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Click an image to enlarge. |
The main theory behind grounding kits is that a properly grounded
electrical system runs smoother and more efficiently b/c there is
less noise in the system and electricity can flow more easily to
your battery. Many people also believe that Japanese manufacturers
skimp on the grounding compared to say German cars. Some people
have reported faster engine response and smoother running, while
others have noticed nothing, so there is some debate as to how useful
this is, but then again, it can't hurt. I'll let you decide whether
it's worth it for you or not.
I purchased the StaticX
grounding kit from this imprezawrxsti.com forum topic. It comes
with 5 or 7 varying length 4AWG cables, custom fitted for the STi.
Each of these cables will be attached to different points on the
front chassis, engine and battery to create a low resistence daisy
chained ground path for the electrical system.
Tools needed:
Metric sockets: 10mm, 12mm and 14mm (maybe 13 too?)
Crescent wrenches in the same size for hard to reach/limited space
nuts and bolts.
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| The first cable runs from the passenger
side strut tower to the grounding point near the air filter. |
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| The second cable runs from the grounding
point to nearest side of the intake manifold. |
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| The third cable runs from the intake manifold
to the intercooler inlet. You may need to loosen the intercooler hose
to get to this one. |
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| The fourth cable runs from the intercooler
inlet to the other side of the intake manifold. |
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| The fifth cable runs from the intake
manifold to a bolt connected to the alternator. Other people have
used other points, here, for instance there is once connected to the
engine block below the dipstick, but I found that one very difficult
to access. |
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| The sixth cable runs from the alternator
to the battery's negative terminal. |
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The seventh cable runs from the battery's
negative terminal to a grounding point on the driver side.
Note that different grounding kits may have a different number of
cables and may recommend some different grounding points. Follow your
manufacturers guidelines.
Total Time: 60-90 minutes depending on how easily you can get to some
of the bolts.
Difficulty: Easy
Verdict: I have no idea. I'm not sure I can tell the difference, and
I installed a UTEC at the same time,
so who knows??? |
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