SheHateMe

I know i'm digging this one up, but I'm curious because I'm starting to see it more and more. I notice in some applications (such as SPL comps), the ground wire runs right back to the negative post on the battery. When their is also another battery in the trunk, the negative runs right back to the front battery, no ground in the trunk. I thought it was called to ground it in at least 3 feet from the amp, or resistor in use. Is there a specific advantage to grounding it at the battery instead of at the chassis. I believe someone on the forum posted it helps recycle the energy better, but I'm rather curious, because I want the most of my winter beater, and rather run an extra wire then upgrade 3 wires, since it's easier to run a wire in my case. Thank you.

KenC

Well, really this depends on the vehicle and the install. What you have to consider is that while grounding via the chassis has its' benefits (not running wires, and a ground connection in any place there's bare metal) it also has limitations, namely the resistance that things like welds and paint, and different thicknesses of metals have. Scientifically, if your chassis has little resistance between the grounding points, there is little purpose for spending $40 on large gauge wire to run to your battery's (-) terminal. If the chassis has a moderate resistance, I'd go with a stretch of wire. Just remember that wire has resistance as well.