I’m still fiddling with bits and pieces to make the Prado a better vehicle.  I have read a lot of forums for high performance Japanese vehicles, where people are fitting these kits.  Some claim a small increase in hp and torque, while most say the kit seems to make the car run just a little better and smoother.

The reasoning behind this is that it’s possible to get high resistance earth joints between body panels and chassis etc., especially as a vehicle gets older.

These high resistance joints cause voltage changes within the electrical system of the car, which can be detremental to all the electronics now used.

A good earth system will eliminate these high resistence areas.  And just remember that when you crank over your motor in the morning, the 200 odd amps the starter motor is drawing, has to find its way back to the negative terminal of the battery, and likewise the 100 watt amp for your stereo.

So I have added 5 earth cables to the Prado.  I used 4 gauge multi strand copper cable with gold plated eyelet terminals and soldered all joints.

• The first cable went from the negative terminal to the inlet manifold.
• The second went from near the throttle body to the firewall.
• The third went from the firewall to the right inside guard.
• The fourth went from the right inside guard to the front radiator support.
• The fifth cable went fron the front radiator support to the negative terminal of the battery.

The only thing I have noticed so far is an increase in idle speed of about 100rpm.  I’ll take it a better run tomorrow and see if there are any other interesting results.

See you out there!

Anyway, the first c

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