[DeTomaso] Dropped Battery Box - No cut in Front Trunk?

[Julian Kift]

The affordable options for modern batteries are significantly increased to small packages and decreased weight which opens up more locations to mount from both from a space requirement and lessened impact on CG. Something like the Antigravity LiFePO4 batteries can provide the CCA in a package less than 8 lbs and some models
have a fail safe reserve if left for long periods. They are not subject to suffering the same total discharge woes of some of the glass mat lead acid batteries.

On my GT5 with the factory drop battery in the front trunk there is no loss of trunk space, so why wouldn’t one create a hole with a cover for easy access as opposed to having to crawl under the car? BTW the factory drop battery box is simply a cradle the battery sits on, it is not an enclosed box.

I would agree with David that an easily accessible disconnect switch is invaluable as is hard wiring for easy plugin of a trickle charger. Be aware the Li batteries require a specific type of charger.

If you are concerned with weight bias to the driver side try telling you partner it’s good he/she packed on a few pounds during Covid as it helps the weight distribution!

Julian


> On May 20, 2021, at 19:46, dnunn at telus.net wrote:
> 
> Mike,
> 
> I relocated my battery to the engine compartment, passenger side, as far
> forward and outboard as possible. My reason for choosing that location was,
> I wanted to offset the weight of the fuel tank as much as possible, while
> keeping a heavy item close to the car's GC. Another minor benefit was the
> extremely short positive lead to the starter. The obvious downside is the
> lack of easy access. I have to remove the passenger side rear wheel for
> physical access. Because of this lack of access, I have a remote shut-off
> and remote positive and negative terminals for charging, jump starting etc.
> That being said, how often do you really need physical access to a modern
> battery? If you really object to cutting an access opening into your trunk
> floor, I think your plan is just fine. Hey, I remember looking for the
> battery in my Wife's old BMW SUV and finding it under the rear seat! 
> 
> Just make sure your battery box is removeable and that it doesn't prevent
> the removal of those long steering rack mounting bolts! 
> 
> P.S. What did you decide re: lowering your floor pans? I say "do it" (just
> like Doug's)!  
> 
> Dave
> 
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