battery relocation kits

[Vella's Alero]

I am looking at a battery relocation kit for my car because I am thinking of moving it to the trunk just to look a little cleaner under the hood. My questions are,

How hard are they to install/ relocate (for someone just starting to get into electricals)?

Is it worth it in the end?

what are some good kits/prices?

Is there a how to that I can see to know what I'm in for if I do go ahead and do it?

Thanks.

[wrestlingandrunning]

It's not to hard, I've put in second battery in the trunk so I have an idea of what do, but honestly not really worth it unless you're putting in a turbo or supercharger and need the extra room. Though if your adament on doing this I can help you out with your questions.

[widbyj]

^^ What he said...

Mine is in the trunk also, used a kit from Summit Racing. Their directions are OK. I used a bolt to secure the three main cables up front (starter, fuse panel, battery positive) and secured the ground to the 'frame' under the trunk. There is a semi-convenient 'vent' hiding on the passenger side, I used it to route the fume tube to outside (since the battery is inside the 'passenger' area it should be in a sealed box for safety).

Like he said - it really only makes a lot of sense when you NEED the battery space for something important, like the CAI for my supercharger. Some people say it helps improve weight distribution, I don't know...

[wrestlingandrunning]

^^ What he said...

Mine is in the trunk also, used a kit from Summit Racing. Their directions are OK. I used a bolt to secure the three main cables up front (starter, fuse panel, battery positive) and secured the ground to the 'frame' under the trunk. There is a semi-convenient 'vent' hiding on the passenger side, I used it to route the fume tube to outside (since the battery is inside the 'passenger' area it should be in a sealed box for safety).

Like he said - it really only makes a lot of sense when you NEED the battery space for something important, like the CAI for my supercharger. Some people say it helps improve weight distribution, I don't know...

It can but I don't think she auto-x her car or takes it to the track. I could be wrong but unless your really serious about racing again it's not necessary.

[cherrington17]

It can but I don't think she auto-x her car or takes it to the track. I could be wrong but unless your really serious about racing again it's not necessary.

Vella is a dude...:ninja:

[Alerojester]

not to thread hack but you would also have to relocate your battery if say you were dropping a SB in your car which at the current time i don't think anyone has tried. I see it as if you can do it to a Fiero then why can't we do it to an Alero?

[kwhauck]

not worth it, fiero's are a totally different car, like not even close.....

[cherrington17]

Sb?

[Valley olds]

cherrington17: Sb?

Small Block (At least that's what I've heard before)

[kwhauck]

small block, although usually clarified as SBC, because SBC>SBF 24/7 365

[Vella's Alero]

It can but I don't think she auto-x her car or takes it to the track. I could be wrong but unless your really serious about racing again it's not necessary.

Yes as Cherrington pointed out, I am a guy...lol.

I dont autox to answer your question, it was just something I was looking into because the cai that I have is rubbing against my battery as it is and I am picking up a yellow top tomorrow which I have heard is a little bigger so I was thinking of moving it to the trunk and keep that space open to clean under the hood a bit and give some more room.

Also if I get a system in my car with a deck, 2 6x9, 2 4x6, and a sub with amp, would I need to power that from the battery? Because that would also then be easier if it's already there.

And about weight distribution, I doubt that it would make any difference especially with the weight of our cars unless you are moving a bunch of things to the back.
Thanks for the help so far.

[wrestlingandrunning]

Yes as Cherrington pointed out, I am a guy...lol.

Also if I get a system in my car with a deck, 2 6x9, 2 4x6, and a sub with amp, would I need to power that from the battery? Because that would also then be easier if it's already there.

And about weight distribution, I doubt that it would make any difference especially with the weight of our cars unless you are moving a bunch of things to the back.
Thanks for the help so far.

Sorry about that Vella just made me think that. A battery in the trunk would not necessary make it easier to wire an amp, because you'd be wiring stuff from the front anyways.

[Vella's Alero]

^thats good to know. When I get my system I am gonna have the shop install it anyways because I know the guy there and they are going to install it for free. I might just see how it fits tomorrow then and then go from there.

So now if I do go for it because its a tight squeeze, what is a good brand to go with and will an optima yellow top fit in the box that it comes with?

[cherrington17]

with a yellow (at least mine) i had to break the battery holder. If you break it on the side closest to the bumper, you can't even tell...

[Vella's Alero]

^ What size is your yellow top? I couldnt find the specific size on their site and I just want to make sure that the store I get it from orders the right one

[cherrington17]

34/75? its the one with front and top posts.

[Vella's Alero]

ok. thanks. ill let you kow what I get when I pick it up.

[bentiac]

It will make your car go from 36/64 to 38/62... may or may not be worth it for autocrossing depending on which class you are in.

[heineck]

SBC>SBF 24/7 365

Amen to that

[widbyj]

IMHO having the battery in back IS more convenient for amps and such. The only connection between the head-unit and the amps is an RCA set for sound and a small wire for power-on signal. Having the battery and a cut-off close to the sound system makes for shorter amp power cables AND makes it much more convenient to properly pre-charge the caps. Just sayin... oh, and don't forget to secure the battery box!

[Ryan from Ohio]

Unless you have a true need to put the battery in the back instead of under the hood its silly.

If you want the kit to add a second battery, fine.

The ONLY reason to do this is if you need the room. There is NO inherent benefit from the audio side. The previous statements are false. In the end you rob Peter to pay Paul. So what the wire from your amps to battery are shorter. There still is that LONG wire going to the alternator. The ground is always to the chassis.

In a proper system you have a negative from the battery to the chassis, same point is the motor to the chassis. Moving the sole battery point could induce ground loops in an audio system.

[Vella's Alero]

Unless you have a true need to put the battery in the back instead of under the hood its silly.

If you want the kit to add a second battery, fine.

The ONLY reason to do this is if you need the room. There is NO inherent benefit from the audio side. The previous statements are false. In the end you rob Peter to pay Paul. So what the wire from your amps to battery are shorter. There still is that LONG wire going to the alternator. The ground is always to the chassis.

In a proper system you have a negative from the battery to the chassis, same point is the motor to the chassis. Moving the sole battery point could induce ground loops in an audio system.

Yikes, looks like someone didnt agree with something...lol...Im going to pick up the battery now so I will let you guys now how it fits and everything.

[Ryan from Ohio]

Another thing I will note.

My Dad bought the $130 kit from summit. He got a battery box, some cable and ties/clamps.

IMO you would be best off just buying the box yourself and buying some GOOD wire.

[Vella's Alero]

So just put it in with some modification to the battery tray (thanks for the heads up Ryan). Will post pics and model number soon when I get a chance.

By the way, That sucker is twice as heavy as my ACDelco it replaced! Jeez!