Being grounded is not often associated as a good thing. Hearing the words "you're grounded" brings us back to when we were in junior high school and our parents giving us a stern lecture then remanding us to our room until further notice. Luckily, we are no longer in school and being grounded can be a good thing.
Grounding kits first started to make waves in the sport compact scene in 2002. Poorly designed factory grounding systems on some vehicles have allowed for significant power gains when an aftermarket grounding system was installed at key points on the chassis and engine. On the Nissan 350Z, for example, we have seen gains as high as eight horsepower to the wheels with just the addition of a grounding system.
Today, grounding kits have evolved and now manufacturers have incorporated a voltage regulator into the mix. By combining both a grounding system and a voltage regulator you get the best of both worlds. You get a high-efficiency ground system for your vehicle while the voltage regulator stabilizes the currents in the electrical system.
Although it still perplexes us how a grounding system is able to generate horsepower, we won't argue with the dyno sheet. The key to most grounding systems is the placement of the ground straps. Unless you have a device to verify power gains (i.e., chassis dyno or on-board testing equipment) it is hard to determine which grounding points work best. But a little trial and error and some perseverance will go a long way in proving being grounded isn't so bad after all.
Kazama Auto VoltageThe Kazama Auto Voltage system incorporates both an engine grounding kit and voltage stabilizer into one unit. This can improve performance by reducing power losses from voltage irregularities to various components of the vehicle. The grounding system allows all key components of the engine to receive the proper voltage, improving throttle response and overall performance. The Auto Voltage unit uses thick-gauge shielded wires with gold-plated ends, as well as a centralized connection to the unit.
Of the four voltage stabilizer/grounding kits we reviewed, the Kazama Auto Voltage system was the most aesthetically pleasing of the bunch. Similar to the Buddy Club unit, the Kazama system produces a blue glow but is the only system that has an LED digital voltage readout display. The voltage box was also the largest of the bunch measuring in at 4 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches. The system comes with three ground wires and gold-plated hardware.
Dimensions 4 x 3.5 x 1.5 inchesGround Wire Length 20, 35 and 46 inchesPower Lead Length 17.5 (+), 18 (-) inchesPrice $168.00
Buddy Club Racing Spec CondenserUtilizing the latest racing technology, the Buddy Club Racing Spec Condenser combines an electrical grounding system with a battery current and voltage stabilization control unit. The unit is designed to stabilize electrical "noise" and voltage spikes and offers additional grounding for any vehicle. The system maximizes the efficiency of all factory and aftermarket electrical systems. As a result, you get smoother engine operation, more efficient electrical component operation, improved electrical current and increased fuel economy. The Buddy Club Racing Spec Condenser will work with most other aftermarket ground system and is a great addition to any high-horsepower forced-induction vehicle.
Similar to the Kazama unit, the Buddy Club Racing Spec Condenser features cool blue lighting. The Racing Spec Condenser has been proven to improve fuel economy and engine idle quality all the while enhancing engine response. Incorporating both a grounding system and voltage stabilizer, the Racing Spec Condenser is an all-in-one unit. The unit comes with three ground wires and stainless-steel hardware.
Dimensions 3.75 x 3.5 x 1.5 inchesGround Wire Length 19, 39 and 58 inchesPower Lead Length 20 (+), 21 (-) inchesPrice $158.00
A'pexi Super Grounding SystemDeveloped using innovative new concepts, the new A'PEXi Super Grounding System stabilizes electrical noise and voltage spikes. The Super Grounding System maximizes electrical component efficiency by combining an electrical grounding system with a battery current and voltage stabilization control unit. The control unit features an electrical charging system and electrical noise filter. The double noise filter smooths turbulent electrical current and provides a stable and consistent voltage flow to all your vehicle's electrical devices. The A'PEXi Super Grounding System maximizes the efficiency of all factory vehicle electrical systems, allowing for smoother engine operation, more efficient electrical component operation and improved electrical current.
The stylish voltage stabilizer box complements any engine bay with its attractive case design and ominous backlit A'PEXi logo. It uses a high-capacity double condenser and double noise filter. The A'PEXi Super Grounding System uses a high-purity, temperature-resistant OFC cable (non-oxidized copper) copper wire
The Super Grounding box comes with three different length copper ground wires. Encased in an extruded aluminum box, the A'PEXi unit can easily be installed in any engine bay with the only limitation being the two power leads that are just over 20 inches long.
Dimensions 4.5 x 2.5 x 1.75 inchesGround Wire Length 19, 39 and 58 inchesPower Lead Length 21 (+), 22 (-) inchesPrice $168.00
Sun Automobile Hyper Voltage System - Cyber Speed VersionThe HVS Cyber Speed Version is designed to stabilize voltage for maximum battery efficiency, allowing the engine's full potential to be released. It is both functional and stylish. The unit is designed to fit perfectly, with specialized brackets and one additional grounding cable. The most secure and reliable mounting locations have been determined by the Sun Automobile engineering and design teams to ensure an easy installation and excellent performance. An LED on the unit also operates as a system monitor, to alert you when your battery may need service or replacement.
Sun Automobile was the first company to introduce grounding kits for sport compacts and the Cyber Speed Version features the most compact design but utilized the thickest and longest power leads. The unit is also the only system that came with only one ground wire. The Cyber Speed Version is able to accommodate up to three ground wires, which can be added for extra grounding.
The Cyber Speed Version is application specific and is available for Subaru Impreza WRX/STi (GDA/GDF '03 and up), Nissan 350Z ('02 and up) and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution ('03 and up)
Dimension 3.5 x 2 x 1.25 inchesGround Wire Length 41 inchesPower Lead Length 32 (+), 30.5 (-) inchesPrice $168.00