Just found this in my photobucket after chunking it there a number of months ago. It is an exhaust grounding strap I found while searching for something else. I found it interesting. Anyway, the premise is that some cars (in this case, the Bonneville) will show improved performance if this strap is used to give a solid ground to the exhaust system.

It'* based on the concept that the exhaust, especially on modified performance Bonnes, can lose a solid ground and cause performance issues since the second O2 sensor, on vehicles so equipped, will not be getting a good and complete circuit and therefore give poor reads to the PCM.

Now, I am not very versed on this and have no specific opinion as to the validity of it, but am curious if anyone here has knowledge of this and or opinions.

Pic for posterity:


What do you think???

The exhaust system has more than enough grounding. Another Ricer Gimmick to make money. The only grounding that you need to be worried is from the engine block to the body; not the exhaust system.

Maybe I wasn't clear.

I'm not looking to do this. I have no reason to even consider it for my car, I just was wondering if there was validity to the concept. It certainly doesn't seem like a "tornado" or other item.

If you were going to use the grounding strap, my recommendation would be from any of the engine/bellhousing bolt to a good body ground. However, there are several ground straps already provided from the factory. So, for the exhaust, don't waste your time and money.

No offense meant, but did you even read my first and second posts?
I was attempting to start an intelligent discussion on the merits or potential merit, if any, of needing a proper ground to the exhaust system. Instead, I got the instant rice flag and a "well, if you want to waste your money..." comment. No mechanical discussion, no understanding that this product claims to be aftermarket for modified systems, meaning "not stock".

So, with the understanding that I'm not planning on putting this on my car because I'm mostly stock and don't have any reason, and the assumption that there are people out there who have replaced their stock exhaust and have higher performance expectations. So that having been said...

Think about the standard exhaust set-up. It'* usually hung in a number of places using rubber connectors to isolate it from the chassis. This also isolates it electrically except at the downpipe to cat connection (usually this is a metal-to-metal connection). If this system is then used on a high flowing performance set-up, there will be flow related static build-up and a need for ionic discharge. Similar to the need for static discharge on an airplane fuselage and wings. If there is no other grounding point, say at the tail end of the exhaust system, this discharge will take the next easiest way out, the O2 sensor wiring.

I think we are all pretty familiar with the poor results that occur when a system sensor gives false or modified readings and I think we could all agree that static discharge can affect sensor readings.

Now there may be adequate grounding on a stock system. I haven't really checked and it wouldn't surprise me if that were so. Automotive engineers aren't stupid, despite how we sometimes feel about the occasional compromises that might cause us headaches. However, if that grounding degrades OR their are major modifications done to the exhaust system, then there would be a need to replace/upgrade the ground. That'* where aftermarket comes in, isn't it?

So, how about an intelligent rebuttal or discussion? This is "Performance and Brainstorming" right? Keep the rice flags and dismissal, though, unless you have some facts to back it up, OK?

BTW, I repeat, I REALLY don't care if this turns out to be a piece of junk as I have no vested interest in the product other than curiousity and a desire to learn. It would, however, surprise me if this were anything other than just an upgraded aftermarket product.

While not being up to speed on the concept of grounding the motor/exhaust further than the manufacturer did....my only desire for a grounding strap would be if I owned cloth (like my truck). In the winter, I get zapped from static electricity and a similar strap (hangs down off body and touches ground) keeps this from happening.

This setup however reminds me more of the "big 3" audio concept where you add grounds and power wires to keep from having stereo hum.

Exactly! Stereo hum is what? Electrical interference from improper grounding.

What could similar interference cause your O2 to do?

Someone posted an article a long time ago that claimed a grounding strap like that would enhance the performance of your radio (something about that big metal pipe under your car not being grounded well and interfering with the antennae) It kinda made sense at the time, considering how cheaply it could be done.

I can't think of a single thing, tho, that it would help with engine performance. In my mind, anyway, there are enough direct, conductive, contacts between the exhaust and ground (through the engine, if nothing else) that I don't see how more could help (or hurt)anything.

Also, why pay for those cables? Considering all they want to do is ground the exhaust to the body, almost everyone has some extra wire, coat hangers, etc laying around. You could just rig it up yourself in an unseen area. Ground the muffler hangers to the mount points, where you got that big rubber bumper thingy, with a chunk of wire.....

Cause a DTC P0171?

Because:
I agree with you there, but consider the person who has built their car for both perfomance and show. Details like stainless grounding cables, similar to stainless woven hose covers, matter.