I am rebuilding my 76 280z engine and came across a broken ground wire attached to the bottom of the air flow meter bracket. I don't know where the other end is supposed to go. Three bolts attach the air flow support bracket to its engine compartment shelf. They pass through rubber grommets that keep the bracket (and air flow meter) from grounding to the rest of the car. The ground wire must serve a purpose, but none of the manuals talk about it. Is this an add-on item. I've seen it on more than one 280z, but it never is connected the same way. Any ideas?

If I remember right, the ground wire is connected to the bottom of the air flow meter body. The air flow meter does need to be grounded, the rubber grommets on the bracket are there to shield the air flow meter from vibration, or I should say the potentiometer needs to be shielded from vibration.. Because they also will not let the air flow meter ground, the wire needs to be connected.

I thought that was the case. I wasn't sure if the grommets were only there for shock absorbtion, though. Your explanation makes sense. Thanks for the info.