I've read the whole post for the grounding sticky -- which mostly just talks about how to find a good ground -- and I've done a lot of searching, but I haven't read much discussion about what actually IS a good ground location on the RX-8. I've heard some people say the seatbelt bolt, or rear seat bolts.

We all have the same car, so I assume by now we could actually answer this question (and then maybe put the info in the sticky). Where is everyone putting their ground? Is there any location that doesn't need any paint being scraped off? Any good location actually IN the trunk?

Maybe this has already been answered in a post, and if it has, I haven't been able to find it, so we should put it in the sticky.

 

I grounded back to the battery in my stereo install.

 

That's what I'm going to have to do, I can't get rid of this alternator whine.

 

The only way to be sure to shield RF transients for audio components is to route back to the battery negative. Everywhere else is subject to the relative conductivity of the material itself and in turn its relative grounding to the battery (similar "chassis ground" vs. "Earth ground" for home audio).

You always need unpainted bare metal for a good ground.

 

After you've removed the back seats and the middle storage compartment, look at the center armrest on either side. At the very back, there is a bit of a "shelf" for an inch or so on either side of the center armrest. This area is very easy and safe to sand to bare metal, drill and tap a screw for a ground. I'm using that area to ground two amps with zero noise issues.

 

I'm always amazed at the number of people who end up having grounding issues and it turns out they's put a terminal ontop of painted metal.

 

best place by far is the negative battery terminal.

 

every car ive ever done my system instals on i've put it on the bolt that bolts the seat belt to the chasis in the back seats its right under the seat no need to scrape anything i get no noise from it plus its not long so you dont need another 10 ft of wire for no reason

 

Perhaps, but the thread title is ...Best ground, and again that's the battery negative. Anywhere else there are potential audio issues.

 

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What he said.

 

As long as the actual "grounding" is satisfactory, then a closer ground (to the trunk) would be better, wouldn't you say? In this aspect, as long as a grounding point in the rear seats is a good one, then that location could be the "best". I understand the way you are using the word "best" ground, but it's also interesting to find out what locations that aren't the battery are also actually working for people.

As for myself, I looked at the seatbelt bolt but the washer was too big for the ring on my ground wire. I ended up going with one of the bolts that attaches the rear seat back, I just scraped away the paint and put the ring on the bolt between the chassis and the seat loop. I'm not an expert in grounding issues, but I have had no issues with noise, popping, or anything else so far.

 

Well you picked a good commonly used ground point no doubt but the best ground no matter the car.... unless it has some crazy composite construction is always the Ground terminal on the battery Or as near to it as you can get. I have seen people run a small ground wire (IE 10 gauge) to a good chassis mounting spot in there trunk and that trick can be a Great Help.

 

Again, the home audio "chassis vs. Earth ground" analogy. Whenever possible go with Earth ground, which in a vehicle is the battery negative.

Certainly there are other points around the vehicle that are good and will probably work fine in most situations, but again the best to ensure audio ..... ok, you get the point.