Log in

View Full Version : Trunk mounted batteries, worth the effort, expense or weight?


65_LS1_T56
12-11-2012, 04:27 PM
Seems like everyone mounts the battery in the trunk for weight balance issues.

The way I look at it is, how much weight to you add to help balance? With the Lithium batteries now, wouldn't it make more sense to just leave them up front with shorter cables? How much do the cables alone going to the trunk add in weight? Just thinking.

The Braile batteries are like 21 pounds compared to a 45+ Optima.
Anyone have experience with the Braile battery in a daily driver? Just wondering everyone's thoughts.
I found these: Braile mounts (http://www.bbclassicsinc.com/products-page/electrical/braille-battery-mount/) that are lightweight and look pretty cool. Battery and mount, you have to be 25+ pounds lighter, not to mention all of the cabling!
I'm at that point to start thinking about this as I'll be wiring soon.

chr2002ca
12-11-2012, 06:27 PM
Weight over the rear wheels isn't necessarily a bad thing. Weight can actually be put to good use(Nissan gtr for example). The Optima Red Top weighs 39lbs. Not sure where you got 45lbs from. Yellow top? The Braille is a decent option, but if you're running electric fans and fuel pump, or a big stereo, you might strain your alternator with that battery and it or the battery will end up dead in a year. I agree with on just keeping a Lithium in the front. At 9lbs, you'll use that much weight in good cable to put in the trunk, plus there is the voltage drop due to the distance, although the lithiums are great on voltage. I say buy the heavier, more powerful battery and put in the trunk and use the weight to better balance the car and then sleep easy knowing you'll always have the cranking amps you'll need. Use the extra money you saved over the lithium to buy lightweight components for the front and remove the weight up there. That's my 2 cents.

bdahlg68
12-12-2012, 07:55 AM
I'm planning on going with a Braille... location TBD but most likely in the back since there is already a nice cozy spot for it. But, i've got a long way to go before I need to make that call!

BBC71Nova
12-12-2012, 08:14 AM
Those Braile mounts you referenced are designed and sold by a member here. It is Billy Utley (72novadriver). I don't think he has posted them here yet but there is a post over on PT. It is a nice looking mount for sure. Right now I'm leaning that way myself.

I had not heard of issues with the Braile battery being used like we would in an occasional street car. I'm interested to know more though before I spend the money.

GregWeld
12-12-2012, 01:54 PM
Hiding them is the goal for most guys --- there's not much good looking about a battery in the engine bay. So the trunk makes a perfect place for them. In the old days (and today too I suppose) batteries were heavy and mounted in the trunk was a good way to get some weight off the front and over the rear wheels for traction.

Modern cars will even have them under the back seat.