BIG 3 grounding anyone?

[gar_lei]

Hello everyone,

I've went across the forum and saw a mod called BIG 3 grounding.
What does it really do actually?


Thanks in advance

[Donutz]

Improves electrical grounding of your electrical system. Usually you will hear audio / video guys talking about this; but in a fly by wire car it is alleged to improve throttle response (a la TB ground); and you might see less dimming of lights etc. If I've missed anything I'm sure someone will chime in.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

I did it in my truck as it was running a fairly large audio system (two amps no caps). It generally makes the charging system more efficient

[Default User]

I've done this to all of my cars (but yet to my 3)
this works wonders

the big 3 are
1-Engine block
2-Batery terminal
3-alternator

using 4g cable ground each of the above. This should solve 95% of the elictrical dimming problems.

One of the common grassroot techniques is to ground the throttlebody for a smoother acceleration curve.
However, some people claim that the 3's ECU re-learns and readjusts to correct the curve after about a week.

[gar_lei]

Thank for the replies.

I do have a sound system with 2 amps and also a capacitor.
I've never had dimming issues...
Is it still worthit to do it?
I have access to 4ga wires easily.

[stevenma188]

Do it. You have pretty much nothing to lose (other than the cost of the 4ga wires), but everything to gain.

[Default User]

Definitely do it.
4g is probably the best to use.
And you probably won't need the cap anymore. (j/k)

[Fobio]

I think it's time someone came up with a local kit for cheap...

[stevenma188]

^Like a roll of 4ga wire and some terminal connectors?

[Fobio]

^Like a roll of 4ga wire and some terminal connectors?

3 wires, 6 connectors, pre-cut and crimped, with instructions...$20?

[Hives]

I have it done. Helps out a bit.

[Default User]

BTW - this should be the First step when upgrading your Audio system. Sometimes eliminates the need for a cap.

[1flycdnM3]

Burlington Mazda took my wires out on the next servicing i did so I figured I wouldn't bother re-doing it! I could say a few words about that, but I will keep it to myself! Did seem to have a smoother acceleration though, but might have been all in my mind, not sure *lol*

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Why would they take it out? wtf?

[taz4432]

3 wires, 6 connectors, pre-cut and crimped, with instructions...$20?

Get on that! =P

[stevenma188]

I was looking at Flex Innovation. What are the difference between the big 3 and their full grounding kit? I know the big 3 comes with a fuse, and is $25 more expensive or so. In terms of performance, would it be more beneficial to ground everything (ie fuel rail, block, etc), or just the big 3?

[Default User]

A fuse????

[stevenma188]

But ya, I'm thinking of DIYing a grounding kit for myself. Once I decide whether to replicate the Big 3 or the full 5 wire kit, and get the lengths, I might start producing kits for sale, since I would have the measurement anyways.

[stevenma188]

A fuse????

http://www.flex-innovations.com/big_3_kit.htm


Included is a heavy duty 150A gold wafer fuse and fuse holder.

[ugotspunk]

has anyone considered using a name brand kit? i was looking at the kit from apex'i and buddy club. these are actually voltage stablizer/grounding kits in one. i am thinking about it but has anyone seen pictures of where they actually grounded too. i know that u need to go to the head, alternator and main grounding points, but has anyone seen pictures of one installed in a 3?

[Hives]

has anyone considered using a name brand kit? i was looking at the kit from apex'i and buddy club. these are actually voltage stablizer/grounding kits in one. i am thinking about it but has anyone seen pictures of where they actually grounded too. i know that u need to go to the head, alternator and main grounding points, but has anyone seen pictures of one installed in a 3?

there was a comparison test on MZ3 Forums with the Buddy Club Kit VS Flex Innovations. Results were the same I believe. I have the full Flex Innovations kit plus their Big 3 upgrade. Install is easy. Big 3 helps a lot if your running a serious system.

[gabbygenier]

just go out and buy wire and connectors, cheap and easy to do. dont need to buy a kit that has all the other wires. only need the big 3.

also its mainly for guys with big audio like mentioned. i did it to mine and noticed a big diff when i did it. but the alternator still cant keep up to the system.

the first thing i did was a battery(redtop) helped a lot, then a 15 fard cap, helped a lot too, and then the big 3.

my lights still dimm but i have a very power hungry amp so ya.

if your lights dont dim then IMO you dont need it. and if ppl say youll notice a better throttle response with the throttle body grounded, you will for about a week. ppl seem to forget that the ecu in the 3 will readjust to whatever you put onto it. so eventually it will get used to the grounded throttle body and you wont notice it anymore.

[proDJtege]

I got the Flex big3 kit and can't for the life of me find the alternator positive terminal.... could someone post a pic?

I will find the other 2 ground points easy.
Already did the Flex 5-wire Grounding kit.

[proDJtege]

NVM, I found it.

Mod, you may delete my prior post here, and this one.

[Mazda 307]

Hello. Just spoke with Jimmy today from Street Performance and I inquired about him doing the power wire upgrade for the Big 3 and he recommended not to do it because it wont be connrcted to the ECU and voltage will not be monitored that may cause issues. He recommended a bigger battery when regards to an upgraded after market stereo system. Any thoughts? Thanks

[staax]

I agree with the larger battery, but I'm not sure what he means by no longer being connected to the ECU.

[6mtsedan]

I'm in the process of doing mine.
wiring (0 Gauge while flex is 4)...55 bucks
connectors 3.50 each x 6
ANL fuse holder 10 bucks
ANL Fuse 10
Heat shrink (free from a friend)
Specialty crimpers (borrowed)

So you are in for at least 100 bucks to do this mod.