battery relocation in storage bin question
09-16-12, 09:08 PM
#1
battery relocation in storage bin question
the FD i recently bought already has the battery relocated to the rear in the hatch. it doesn't look like it's held in place well as all but that isn't the only problem. i was reading that the battery gives off hazardous fumes and should be concealed or well vented to the atmosphere. the battery that came with the car is an optima redtop and although it's a good battery it's alittle big to relocate to one of the storage bins really. i don't really like the idea of cutting any of the interior but has anyone relocated one of the bigger batteries to the rear bins? is it even safe to relocate to the bins? some pics of different relocations would be great. just seems like relocating to the storage bins would be the cleanest.
09-17-12, 09:28 AM
#4
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Here's what everybody uses as a guide: Battery Relocation
Keep in mind, a "sealed" battery, does not mean it's sealed to fumes. It means it's sealed to the lead acid so the toxic liquids in the battery won't spill out. Sealed does not mean the battery is sealed to the fumes they release.
The optima red top will require significant cutting to fit in the back bin. If you don't want to have to cut anything you'll need the smaller miata sized batteries, or the really small motorcycle style batteries.
Here's a picture of my setup which has most of the same components as the guide in the link above:
Keep in mind, a "sealed" battery, does not mean it's sealed to fumes. It means it's sealed to the lead acid so the toxic liquids in the battery won't spill out. Sealed does not mean the battery is sealed to the fumes they release.
The optima red top will require significant cutting to fit in the back bin. If you don't want to have to cut anything you'll need the smaller miata sized batteries, or the really small motorcycle style batteries.
Here's a picture of my setup which has most of the same components as the guide in the link above:
09-17-12, 11:06 AM
#5
The Optima will give you a bit more reserve power. I did the relocation that "zeroG" linked to above though and am very happy with it. The Miata AGM battery has plenty of power to turn our motor over.
Regarding cutting up the bins, I used three screws and some fender washers to secure a 2x4 to the bottom of the passenger bin. The Miatta battery is secured to the 2x4 so there is minimal harm to the bin. If I want to remove the setup there are only the three screw holes in addition to one for the positive and one for the negative cable.
If you're really concerned with fumes though, check around for a sealed battery box for your Optima. This will have a vent tube that you can route outside of the car.
Regarding cutting up the bins, I used three screws and some fender washers to secure a 2x4 to the bottom of the passenger bin. The Miatta battery is secured to the 2x4 so there is minimal harm to the bin. If I want to remove the setup there are only the three screw holes in addition to one for the positive and one for the negative cable.
If you're really concerned with fumes though, check around for a sealed battery box for your Optima. This will have a vent tube that you can route outside of the car.
09-17-12, 01:22 PM
#6
i didn't even know about the fumes until i read about it. i'm glad i found it tho. as long as the optima doesn't release fumes i'll probably just keep the battery where it is but make sure i secure it. i do like those black battery boxes tho. they kinda clean up the appearance.
i'd like to be able to use one of the smaller batteries and store in the bin but, i'm gonna do an LSx swap and not sure which battery i'll need yet. i'll probably just keep the battery where it's at and get a battery box to secure it in.
i'd like to be able to use one of the smaller batteries and store in the bin but, i'm gonna do an LSx swap and not sure which battery i'll need yet. i'll probably just keep the battery where it's at and get a battery box to secure it in.
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09-17-12, 10:48 PM
#9
I cut out only what was needed out of the bottom of my passenger side rear bin to fit in Miata battery. Drilled holes in the remaining plastic to mount tie down hardware. Grounded wire to metal on body under bins. Then used a whole saw to cut a circle in sside of bin put in rubber grommet and ran cables through it to make sure the edges of the plastic bin would saw through the cable from any vibrations. Worked great right now I just interstate battery but shopping other Miata sized batteries that actually have reserve time. Talking to westco now about their battery.
09-18-12, 11:52 AM
#17
1) Secure the battery such that it won't move in the violence of an accident.
2) Install a circuit breaker close to the (6" or less) the positive terminal.
3) Use a sealed battery.
you're putting yourself and your car at risk.
From a safety perspective, I think that this is a fairly complete list. There are other items that could be added for reliability but these will minimize the chance of a car fire or 50lb (guessing the weight) battery hitting you in the head.
Hmm ... I said 6" or less above. I should probably add that this is just a rule of thumb. The circuit breaker should be between the battery positive and any place where the positive cable sits on or is near something that is or might be grounded. Running the cable through a conductive battery box (even if there is a grommet involved) prior to the breaker is risky.
09-21-12, 07:04 AM
#20
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i never knew rx7 came with bins, i used to have mine at the back but going sideways on roundabouts or doing donuts used to make the battery dance all over the back so this is where i have it now.
10-10-12, 12:40 PM
#21
i had an odyssey battery that i just changed out, and i need to get a battery mount or tie down or something, anyone got any recommendations? Pettit installed it at the time and had the battery tied down with a belt (yes a pully belt). i would like to start auto crossing but i know that they most likely wont allow it the way it is.