I am thinking about moving the battery to the trunk, mainly to clean up the look of the engine compartment, but I also was thinking about anti-theft, etc.. I have had a few people not to do it. I was planning on the remote solenoid (Ford style) and running a 000 cable (big). I already got an Optima battery (no fumes), and wiring/trunk space/modifications are not an issue.

Are there any big drawbacks to doing this?

The car is never raced (sanctioned-tech'd), only street driven occasionally.

Also, any problems with running side-mount cables (versus the top-mount, assuming I can get ends to mate to the larger cables?

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"Once you go RAT, you never go back..."

Tony
1966 SS L78 coupe
1966 SS convertible
1965 Impala convertible
1 wife that has drawn the line...

[This message has been edited by 1966_L78 (edited 06-20-2001).]

The FORD solenoid really isn't necessary unless this is a plan for "anti-heat-soak".

Here's some important tips;

You must "copy" what GM did up front to ensure no-problems.


The (-)terminal on the battery should have (2) wires coming off it. One MASSIVE one that gets bolted to the frame. Where it mounts must be tight, clean (bare metal) and vibration-proof. The other wire coming off of the (-) terminal should be about 10 ga. This needs to get bolted RIGHT TO THE ACTUAL BODY. This provides the all-important body ground. Make a tight connection to the body sheetmetal.

Now in front, there should be a MASSIVE wire running from the frame up front RIGHT TO THE ENGINE BLOCK! This is so the block sees ground--and enough to ensure starting.

Back to the rear. On the (+)terminal of the battery run a MASSIVE wire thru the trunk, along the frame right to the starter. Shield and protect this, avoid close proximity to the fuel line(s), sharp points/stress points etc.

Where ever you tie the other end of the (+) wire (preferably stock starter lug location), you'll also have to share that connection point with another wire, I'd say 8 guage to be safe. This runs from the (+) connection point up front you have to the fusible link where you'll have to make a splice for the two to meet. This link then goes to the junction block where feeds power to all the car. In my '70 it's behind the stock battery by the radiator. DO NOT "skip" the fusible link. This provides protection to the whole electrical system in the vehicle.

Fully enclosing the battery with a sealed battery box and venting that box to the outside air is a very good idea as well.

I don't know anything about Optima batteries but I've never heard of a battery that didn't give off fumes (is it like a big rechargable dry cell?) but if it gives off ANY fumes it's best to seal up the battery and vent it outside.

Just make sure to carefully route your positive cable to the starter because if it becomes chaffed and shorts out against the body or frame you will do some serious damage.

I was thinking of an Optima in my trunk too for the same reasons. Their claim is they are totally sealed and can be mounted in any position. Sounds like a jell cell type battery.
edit, add a link; http://www.dcbattery.com/optima_red.html
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Doug, Chevl71
Team Chevelle member #625
Gateway Area Chevelle Club member CM028
(OO ss OO)
chevl71 homepage (http://www.chevl71.homestead.com/chevl71homepage.html)

[This message has been edited by chevl71 (edited 06-22-2001).]

I just put an Optima battery in my daily driver. While they claim to be "totally sealed", I must beg the differ. On top there are two unique "vents" that I believe allow for the exchange of gases. When I first started college I had an instructor that had a big pet-peeve about "totally sealed" batteries. He had a very valid point, it is really impossible to have a complete sealed automotive battery.

When the electrical system in an automobile charges the battery, and electrochemical reaction takes place, the current causes a rather nasty reaction--the plates in the battery are actually "regrown" or regenerated from the acid mixture. This process produces gas such as hydrogen, this MUST go some where, it can't just hold it in (like many people's great uncle at Thanksgiving http://www.chevelles.com/forum/wink.gif ) Thus vents or vent systems are employed.

If anyone disagrees or has proof that Optima has figured a way around this, PLEASE let me know as I would be very curious in this revolutionary technology.

P.S. Here is the official website:

www.optimabatteries.com (http://www.optimabatteries.com)

Coppertop:
You are pretty much right-on. Interesting info here though. http://www.optimabatteries.com/faq.asp#q2

Jon