I was looking in the engine bay the other night and noticed three factory slits in front of the battery that open up to the grill. These look like they would be great to run a tube from the air filer to the slits if only I could relocate the battery. I have heard of many people putting their battery in the trunk but what are the downfalls of that?
There aren't any downfalls I know of, except that it isn't already in there so it requires a little work to move it You need to use a battery box and preferrably vent the battery to the outside of the vehicle. A sealed Optima-style battery is best because it doesn't require venting. And long small gauge cables are expensive.
Rudy, when my car was carburated, I built a dual cold air intake system using that area and the open area on the other side. On the battery side, I built a sheet metal adapter to flex hose fitting. The air cleaner was fited with a second snorkel from another Ford air cleaner on a stock bottom housing and a chrome filter top. Standard Ford hose hooked up to the fittings at the apron. My battery is now in the trunk due to using that space for Fuel Injection filter. Use a kit from Summit and make a bolt down assembly. Weld a stud to the floor of the trunk out of the way for your ground. Make sure your engine ground is good up front. Run the + cable under the right side of the car, mounted with insulated fasteners about every 12" and exit in the front wheel well, then through the side panel using a rubber grommet, to the starter solinoid. When you need to disconnect, just remove the neg at the stud in the trunk. One other thought is that it would be wise to replace the starter solinoid if it is old. Due to age, it is burnt internaly and you will have just added a little more circuit resistance. This is so starting won't be lazy. Good luck, Ken
rudy, i bracket race and have mine in the trunk. i can't see where there would be any problems. it actually cleans up the engine compartment nicely. i would use the optima gel ( i got a napa, was the same price) i also used the kit from summit. makes it simple. IF you plan to take this car to the drag strip at any time be forwarned that if you relocate the battery, you must also have an emergency off switch. i was also told not to mount a standard battery in the front to back position as the jarring would put stress on the cells. a gelcell can be mounted in any position. good luck
Charlie, I was thinking about the optima battery for the trunk, just wondering, is it in the rule book that those batteries don't heve to be in a box and vented? I like the way they look.
wardf, here is the rule for nhra. all batteries must be securely mounted. batteries may not be relocated into the driver or passenger compartment.rear firewall of .024steel or .032 aluminum including package tray) required when battery is relocated in trunk. in lieu of rear firewall, battery may be relocated in a sealed .024steel, .032 aluminum, or nhra accepted poly box. if sealed box is used in lieu of rear firewall, box may not be used to secure battery and must be vented outside of body. relocated battery must be fastened to frame or frame structure with a minimum of two 3/8 in diameter bolts. ( j hooks prohibited or must have open end welded shut) metal battery hold down straps mandatory. strapping tape prohibited. a maximum of two automobile batteries, or 150 pounds combined maximum weight is permitted. maximums may vary according to class requirements......hope this helps, my fingers are two inches shorter,(ha-ha)
