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Gross Valve Lift

The valve lift, including the running-valve clearance.

Gross Vehicle-weight Rating (GVWR)

The maximum that a vehicle should weigh when fully loaded with all passengers, fuel, and cargo.

Ground

1. The common return path for electric current in a system, component, or vehicle. 2. A reference point connected to or assumed to be at zero potential with respect to the earth. 3. The lowest possible voltage potential in a circuit.

Ground Clearance

The distance between the lowest point on a vehicle (on a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, this is usually the rear end housing, or pumpkin) and the ground. Greater ground clearance often is desired when a vehicle is driven off-road. To increase ground clearance, people typically install a lift kit, which allows them to fit bigger wheels and tires.

Ground Controlled Circuit

A circuit which energizes by applying a ground usually through a control module.

Ground Effect

The reduced air pressure under a vehicle that allows the normal pressure above the vehicle to push the vehicle downward, providing a better grip on the road surface.

Ground Effects

A body styling package that fits around the bottom edges of a vehicle and typically includes an air dam and side skirts. In racing applications, ground effects can alter the airflow around the vehicle and improve downforce. In street applications, ground effects typically are a styling accessory. Ground effects also can make a vehicle look lower to the ground.

Ground Electrode

A part of the lower end of the spark-plug shell making up the electrode gap, providing a path for current flow while jumping the gap.

Ground Trace

The part of a waveform that defines the circuit ground.

Ground Wave

An electromagnetic wave that travels along the Earth's surface; usually emitted by a radio transmitter.

Ground Wire

A wire used to ground an electrical system or component. Ground wires typically should be as short as possible and attached securely to a clean, metal part of a vehicle.

Ground-end Spring

A spring that has flattened ends, usually by grinding, to better fit the perches or retainers.

Ground-return System

A common system of electrical wiring whereby the chassis or frame serves as a part of the electrical circuit.

Grounded

Connected to Earth or to some conducting body that serves in place of the Earth.

Grounded Circuit

A condition that allows current to return to ground before it has reached the intended load component.

Grounding

The connecting of an electrical unit to the vehicle frame to provide a complete path for electrical current.

Group Injection

A method of injecting fuel into the manifold areas of several cylinders of an electronic fuel-injection system while at the same time, actually entering each cylinder as its intake valve is opened.

Groupie

One, especially a female, who follows the racing circuits hoping to be accepted by its members.

Growler

Electrical tester designed to test starter and DC generator armatures.

GST

Generic scan tool.