pugg57

when putting my new cat-back on my buddy, who was helping me, "accidentally" forgot to reattach the grounding strap at the flange and now i can't find it (will be making a new one soon though). what are the possible ramifications of running without one?

RX7Wishing

your engine will grow pistons.... FIX IT QUICK!!!



Seriously though, I doubt anything serious. allthough.What do i know.

NukeGenius

After that it will sprout a camshaft and complicated valve assembly, and the world will end!

pugg57

haha RX7Wishing, i just opened up this page and saw your "FIX IT QUICK!!!" and it scared the crap out of me! then i read the rest of what you said. i know this was a pretty stupid question to ask, but i (nor anyone i work with) couldn't figure why the cat-back needed to be grounded. thanks for the quick responses though guys much appreciated

RX7Wishing

bajaman

The more grounding points on a car, the better. In the case of the exhaust, it can become an electrical interference generator if totally ungrounded due to the electron flow generated by the out-rushing gasses thru the exhaust pipes. The cat-back part of the exhaust is insulated by the rubber hangers, so therefore you have the grounding strap as the final point of a good ground.
Yes, the pipes are bolted together with metal gaskets and bolts and nuts so you have continuity, but corrosion can cause a less than ideal situation, so...the grounding strap. The worst thing you are likely to see is things like the 3K hesitation.

pugg57

thanks bajaman. i plan on replacing it, i just wanted to make sure that my cat-back wasn't gonna go "poof" and launch itself off the back end of my car i know, noob stuff, noob stuff. i'm gonna replace it as soon as i can, hopefully before thursday this week.

NukeGenius

You may have connecting rods if you wait that long man.

IRPerformance

iTrader: (41)

It actually helps ground the o2 sensor. You can just go to an autoparts store and purchase a grounding strap. The stock one is junk quality and breaks.