More on Grounding Mods

[BD]

Hey, all.

So after the 'uncertain' results of the grounding mod I did to my 02
WRX, I've been doing some research on the topic of grounding.

I see various kits available (on eBay, for example), which appear to
consist of a 'hub', which mounts to the negative battery terminal, and
a bunch of leads that go to various locations - engine mount, headlamp,
etc.

an example is Ebay item # 150026923746.

The ads basically suggests that these things will cure all ills, and
even make toast for you.

I did read an independent review on one of these kits, used on an STI.
The reviewer did not claim to notice any improvement in power or
smoothness in acceleration - but the review was very specific to say
that this change, and this change alone, resulted in significantly
better gas mileage.

I'm still not convinced that this is anything but nicely presented
voodoo, but am curious if anyone out there has invested in (or created)
a kit similar to this and gotten positive results.

It's been about 5 days since my 'bodged' ground mod (negative terminal
to passenger side strut bolt and negative terminal to passenger side
intake manifold), and it still feels pretty good.

Thanks!!

BD

 

[Edward Hayes]

MO is: that if your remove, sandpaper and just cleanup the originals
connections that is all that is needed.

 

[BD]

MO is: that if your remove, sandpaper and just cleanup the originals
connections that is all that is needed.

Probably a worthwhile exercise. I've read various reports of people
finding their grounding wires being mounted over paint.

I downloaded PDF copies of the full maintenance manual for the car.
Presumably the grounding points are all indicated in there somewhere...


Thanks!

 

[CompUser]

@i42g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>,
(e-mail address removed) says...

Probably a worthwhile exercise. I've read various reports of people
finding their grounding wires being mounted over paint.

I downloaded PDF copies of the full maintenance manual for the car.
Presumably the grounding points are all indicated in there somewhere...

I didn't find a consolidated listing of ground
locations in the WRX manual, I'd love someone to
prove me wrong on that one.

Ed's on track---on my MY04 WRX, the grounds below
and inboard of each headlamp housing were fitted
with a flat washer under each ring terminal,
installed over intact paint. I went over every
gnd point I could find, clearing to bare metal
under the terminal stack, and adding star
washers. I used No-Alox as a corrosion inhibitor
initially, and changed later to silicone grease
after seeing No-Alox wash out. I supplemented a
few 12 ga ground lines to various locations,
also. I can't say what caused it, but the
brightness of the low beam headlights was
noticeably better after all was done...and that
was a result that I wasn't expecting!