Thread: battery relocation

It looks like I have some reinforcing to do. Thanks for the heads up.

This is key. Nothing sucks more than having to completly undo something due to rules. This is really important if you plan on running NASA's TT program. There are a couple of things I'd do differently on our TT Miataif I was doing a ground up build.

If you do relocate, keep the battery inside the imaginary box formed by the four wheels. The closer to center, the less negative effect the battery will have on handling.

Mine is relocated to the very front of the trunk area between the rear strut towers. I'd prefer to have it more central, but keeping in mind that I'd rather have a bunch of lead separated from my by as much material as possible in a crash, it goes in the trunk behind a welded in bulkhead. It also is mounted with 3/16" plates welded to the body and 3/8" threaded rod and another 3/16" plate on top clamping it down.

I will look into backing mine up to keep it secure. However, mine is in the trunk and I have a welded IKEA brace between the battery and the passenger compartment (when not on the track I also have the back seat). When I tear my car down to rebuild it I will create a much neater and more secure battery hold-down spot, although I'm not sure exactly what that will be yet.

Mine is behind the passenger side seat. PC 545 with aluminum hold down.



The battery and box weigh approx. 11 lbs. I used stainless hex head bolts and large fender washers on both sides of the isntall to make it very secure.


Oh and those plastic boxes mounted in the trunk are seriously dangerous! In a real crash the battery WILL come out of them and crush whatever is in it's path!

Wes- I remember closely following your build and you used to have the battery mounted in the washer reservoir area. Did you relocate it to behind the seat for any particular reason?

Also only notice 1 power wire. What did you do with the fuse power wire?

I moved it for weight distribution and oil cooler placement.

The fuse was under the carpet in the back.

Not sure on the rules but dont forget the kill switch, you could use a heavy duty relay for a shut off button up front but you should also use a mechanical one as well that can be accessed from outside.

Edit: After reading the linked post i will take that into account. pretty scary stuff.

No doubt it is! Thus why I moved my battery and mounted it the way I did. Also agree on the above post! I ha my battery fuses within 12 inches, kill switch accessible to driver and through driver side window and fused in the engine bay. Kill switch also needs to kill alternator!

Thats what I am looking at doing,exactly...I shoulda just got yours

great info guys keep it coming