-24-2006, 09:08 AM

did u buy it for just 9.99 US?

No I bought mine for $6.95 plus $12 shipping.

eco

10-24-2006, 10:41 AM

Itsmydaily,I think you've been meaning to say DIY,not DYI,just thought I should mention that,not trying to make fun,just figured you should know.

07WYarisRS

10-24-2006, 10:43 AM

I would add one more if the Yaris does not already have one...

Use an actual braided ground strap (not Audio cable) and ground the exhaust to the trans or chasis.
Many cars come with OEM exhaust ground straps

Yaris-TJ

10-24-2006, 11:07 AM

Does anyone know if by grounding these wires, it voids the warranty?

Katana

10-24-2006, 02:49 PM

No, it's stupid if they tell you that your warranty is voided.

ItsMyDaily

10-24-2006, 02:51 PM

Itsmydaily,I think you've been meaning to say DIY,not DYI,just thought I should mention that,not trying to make fun,just figured you should know.

:bellyroll: Didn't realize I was writing DYI, thankx for correcting me.

ItsMyDaily

10-24-2006, 02:55 PM

Does anyone know if by grounding these wires, it voids the warranty?

If they say that then they are really trying to get out of covering under warrenty. Report it to toyota directly.

nsmitchell

10-24-2006, 03:09 PM

07WYarisRS

10-24-2006, 04:05 PM

Does anyone know if by grounding these wires, it voids the warranty?

NO

Intakes, exhaust, filters, etc can't void any warranty except to the product it replaced or if it has a direct affect.

For instace a failed MAFS due to an over oiled gauze style air filter can void the cost of repair or replacement for the MAFS, but can not void the warranty of the car should the timming chain snap or you have an electrical failure.
Just as welding on a open muffler will only void the exhaust system not the rest of the car.

Should you have an electrical problem though I would spend 10 minutes and remove the ground kit just to elimintae any finger pointing.

ItsMyDaily

10-24-2006, 06:32 PM

Just bought the same grounding kit as ItsMyDaily for $25.00 shipped. I had some bucks in the PayPal account, what the hay. I will let y'all know what the results are after I install it. I'll see if I can get my brothers ohmmeter and check resistance to all grounding points before I install it.

:thumbsup: let us know how it turns out. If you find there are better spots that should be grounded instead then defenitly let me know.:wink:

Katana

10-25-2006, 02:13 PM

NO

Intakes, exhaust, filters, etc can't void any warranty except to the product it replaced or if it has a direct affect.

For instace a failed MAFS due to an over oiled gauze style air filter can void the cost of repair or replacement for the MAFS, but can not void the warranty of the car should the timming chain snap or you have an electrical failure.
Just as welding on a open muffler will only void the exhaust system not the rest of the car.

Should you have an electrical problem though I would spend 10 minutes and remove the ground kit just to elimintae any finger pointing.

Well said!

eTiMaGo

10-28-2006, 04:50 AM

great DIY writeup, you might also want to try this to help keep all that cabling tidy, unsing plain old zipties:

http://www.ifrance.com/etimago/yaris/zipties.jpg

Just loop one long one around all cables, then use more as spacers between the cables.

Katana

10-28-2006, 07:19 AM

Great idea!

nsmitchell

11-03-2006, 01:38 PM

ItsMyDaily - How long did you wait for your kit after winning it on eBay? It's been just over a week with no package. They also wont answer my emails! :mad: All I want is a tracking number...

bigsky2

11-03-2006, 03:14 PM

ItsMyDaily - How long did you wait for your kit after winning it on eBay? It's been just over a week with no package. They also wont answer my emails! :mad: All I want is a tracking number...

THe seller is notoriously bad at responding to emails..
I must have sent at least 5 messages to the seller just for a tracking #.

To make things even better, the tracking # is not valid at this time, because only the billing info has been transmitted. There hasn't been a physical scan on the package, meaning UPS doesn't have record of it at all!

So now I'm stuck waiting for yet another response, after a dozen or so messages inquiring about where my package is.. :mad:

ItsMyDaily

11-03-2006, 03:31 PM

It took me about a week to get it. It took him about a week to respond to one of my emails too.

Yaris-TJ

11-03-2006, 04:25 PM

bigsky2

11-03-2006, 07:11 PM

Hey guys.. check out the seller's response:

I'm sorry about this happen because our UPS business account get stolen by someone.Our account was on hold and under review so all the package was hold at UPS station now. We will restore the account as soon as we can so your package can keep process and ship to you as soon as possible.
Thank you

ItsMyDaily

11-03-2006, 09:58 PM

Hey guys.. check out the seller's response:

wow hopefully they take care of that soon. They had a very high percentage rate as a ebay seller and almost no negative feedbacks. I would give it a little bit of time, and see how it plays out. Sorry your transactions didn't go so smoothly as mine did.

IsLNdbOi

11-04-2006, 12:21 AM

What about this one? Is this one ok?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&item=120048964618

bigsky2

11-04-2006, 02:33 AM

Yep, that looks okay..

All ground wire kits are the same essentially.

eco

11-04-2006, 02:40 AM

OK,I got mine in,so do I need to remove some screws to install these wires,or are all the holes you used already empty.

eco

11-04-2006, 02:41 AM

Ohya,and the sheet of paper manual says to ground the headlights,whats up with that.

ItsMyDaily

11-04-2006, 10:43 AM

eco the area I mounted are areas which already have screws in place. Just remove them and put them back with the ground wire in place. The only place that does not have a screw in place is the location I chose on the transmission.

You can ground the headlights also as we discussed in another thread, I just chose not too. It doesn't matter if you do or if you don't. And remember you don't have to ground to every single place I did, you can choose to ground whatever you want.

Black Yaris

11-04-2006, 12:41 PM

so, I going to do a DIY ground kit... I was just going to buy some bulk 4 or 6 gauge car stereo wire in blue to match my theme, and all gold terminals. How much, do you supose should I buy of the bulk wire? I planned on using a gold junction block terminal, normally used for car stereo power wire. anyone have any better sugestions, or comments... Oh yeah there will be pictures for the whole thing...

SDsurfrider

11-04-2006, 12:46 PM

what about this (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120047742512) type of mod? anyone know about these?

ItsMyDaily

11-04-2006, 02:45 PM

what about this (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120047742512) type of mod? anyone know about these?

If I'm right it basically hooks up to both the positive and negative terminals of the battery to better regulate and stabilize power. Not sure if it'll add increased performence, but might make electronics work better. Honestly it's considered by almost everyone in the automotive field as a bling item and nothing more. Never now though. If it's cheap then try it and let us now. :wink:

eco

11-04-2006, 02:50 PM

Im getting one,good price to.

ItsMyDaily

11-04-2006, 04:36 PM

Im getting one,good price to.

let us know how it works. :thumbsup:

eco

11-04-2006, 04:50 PM

Will do,might be about 7 days before I install.

ItsMyDaily

11-04-2006, 05:06 PM

Will do,might be about 7 days before I install.

I was hoping to do another mod this weekend and write up a DIY, but it looks like I may have to wait until next weekend aswell.

Katana

11-05-2006, 02:49 PM

We are looking forward to your comments!

jmew0ng

11-06-2006, 02:06 AM

I'm having a tough time with mine x__x

I can't find anything grippy enough to hold that cylinder thing so I can stick the screw up it.. It seems to toughen out 3/4 of the way there and I just don't know what to use to hold it down :|

What'd you guys do?

eco

11-06-2006, 02:28 AM

You need to take a small flat head and clean out the grooves.

argylesocks

11-06-2006, 02:40 PM

so, I going to do a DIY ground kit... I was just going to buy some bulk 4 or 6 gauge car stereo wire in blue to match my theme, .

i believe there is a difference between stereo wire & power wire... i could be wrong, but im pretty sure i was told that by an electrical engineer once...

not sure if it makes a diff on this or not...

07WYarisRS

11-06-2006, 05:06 PM

No difference really as long as it's power/ground wire.
There are differences between audio/speaker wire and power wire.

Most power wires are aluminum, alloy or silver speaker wires are usually copper.

I have bulk spools of actual 8 gauge ground wire, The only difference really is the ground wire is braided for strength and not covered. the 8Awg is round twisted and appears to be aluminum, the standard 8 gaauge if flat braided wire also appears to be aliminum.

bigsky2

11-07-2006, 01:56 PM

Those of you who bought from eBay seller 'racingguys' will be pleased to know that their UPS account is now active again.

My shipment left California yesterday.

ItsMyDaily

11-07-2006, 03:15 PM

Those of you who bought from eBay seller 'racingguys' will be pleased to know that their UPS account is now active again.

My shipment left California yesterday.

Good to hear. Hope you guys get yours soon.

eco

11-08-2006, 01:01 AM

I ordered from them about 2 weeks ago,got it last week,still need to install it,I aslo ordered a voltage stabilizer,like $75.00.

ItsMyDaily

11-08-2006, 09:58 AM

I ordered from them about 2 weeks ago,got it last week,still need to install it,I aslo ordered a voltage stabilizer,like $75.00.

let me know if the adapter oart of the ground wire kit works with the tanabe strut bar. It looks like the strut may be blocking the location because it sits pretty low and close to the battery. It's the only thing holding me back from getting one.

Yaris-TJ

11-08-2006, 10:20 AM

have you guys noted a performance change? is it worth?

eco

11-08-2006, 11:37 AM

Itsmydaily,Ill let you know,it looks like it will be tight,but Im waiting for the voltage stabilizer now,so i can do them both at once,Ill tell you in about 3 days.

07WYarisRS

11-08-2006, 12:51 PM

have you guys noted a performance change? is it worth?

Voltage stabilizers are a bit overkill but can help when compnents drawing gobs of raw power off the battery are used. All cars have voltage regulators built in the alternator and most have secondary regulators under the dash for ECU and fuse pannel power...

grounding kits don't hurt at all but they do very little.

IMO people that install grounding kits and can emidiatly fell a boost in HP are completly full of it !

On older cars they tend to help more when corroded grounds and rusted pannels are present but with a new car or even a couple years old, Any gains are very VERY small.
Also many grounding kit connections are pretty much useless and people tend to take them over the top. Like grounding the valve cover.... Keep it simple. Every ground does not need to run directly to the battery. Ground can be run in series. 4 connections to the battery is all you need. One to the fire wall, one to each strut tower or inner chassis. from these points you run you other grounds in series.
The most efficient grounding kit runs large, clean grounds to factory ground points like places where the OEM harness ground connect to the chassis, isolated throttle body or places that have large gasket areas with few fasteners or where corrosion can come between contacts such as alternator brakckets etc.
Grounding the valve cover, head, and block as well as other components on the engine is not needed. The head and valve cover are well grounded with MANY fasteners.
Anything larger then 8awg wire is overkill. Factory uses 12 or 10 AWG in most cases.

I've been making, installing and selling ground kits for years for Bikes ATV and car, and out of the hundreds I have sold and installed I have never felt any seat of the pants gains like most people that install them do. LOL

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/hardlydangerous/wirediagram.jpg

The two grounds on the automatic Yaris are
#1 8awg from battery to left strut tower
#2 8awg from abttery to transmission

Wires that should be added
ground from battery to firewall (next to ECU/TCU)
ground from battery to right strut tower
From these points you can add grounds to
alternator bracket/AC unit
exhaust
throttle body
cylinder head

There is no need to add a ground to the transmission or left strut unless the Stock wires are removed. There is no need to ground the coild because they do not ground to the valve cover.
Also there really is no need to remove bolts and nuts to install a grounding kit on the yaris.
Removing bolts like the valve cover, manifolds, engine covers and throttle body etc can lead to oil leaks and air leaks not to mention over torquing them can strip holes/bolts, create stress cracks and break the cheap cast parts. The best method is to use existing bolts and holes available and in most cases a nother nut can be added to an existing bolt with threads to spare.
For instance
Alternator bracket has a pre drilled/tapped hole
Throttle body bolts can have a second nut added or use the waterpipe bracket bolt
lower ECU bolt can have a second nut added
firewall has unused studs
right strut tower has pre-drilled /tapped holes
Even the valve cover ground if you want to add one just pop off the cover, slip the ground over the plastic cover stud and put it back together.
This way the dealerships can't give you a hard time for removeing bolts and nuts to install anything.

The wiring kit like the one I made on my Yaris has all the ground in the kit coming from a central location on the firewall. I kept the OEM grounds on the Left strut tower and trans,
Battery to firewall stud. All wiring is using 8 awg copper high power and gold ring terminals.
Firewall to cylinder head
Firewall to exhaust
Firewall to throttle body
Firewall to right strut tower
Right strut tower to alternator bracket
Alternator brackt to AC compressor

funkstrong

11-08-2006, 06:16 PM

I was wondering about that. I don't want to sound like an idiot but I don't see how it can increase your hp. Would you just get a better spark?

bigsky2

11-08-2006, 07:11 PM

Ground wires are not meant to increase HP imho.

It's another marketing point for ground wire/voltage stabilizer manufacturers when they sell these types of products.

My goal is to strengthen the ground connections of the vehicle to reduce fluctuations in voltage, and hopefully reduce this sort of fluctuation on electronic components.

07WYarisRS

11-08-2006, 07:25 PM

On a new car it won't do much if anything.
However better grounding can allow engine sensors to work more efficeintly becaise of equalized resistance.
Overtime ground points and connections can become corroded and rusted and poor ground can result in higher and lower resistance, poor ignition or false/poor sensor readings.

I have seen cars like my own Laser that did have several rusted and corroded connections after 10~15 years of driving. Components like the throttle body bolts and studs were really corroded badly and add to that a gasket between that and the head there is a possibility for a very poor ground. And adding a ground kit as well as cleaning up the original equipment grounds will help restore proper grounding and lost power. In my case I went through 3 alternators in a couple months and finally talked to a Mitsu mechanic for a rally team and he told me to clean up the OE grounds and add a few more to or close to the most important components to equilize the resistance. I did that and never had any more chrarging problems and a better steady idle. But that's it on a 12+ year old car, driven daily with 300,000k.

With gold terminals you don't have as much or any corrosion so over time you maintain the same performance.

I've heard almost every possible "felt difference" from other members from other boards about adding a grounding kit.
things like
faster 1/4 mile
Lower rpms at cruise speeds
Faster warm ups
Better throttle responce
Quieter engine
Fact is 99% of so called felt gains are bullshit. People get it in their heads it's going to help increase power and will swear it did. a basic Placebo...
Companies will tell you what you want to hear to sell you a product but for the most part these kits don't do any of these.

07WYarisRS

11-08-2006, 07:26 PM

eco

11-11-2006, 02:37 AM

Hey itsmydaily,everything fits fine with the Tanabe strut bar installed,just make sure they dont toch,i got some sparks,but thats because I installed the kit after the bar,alot harder.I only have the alternator and the intake hooled up at the moment,I also have my voltage stabalizer installed,I deffinitly notice the car is smoother,and when I start the car,it starts quicker,and the starter sounds stronger.

Katana

11-11-2006, 09:02 AM

Guys do I need to buy a complete kit, like the one the guys above bought from ebay?

I have a custom one, but there are only 6 grounding points.

hasher22

11-11-2006, 09:04 AM

You ground what u wanna ground.

vodkalush

11-11-2006, 09:06 AM

I made mine. Easy as crap.

ItsMyDaily

11-11-2006, 10:30 AM

eco

11-11-2006, 11:44 AM

Ok,Ill take some pics today.But if your curious and cant wait,I mouted it between my battery and fuse box.

hasher22

11-11-2006, 10:28 PM

My curiosity on this grounding kit

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/New-JDM-Grounding-Wire-with-VOLTAGE-Display_W0QQitemZ120049990067QQihZ002QQcategoryZ43 808QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

hmmmmm should i? its just looooooksss soooo pretttyyyy......

the_saint

11-11-2006, 11:18 PM

For $85....I'd pass.

ItsMyDaily

11-11-2006, 11:51 PM

eco

11-12-2006, 12:01 AM

It looks like that stabilizes voltage aswell,but I think youll have a very hard time mounting that,you may,but you will not be able to see that voltage meter.Ill post the pictures of my partial install tomorrow morning.

Katana

11-12-2006, 11:02 AM

You ground what u wanna ground.

Yes but do I need more grounding points?

ItsMyDaily

11-12-2006, 11:57 AM

Yes but do I need more grounding points?

You don't need to have more. six is enough and even five would be enough. Only put more if you want to add more grounding points. Otherwise six is plenty.

hasher22

11-12-2006, 03:54 PM

I believe there are 6 main points to ground. Though from what i heard/seen u can have 13 grounding points......correct me if im wrong...

nsmitchell

11-12-2006, 06:35 PM

Well here are the results from my grounding kit:

W/O GROUNDING KIT
---------------------OHMS----VOLTS
Alternator----------- 0.6-------0.02
ECU-------------------1.7-------0.005
Throttle Body------- 1.2-------0.011
Transmission-------- 0.6-------0.016
Head------------------0.7-------0.016

WITH GROUNDING KIT
---------------------OHMS-----VOLTS
Alternator------------0.6--------0.011
ECU-------------------0.6--------0.008
Throttle Body-------0.3--------0.001
Transmission--------0.1--------0.009
Head------------------0.5--------0.009

The Ohms were read while the engine was off, volts while engine was on. The readings were taken using a Fluke 87 Ohmmeter. The leads were placed, red on the bolt being tested, black on the negative terminal on the battery. The volts were a good indicator of how the resistance was reduced, since the more voltage flowing through the grounding wire, the less voltage drop across the voltmeter. If you wish, I can tell you exactly which bolts I used for my hookups/readings.

I will tell you this, I can detect a small difference in the pull of my engine at higher speeds. It feels a little more willing at higher RPMs. Nothing major though. Idle doesn't really feel any smoother. I'll let you know about any MPG changes, if there are any.

KSIbucky

11-12-2006, 11:32 PM

i think we need a new thread

vodkalush

11-13-2006, 07:39 AM

I agree.
Has anybody bought a grounding kit yet and not installed it? Also are you willing to take pics?

nsmitchell

11-13-2006, 10:45 AM

I can take pics of my installation, so the locations will be clearer.

ItsMyDaily

11-13-2006, 10:57 AM

nsmitchell interesting results. I think I will get some reading on my points over the coming weekend. I'd like to see what you decided to ground with your install.

eco

11-13-2006, 01:10 PM

Sorry,Ive been busy,Ill try to post pics tonight.

vodkalush

11-13-2006, 01:48 PM

Well I feel like a special ed student...

if anyones wondering on how to install a Bought Grounding Kit then go back to the first page and to post 1 of this thread....

I think what still needs to be made is the DIY Guide for making and installing your own homegrown grounding kit.

Katana

11-13-2006, 02:15 PM

You don't need to have more. six is enough and even five would be enough. Only put more if you want to add more grounding points. Otherwise six is plenty.

Thanks, you saved me 30 euros.

Guys is anyone interested in a DIY Grounding Kit for the 1.3lt engine?If yes I can fix you up!

07WYarisRS

11-13-2006, 03:52 PM

Has anyone measured the length of the wires in the e-bay kit?

The average person can't make a kit for $22 when you factor in the cost of quality wire at $1 + per foot and quality ring connectores at $1 a piece or more.

eco

11-14-2006, 02:13 AM

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n54/ecooce/P1010010-2.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n54/ecooce/P1010008-2.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n54/ecooce/P1010007.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n54/ecooce/P1010005-2.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n54/ecooce/P1010004-2.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n54/ecooce/P1010003-3.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n54/ecooce/P1010001-3.jpg

eco

11-14-2006, 02:22 AM

That one wire with brown tape is actually going onto the ECU,I just havnt found a screw that fits that open hole,theres 2 holes open on the ECU,so I figured Id just let it sit on the intake manifold for a few days.I have 4 points so far,Intake,alternator,left and right side of the engine block,next will be transmission,then the throttle body,and maybe more,Ill think of something.

ItsMyDaily

11-14-2006, 09:29 AM

^ looks great. Wow the strut bar just barelly clears it, man thats tight. Great location for the stabilizer aswell.

eco

11-14-2006, 11:12 AM

Thanks,ya its tight,but youll have no problem,because neither one will move.

bigsky2

11-17-2006, 06:00 PM

Well I got my ground wire kit (finally).

Hopefully I'll get around to an install this weekend.
Thanks for all the good pictures, from everyone. It will help me along the way!

Katana

11-18-2006, 03:39 AM

Τell us any comments after installing it!

SDsurfrider

11-18-2006, 01:36 PM

ItsMyDaily

11-18-2006, 03:16 PM

These kits look like they are for a car show, and not so much for performance. No offense to those who like them, just my opinion.

Is there a kit that sells the wires without the clear plastic covering? Something more opaque like spark plug wires. Maybe I could buy the wires like this somewhere?

What does it matter if they do the same thing. Why not have a kit that does the same any other kit(one's that look like spark plug wires as you put it) would do, but have it look good at the same time?

Oh and yes there are kits like the way you mentioned.

bigsky2

11-20-2006, 05:39 PM

What does it matter if they do the same thing. Why not have a kit that does the same any other kit(one's that look like spark plug wires as you put it) would do, but have it look good at the same time?

Oh and yes there are kits like the way you mentioned.

:clap:

Good call.

The wires are made equally to an extent, and it's just the shielding that is different.

Didn't install mine yet, but will do so soon hopefully :rolleyes:

bigsky2

11-26-2006, 08:09 PM

Okay - so I finally did the install and followed ItsMyDaily's guide almost to the tee.

Install went smoothly and I have a total six ground points. I skipped the seventh ground point as the wire was too short, so I reinforced another ground point at the engine block (point #3 as per ItsMyDaily's guide).

I can't really evaluate the difference right now as it's snowing in Vancouver. I did, however, take it out for a short drive to test the Yaris in snow conditions. Lots of patience and ten minutes later, I arrive home safely :wink:

Start up seems good, and everything else seems fine.

Don't know if I'll notice any significant improvement, but I'm happy knowing that the car's ground connections have been strengthened.

ItsMyDaily

11-26-2006, 08:29 PM

^ good to hear. Wish i was snowing here in LA, man I miss the snow. Like you said if nothing more is gained from this mod atleast you know your engine/tranny are nicely grounded.

bigsky2

11-26-2006, 09:54 PM

Thanks man :smile:

Your pics and tutorial helped a bunch.
I'll probably rewire the seventh point when spring arrives.. seems so long way!

Katana

11-28-2006, 04:18 PM

^ good to hear. Wish i was snowing here in LA, man I miss the snow. Like you said if nothing more is gained from this mod atleast you know your engine/tranny are nicely grounded.

Correct:w00t:

jmew0ng

02-24-2007, 02:50 PM

On the pictures I noticed nobody put back the stock grounding point?

Or am I just overlooking it?

It seems hard to fit on the brass thing since it's grooved specifically for the stock version.

Blenjar

02-24-2007, 04:28 PM

I just bought the red ones on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=006&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=160088383816&rd=1&rd=1

Will post pic when I install them..

-- Blen

sqcomp

03-01-2007, 11:02 AM

Aw hell...I'm on board too.

This looks simple enough to do. Remebering my last vehicle, I would have paid someone to do this on that vehicle! The nice thing is our alternator and battery is right there and VERY easy to get to.

I'm still considering buying a stock alternator and sending it into Ohio Generators or to Dominick Iraggi to have them do a custom higher Ampere alternator.

Does anyone know the part # for our alternators and the stock output of these things?

bigsky2

03-01-2007, 02:51 PM

Stock output of the alternator is 90A from what I can remember.

It will support a basic "non-threatening" sound system, but I think it cannot hold its own for more ambitious projects.

luckydlb

03-09-2007, 08:07 AM

Stock output of the alternator is 90A from what I can remember.

It will support a basic "non-threatening" sound system, but I think it cannot hold its own for more ambitious projects.

Do you think that this would be why my amp will shut off when it gets to loud, and my lights dimming with every hit?

Kitt

03-09-2007, 05:27 PM

Been there, done that: Add a capacitor and or replace the battery, get a bigger cable for the battery positive and problem solved, don't forget a good fuse...

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/images/funkygarage/10/02.JPG

naossoan

04-03-2007, 08:28 PM

What is the point of running so many ground wires?

OgDogg

08-30-2007, 12:07 AM

I bought a red kit cuz it matches my other upgrades. :) I'll be interested to see if it provides any noticeable difference in the car's performance.

eijikikimaru

08-30-2007, 02:09 AM

Edd

08-30-2007, 04:18 AM

What is the point of running so many ground wires?

It makes your car go faster! :rolleyes:

EDIT: In all seriousness though, if you draw more current, you will need less resistance in the wiring. Though this is somewhat debatable.

OgDogg

08-30-2007, 02:01 PM

OgDogg,
You may not notice improvements at all if you just randomly ground the wires.
IMO it's does wonders when you dyno test the ground wires so you can ground the wires at the best possible points.
Just a heads up because you maybe dissapointed when you don't feel/notice any improvements.

I was just going to follow this DIY to install it. :) I'm more concerned with the looks and the constant shocks passengers get when getting out of my car. I'm hoping this grounding kit helps a little with that. Out here in the desert there is a ridiculous amount of static electricity, so we'll see if this helps at all. It could just be a pipe dream thinking this will have any effect.

OgDogg

09-16-2007, 11:03 PM

Well, I got an oil change today and decided to install my grounding kit when I got the car back. After taking my first ride here are my impressions. Might I also say that I was very skeptical that this would do anything for the performance.

It seemed like the rpms were much lower at cruising speeds than before which made it feel less like the car was struggling to maintain speed. It also felt much smoother shifting through the gears. No delay throwing it into the next gear. That was the most noticeable attribute. It could just be the oil change, but I doubt it. I recommend the grounding kit.

KSIbucky

09-17-2007, 05:21 PM

Some one told me that modern cars are grounded pretty well because I really want this but i dont want to waste my money

BailOut

09-17-2007, 05:48 PM

i dont want to waste my mom

Translation?

KSIbucky

09-17-2007, 05:48 PM

Translation?

sorry

OgDogg

09-17-2007, 08:57 PM

Some one told me that modern cars are grounded pretty well because I really want this but i dont want to waste my money

Well, when upgrading a bottom end car such as the Yaris it's always going to be a waste of money. :) But if you want to slightly improve things and you enjoy working on your car, go for it!

smartazawhipz

10-17-2009, 09:55 AM

Ok, i've been into cars and electronics for years now, and I must say that after I installed the kit, I did notice a stronger "feel" to the acceleration than before. Also my transmission (manual), seems to again "feel" better, more accurate than before. I also have a radar detector that can measure my voltage, and I now run an average voltage of 14.3 volts, where as before, my car would run 13.9 volts. I believe because the negative electrons run more freely now throughout my vehicle, there is more of a balance between the stronger positive, and normally weaker negative power within the car to make all power using mechanics more efficient.

Moreover, a better electrical balance throughout the car. For $22.00 shipped, even it it's a facade, and my electrical readings incorrect, it just "feels" better.

Summary: GET IT, it's cheap, and I CAN see a difference with my volt meter!:thumbup:

captaincrunch

04-14-2010, 06:35 PM

The grounding kit replaces your whole negative right?... So you have to have one of those wires on the starter?

sternz

04-28-2010, 03:15 PM

Excellent DIY Thank you. :headbang: :thumbup: :coolpics: :burnrubber:

captaincrunch

05-07-2010, 06:19 PM

diy guide said posted earlier said to keep the stock negative terminal how do you connect do did you connect the cable to the grounding kit?

Richie836

05-11-2010, 08:13 PM

I have a 2010 3-Door 4-speed auto with less then 500 miles.
I will order a groundwire kit this week.
Should I wait until after 1,000 miles (the break in period) or after the first oil change (5,000 miles) or should I install the ground wire kit as soon as possible?

I have the fuel saver magnet that covers your fuel line near the engine. That really works. I had it working with my late car (2004 Corolla S - 10 to 15 MPG extra city). So far, about the same increase MPG for my Yaris.

Palmer812

05-11-2010, 09:18 PM

Another troll? :rolleyes:

kac

05-19-2010, 04:58 PM

This DIY helped a lot. Thanks!

http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp114/zackaxxx/CIMG0917.jpg

bst82551

05-19-2010, 08:49 PM

I did this earlier this week as well and it turned out better than I'd imagined. The DIY guide helped A LOT. One definite issue I had was getting the adapter off of the negative battery cable. I ended up sawing it off, but not before slicing my knuckles a few times trying to get it off with a wrench. This install was very easy and would've only taken about 45 minutes if it weren't for that pesky adapter on the battery cable.

Anyway, as far as results go, I can't say for sure that it's all based on the new groundwire kit, but my car definitely rides smoother and accelerates better, particularly in the mid-range RPMs. I also feel smoother shifts from my automatic transmission.

However, I absolutely have to note that part of this may be due to the fact that I had the battery disconnected for about an hour, which reset every electrical component in the vehicle (including the engine control unit). So, I would've experienced a smoother ride either way from simply resetting the ECU, but I've reset it before and don't believe the results were this drastic in the past. I haven't had a chance to see any difference in fuel efficiency yet, but it certainly wouldn't surprise me to see an extra 1 or 2 mpg.

-Brian

P.S. Kac, is your air filter just laying out or do you have some strange new intake I've never seen before? I see your sig says you have a modified air intake box. Is there a DIY guide or any more info about it?