Battery Relocation

[Hammer Down]

I relocated my battery when I swapped in the DET.  Battery is in the trunk
now.  I used the stock battery mount, plastic tray and hold down and just
transferred them to the trunk.  I used an Optima battery because I hate the
corrosion that always seems to form around lead acid batteries.  It has been
completely corrosion free for 40,000 miles so far. I didnt want to use a
plastic box (used one before and didnt like it) since the box itself is not
enough to hold the battery when subjected to enough G forces, even with
straps and such.  To make the battery secure in a box requires you to
perforate the box for a real hold down and thus the box just makes sure
nothing comes into contact with the battery and does not stop corrosive
gases or liquid from escaping.  There are ways around it but I think my
solution was fairly elegant.  I ran 00 welding cable for both positive and
negative from the trunk, through the passenger compartment (along the
tunnel) and through the firewall close to the starter.  I protected the
positive lead with the black plastic wire loom cover.  I also used rubber
grommets whenever passing through a bulkhead (firewall).  I relocated the
two positive taps from the battery to the starter, using the modified
stock pieces.  I kept the fusible links in the original position but
lengthened the wires to reach the starter (following OEM wire loom paths).
I used an OEM style battery post connections from NAPA complete with the
plastic covers.  Slick Install.  Inexpensive, effective and efficient.

Erik Halvorson