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Ground strap

Same one here that idrivemopar and Daves69 posted. Mine was broken and went from one of the bolts from the back of the block(somewhere in that area), to firewall but I don't have a picture.
 
Is there any advantages to adding a groud strap between the block and the firewall? Would it help alternator output? I noticed that they stopped using firewall grounds after 69 any idea why?
To address the OP’s original question, the charging systems output ground return path is through the alternator case-block-main battery cable. Adding additional block to body connections, to systems where original block to body paths are intact, will not improve charging performance. Block to body connections are the return path for all other original loads grounded to the body. The later braided straps were originally added in various locations primarily for radio noise suppression purposes.
BTW, Chrysler Parts had noise suppression kits back then to address radio noise warranty complaints. Meant to be dealer installed, containing various braided straps and condensers, with instructions on where to install based on model. I’ve personally added many braided straps to vehicles where they were not factory original, back in the day while working at dealers.
 
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From Summit Racing $19.00
Shafer's Classic Reproductions Ground Strap Kits GSK001
ssh-gsk001_ml.jpg
 
I see these videos on YouTube about a big 3 upgrade and how they improve charging system performance. So there just doing to waste time by doing that?
 
Mopar stopped using the block to firewall ground strap when they added the wire to the battery cable from the negative terminal on the battery to the core support. One way or the other you need a ground between the battery and the body. Motor mounts and transmission mounts are usually not good conductors.
 
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Once again, my car got ground strap AND battery to radiator core support wire... 74.
 
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I have/use the same set up as Nacho on my 68. alternator gauge remains just about right in the middle with small variance.
 
I see these videos on YouTube about a big 3 upgrade and how they improve charging system performance. So there just doing to waste time by doing that?
Its interesting you mention the Big 3, when I upgraded the sound system in my 06 GTO, yes, I know you can shoot me later but its a damn fun car, I did the big 3 because they said it would help the charging system and deal with the pull down from the sound system. It didn't really make a damn bit of difference, when I play anything that has heavy bass and play it loud, it still dims my headlights a little bit, not real noticeable, but it didn't make a difference.
 
To address the OP’s original question, the charging systems output ground return path is through the alternator case-block-main battery cable. Adding additional block to body connections, to systems where original block to body paths are intact, will not improve charging performance. Block to body connections are the return path for all other original loads grounded to the body. The later braided straps were originally added in various locations primarily for radio noise suppression purposes.
BTW, Chrysler Parts had noise suppression kits back then to address radio noise warranty complaints. Meant to be dealer installed, containing various braided straps and condensers, with instructions on where to install based on model. I’ve personally added many braided straps to vehicles where they were not factory original, back in the day while working at dealers.

This is very good info .. can we get this saved somewhere for future use!

By the way that new mopar ground strap for the ram isn't very long at all if it's the one I'm thinking of . I've never had a ground strap on my cars never caused an issue . I grounded out threw the rad support as stated above but that was really it. Maybe if you have a huge stereo system but the way I see it as long as the batt is grounded to the motor and the rad support there's nothing more that will help the cars are all solid metal it's all connected.....
 
Is there any advantages to adding a groud strap between the block and the firewall? Would it help alternator output? I noticed that they stopped using firewall grounds after 69 any idea why?

Short answer, YES!
Although the alternator is grounding through the engine block, the Voltage Regulator is grounded through its case contact with the firewall.
 
Again, if the original 10-gauge negative battery terminal to core support connection is intact, and VR is properly grounded to the firewall, adding another block to firewall strap will NOT change or improve anything relating to the charging system.
 
As all the above state, it won’t improve anything; BUT you will have an extra ground for years to come. ( I once saw a Camaro locked in park because when started(with a bad grd) the eng/starter looked for a grd thru the shifter cable)
 
if doesn't improve, doesn't hurt either :)

once I fixed a hard starting and ocassional starting failure deal with just a ground strap :D on an old buddy's 72 Charger ( have no idea about the radiator core support wire conditions thought just went straight to add the strap )
 
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