Battery relocation using Optima battery

[FastLane68]

I relocated my old lead acid battery to the trunk a few years ago using an aluminum battery box. If I use an Optima battery and their exposed holder do I still need a battery box to contain any fluids? They state them as "non-spillable". Are there any batteries I could use to eliminate the box or is still good practice to keep it anyway. thanks.

 

[bud4660]

do I still need a battery box to contain any fluids?

Are you doing anykind of racing that the rules say you need one. I have used Optima's in the trunks on the last two racecars I built. I always put them in a box just to protect them. I think it looks cleaner too. But as far as I know there is nothing liquid wise going to come out of those batteries. I ran one in a solid chassis roadster (old funny car chassis) with no problems at all. It took alot of abuse over the rearend from tire shake and bouncing. I like those batteries because of the way there made. If they could get more amps out of them the would be the best thing since sliced bread. There is a picture of my setup in the link below.
Bud

 

[vobraman]

What do I do with the ground cable up in the front when I move the battery to the rear ? I know I have to ground in the rear. Any other suggestions when moving the battery ?
thanks

 

[FastLane68]

What about outgassing during charging? Or heat from the sun causing the battery to produce any fumes that my passengers in the rear might smell or make them ill? thanks again.

 

[mustangdave]

Fastlane, there is alot less outgassing with the Optima but it is possible. A more important concern is the chance of a spark that close to gas fumes! I would put any battery in a sealed and vented box, especially if your running the stock gas tank.

 

[85GTlover]

What do I do with the ground cable up in the front when I move the battery to the rear ? I know I have to ground in the rear. Any other suggestions when moving the battery ?
thanks

You might want to relocate the ground to the shock mount in the back.....that is a popular place. It would be wise to ground your engine to the chassis in the front as well. Fuse the main power wire too, with a fuse higher than your alt but not too much.