Electrically, it makes no difference if you use the braided wire or a large stranded wire, but the bigger the better. The braided wire identifies it as a ground strap right away.
Here's a more expensive, "better looking" alternative:
I picked up this set a while ago, but have yet to install it. I'm hoping for good results. Many companies sell something like this and you can find relatively inexpensive kits like this on ebay by searching for "ground wires"
not to mention....bump
------------------ '86 2.8L '86 2.5L turbo put to sleep
Did the 10 minute install tonight. Sitting in my garage, it seems to idle a little smoother. We'll see how it really does tomarrow going to work and back. Thanks for the idea Rich.
This is a trick the WRX guys have been using. It has been dyno proven to add HP (like 2-3) and get much more accurate readings.
Heck I even just added it to my Mini. Its a common problem with them since the battery is in the back. Once added my stereo gets better reception, headlights are MUCH brighter and it idles better. Cant beat that!
I have an '86 SE that seems to have some of the symptoms of a bad ground like volt meter ticking with the turn signal on. So I thought I'd try this mod but ran into problems.
I found the ground point on the battery tray but am missing the bolt for the other end. Is it right that the EGR appears to be on the other side of the engine? I think there is a spot to attach the other end but the bolt seems to be missing. I checked and can feel threads inside the hole but don't know what size bolt to get. Anybody know? It looks to be at the very top of the water pump.
So then I thought I'd try another suggestion and run a new ground from the tranny to the driver side hinge. On the top of the tranny I can see a good spot to do this but the bolt is missing again. I will see if I can get pictures but does anyone have any idea what size bolt should be here?
I then thought I'd try running a ground from the plenum to the strut but I can't see from the picture in this post exactly where I would do this. Does the ground go from one of the plunum bolts to one of the three strut nuts? Then do I take another ground strap directly to the negative post of the battery?
The last one sounds the easiest but does anyone have any idea what size bolts I should use to replace the ones that are missing?
Did this to my Formula last night. Seems to run smoother, might just be my imagination. I have an intermittent high idle problem I'm hoping this fixes. I'll do this to my 86 GT tonight, that one has more of the symptoms described here. A + for $Rich$
would this help with my cd player dimming when i have large amounts of bass in a song? i dont have any subs or other amps just a new cd player and some pioneer 4x10's.
I just did the fix. i went to an auto parts store and piced up a battery cable for about $5. I tested it out by putting my ac on, headlights on, and brakes were pushed in and the voltage meter was very steady and didnt move. my problem was when i had multiple items running the volt meter would really drop like there was a ton of load on it. now it is perfect. didnt get to drive it tho because its in the garage for the winter. thanks for the tip!
i used some 4Ga. power wire like you'd use for an Amp. install and just Crimped 2 ends on it
im glad that you all are finding Great results with this, im really glad i could be helpfull thanks for the +'s i really appreaciate them you all have recived them in return
Can it realy be that simple! Two of my vehicles show these problems, Fiero has more. I also have had hard starting which I have been chasing for quite some time. If now it would only warm up.
------------------ '88 Fiero Formula "Interceptor" '90 Trofeo "Interceptor XB" '90 Olds Cutlass Cruiser S (Wife's)
I just did this to my '87 GT. What a difference!!!! I had the slow turn signals and low voltage meter on high demand with A/C, lights on, operating power windows. I thought my alternator was starting to go but it charged fine. Thanks!!!
------------------ 1985 Pontiac Fiero 2.5 SE, 218,000 miles and still runing!!! more pics of my 85 can be found here 1987 Pontiac Fiero GT, 133,000 miles! She's alive finaly! 1987 Pontiac Fiero 2.8 SE, 54,000 miles :( with frame damage :damon: <- Doomed unless someone has a really cheep frame in so. callifornia!
Just did both of my cars this evening since it was nice and balmy outside(32F). I used a Lynx brand 4-gauge 32-inch starter cable from AutoZone with black insulation($3.99) which has 3/8" ring terminals at both ends which is perfect for the 15mm bolt. I then cut the cable in half and then crimped on Everstart brand 4-gauge 1/4" ring terminals from WalMart($1.97) which is perfect for the 10mm bolt near the battery tray.
A couple of warnings, though... You may brush your forearms and wrists against the fibrous insulation around the right strut tower. IT'LL ITCH LIKE HECK! The other caveat is accidentally causing a spark since the battery terminals are RIGHT there.
I ordered a set off ebay then noticed the shipping and handling.....$16.49 for the wires, $19.00 for shipping and handling. Boy do I feel stupid. Should have waited. Oh well still not bad if it takes care of any problems. Thanks for the great post Rich...stay warm.
------------------ The 2.8 to 2.8 swap has begun. AIM-jaxpac257
Whats the deal with those ground things from ebay? Do they attach to the battery then you just connect the octopus legs to random spots on the engine/cradle/frame??
Curious to know how they look once installed. Any pics of em on anything? WRX, fords, imports, whatev.
Whats the deal with those ground things from ebay? Do they attach to the battery then you just connect the octopus legs to random spots on the engine/cradle/frame??
Curious to know how they look once installed. Any pics of em on anything? WRX, fords, imports, whatev.
Okay, I was skeptical, but I spent the three bucks for a ground strap, and installed it. I am amazed at the smoother idle... It could be my imagination, but is seems to idle a bit smoother.
"Just did both of my cars this evening since it was nice and balmy outside(32F). I used a Lynx brand 4-gauge 32-inch starter cable from AutoZone with black insulation($3.99) which has 3/8" ring terminals at both ends which is perfect for the 15mm bolt. I then cut the cable in half and then crimped on Everstart brand 4-gauge 1/4" ring terminals from WalMart($1.97) which is perfect for the 10mm bolt near the battery tray. "
i just went to walmart and bought a 2gauge starter cable(it was cheaper) and hooked it up and i did notice that turning on some of my acc. seemed to take less juice and my turn signal was faster. thanks for the tip
Whats the deal with those ground things from ebay? Do they attach to the battery then you just connect the octopus legs to random spots on the engine/cradle/frame??
Curious to know how they look once installed. Any pics of em on anything? WRX, fords, imports, whatev.
I just got them UPS today so they won't get installed until later in the week but here's a link to the instructions that I posted. BTW great pic's huh? That's the way they came. Looks like a great way to ground a motor though. I'll take a pic once I get them installed.
Edit: There was still an hour or so of dreary daylight (it's been rainy and overcast all day) soooo I took a run down to the car and went ahead and installed 3 of the 5 ground wires that comes with the kit. One to the plenum corner, one to the block and one to the cradle. That should take care of any ground problems I may have. The red wires are going to look great with my color scheme. Pic's tomorrow I hope. Thanks again for the heads up on this Rich.
[This message has been edited by paulcal (edited 02-24-2004).]
waht is the best gage wire for the straps? i bought 4g and tested it on a volt meter and got 7 ohms resistance, then i tested 14g and got .8 ohms resistance. is this correct? it seems that all i need is 14g. am going from plenum to strut tower to neg batt post.
