The '95 I just purchased has a bin mounted battery, and although ultimately I plan to relocate the battery back to the engine compartment for now I am just going to keep it in the bin until I have the time to restore it back.

So I have some questions that I hope someone can help me with...

First, the person who modded the car cut the bin at about 1.5" below the top so I guess I have more room to work with. The battery that was installed was actually a tiny battery used for lawn and garden applications (!) and was not a sealed battery at all. I have removed it. My question here is what to replace it with. I am leaning towards a Miata battery since they have a venting tube but if there is a larger battery that I can use that has a venting tube I would like to go that route since I seem to have the space. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated!

Next, I need to source a new metal tray and hold-down bracket since the one in the car now is sized for the tiny battery and it too small for a Miata battery let alone a full size batt. Is there a supplier of metal trays for Miata-size batteries (or other) that are being used for this mod? I tried to search but some of the links are dead and I was not able to find any info on this part. I'd like to avoid having to fab something as it will take me forever to do it and I want to get this car on the road!

Thanks in advance for any thoughts or suggestions!

 

Do you have a picture of the existing battery? My guess is that is not a lawn and garden battery but a compact Braille style battery.

Also what is the reasoning on moving it back to the engine compartment? It will be pointless unless you plan on replacing the entire rear bin to make is useful as they cut it apart.

 

It actually says Lawn and Tractor on the case, it is a very small lead-acid battery that uses screw-type posts. I'll post a picture later on, I was very surprised to find it.

A Braille may have been used originally, I can't say for sure but I don't want to go that route hence the Miata battery discussion. The rest of the mod seems pretty well put together so I will keep it in the bin for now but my plan is to restore the stock system eventually. In the meantime, I need to procure a good lower tray that I can bolt in that is strong enough to support the battery hold down clamp, and decide on a good battery suitable to be mounted in the interior space.

 

I have been using a Miata battery for 2 years now and it works great, I made my own mount tho and I also vented it to the back of the car.

Braille battery is good, and they sell mount for their battery.

You can also check out Addicted Performance battery and tray kit.
https://www.rx7club.com/group-buy-ce...y-kit-1069664/

 

That is a pricey mount. I am hoping that a pre made mount is around somewhere. I have found a bunch of full-size battery trays but nothing that is compact for a Miata-size batt that also has hold down mounting points.

 

isn't 100% applicable because your bin is cut but maybe something in my thread will spark an idea.

https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...ation-1052113/

 

Nice setup. How has the Braille worked out? Any starting issues in normal driving conditions?

I don't see any vent tubes on the Braille batt, does it need to be vented externally as with the Miata?

 

I use a Braille and have no starting issues. It is sealed so no need for venting.

 

Okay, I just got off the phone with Braille and they say that their standard AGM batteries do not off-gas at all and are safe for interior cabin installations and that some of the Braille staff have them mounted inside the interior cabin of their own cars. Good enough for me, I will check to see what is the largest Braille I can mount in my car easily, considering the cut bin.

 

I wouldn't so much look at the physical size of the battery but the cold cranking amps. The mini Braille battery I have has been in the car for over 5 years and not a single issue starting or running the ecu/radio while I mess with the computer. Mine is in my passenger bin, just make sure to put a large fuse if you dont have one already.

 

What Braille are you using?

 

If you don't need the space in the engine bay put the battery back in the stock location with regular battery or if you can find a turbo jeff tray a little honda battery.

 

XS power makes a nice battery and mount that fits in the bins. I was trying to find a picture of an install I did but I can't seem to find it.

 

If you want to keep the battery in the bins I have the XS tray and possibly a good odyssey battery.

It's the same setup I have in my track car and works fine if you drive the car but if you don't definitely get a quick disconnect and or trickle charger.

Also sent you pics of the spare, carpet etc....

 

I will look when I get home and let you know.

 

Odyssey PC925 fits with the bin cut like you mention and can be taken in and out without having remove the bins.

Jack

 

It looks like the Odessy PC1200 will fit in the existing tray, this is a little expensive but the specs look pretty good. I will probably go that direction.

Thanks for all the excellent feedback everyone!