Help Moving battery to the trunk

**spider4me** · #1 (**permalink**) 12-29-2003, 10:33 AM

Contemplating moving the new Optima battery to the trunk for weight as well as ease of working in the engine compartment. I realize I'll need new cabling and grounds but what do I need to do for connections to the alternator and starter? Is there a posting here that I have missed that covers it or a diagram?Thanks in advance!

**papajam** · #2 (**permalink**) 01-04-2004, 06:55 PM

Can't say much about how to mount the battery in the trunk except I've heard that some folks put the battery in a plastic marine battery holder to prevent acid from rotting out the floor.
Also, do NOT use welding cable for the battery connections. The insulation isn't designed for the harsh environments encountered in automotive applications.
As far as additional wiring, all you need is a 10 gauge minimum wire from the starter terminal where the battery cable is to the B+ terminal on the alternator.

denovich · #3 (**permalink**) 01-10-2004, 12:22 PM

I did this a few months ago for my Verde.

I went to a boating store and bought about 15' of the thickest marine grade cable they had for the postive lead. I also bought a marine battery box. At the autoparts store I bought a 3' negative lead and some very large ring terminals.

I ran the negative cable to the chasis in the trunk. For the positive I stripped the wire, and with a torch I tinned the end of the wire and the inside of the ring terminals. I sliped the terminals on gave 'em a squeeze then heated them up with the torch again to solder the two togther. I then wrapped the connections with self-sealing tape (works better than standard electrical tape.)

To mount the box in the trunk I riveted the supplied brackets to the floor with some monel rivets I had laying around (corrosion resistant and very strong... I use them on my sailboat.) Thread the supplied strap through the brackets and cinch it down tight.

I lost a fair amount of trunk space, but it's nice not having it in the engine bay.

**spider4me** · #4 (**permalink**) 01-11-2004, 03:05 PM

Thanks very much for the help. We are recovering from a big snowstorm, so haven't had a chance to complete this one project yet. Appreciate your input.
Shoveled the driveway and did get her out tho today for a couple blats around the neighborhood. SO nice to drive with the wind in the hair and snow on the side of the road!!

**John M** · #5 (**permalink**) 01-11-2004, 03:29 PM

Hey Neil:

If you want it to look somewhat original, you might also try locating the original battery mounting stuff from a later spica spider as they all ended up in the trunk. For mounting it consists of a batter tray and a bracket with two hooks that slip into the tray. Then it has a plastic cover with a couple of big round plastic knobs that hold the cover in place. Its installed in the passenger side next to the spare tire well. Alfa Parts Exchange or ebay for your quest.

Best Regards,
John M