First off, I know some people will disagree in doing it this way and say that there is a better, "correct" way to do this. However, I thought I would post this for those who are interested. If you don't like it or trust it, don't do it to your car
About five months ago I put my battery in the hatch, directly behind the passenger's seat. At the same time I hid my wires under the fenders, along with my solenoid. I routed my 1 guage cable under the rear seat, along my rocker panel under the carpet and through the firewall to the solenoid under the fender. The solenoid under the fender and the long 1 guage wire has made me nervous for fear of it shorting out or the solenoid being struck during a minor fender bender and causing it to short to the body. Basically, I didn't want a small wreck to turn into a fireworks show!
I have searched the internet over and over again looking at posts on this. It is discussed, but I could not find anyone who had actually done it, or described it in detail. My biggest concern was the amperage draw by the starter and the size fuse needed.
Internet research revealed amperage rating in a range of 225-275 amps for a 1 guage wire. I could not find what the actual starter draws (I have a 93 style starter, mini I believe). Then I thought about the actual starter wire, it is only a 4 guage wire, so it stood to reason that it would not pull anywhere near the 225-275 amps. I purchased an inline fuse holder and 300 amp ANL fuse and installed them on the rear of my battery box. The fuse holder is hidden by the rear seat. So far, it has worked great. I even disconnected the coil and let the starter turn over for about 5 or 6 seconds and the fuse held. I feel much more confident knowing that if it were to ground out, then the power would be cut.
Just thought I would post this incase anyone out there was searching or thinking about doing it too. Like I said, if you do not feel comfortable with this, then don't do it!
About five months ago I put my battery in the hatch, directly behind the passenger's seat. At the same time I hid my wires under the fenders, along with my solenoid. I routed my 1 guage cable under the rear seat, along my rocker panel under the carpet and through the firewall to the solenoid under the fender. The solenoid under the fender and the long 1 guage wire has made me nervous for fear of it shorting out or the solenoid being struck during a minor fender bender and causing it to short to the body. Basically, I didn't want a small wreck to turn into a fireworks show!
I have searched the internet over and over again looking at posts on this. It is discussed, but I could not find anyone who had actually done it, or described it in detail. My biggest concern was the amperage draw by the starter and the size fuse needed.
Internet research revealed amperage rating in a range of 225-275 amps for a 1 guage wire. I could not find what the actual starter draws (I have a 93 style starter, mini I believe). Then I thought about the actual starter wire, it is only a 4 guage wire, so it stood to reason that it would not pull anywhere near the 225-275 amps. I purchased an inline fuse holder and 300 amp ANL fuse and installed them on the rear of my battery box. The fuse holder is hidden by the rear seat. So far, it has worked great. I even disconnected the coil and let the starter turn over for about 5 or 6 seconds and the fuse held. I feel much more confident knowing that if it were to ground out, then the power would be cut.
Just thought I would post this incase anyone out there was searching or thinking about doing it too. Like I said, if you do not feel comfortable with this, then don't do it!
