Are you looking for a way to improve your vehicle’s handling? Do you need extra room under your hood? Do you want to balance the weight of your vehicle? One of the first things you can do is relocate your battery, and with a battery relocation kit , you can do so safely and easily. This is what you should know.
Kit Components
You don’t need an engine hoist to move your battery, but you do need cables, brackets and other hardware. Your kit should include these components and give you instructions on how to ground the battery and make sure it is safe. It also provides hardware to ensure that your battery is secure and doesn’t move around while you drive. In addition, your vehicle’s electrical system will still work properly. This kit helps you protect your battery and prevent damage to it.
Relocation Preparation
Before you start your relocation, read the instructions on your relocation kit. Choose the new location for your battery based on your goals and relocation reasons. Make sure the surface is flat and the location is balanced within the vehicle. Then, do a test fit to ensure the battery will fit properly.
Also, determine whether you want your wires to run within or outside your vehicle. Figure out if you want to use bulkhead connectors through the sheet metal and what type of battery terminals you hope to use. Also, consider how you will wire and run the power to your vehicle’s electronics and fuses. In addition, consider how you will handle your alternator charge wire. Finally, determine if you need a battery cutoff switch.
Battery Relocation Steps
Gather any tools suggested in the directions so you don’t have to stop in the middle of the process. You will need a drill and appropriate bits. Then, remove your battery, including the try, straps and cables. Create a mount in your desired location using the relocation kit instructions. Choose new wires that will handle the new distance from the new battery location to various points in the electrical system, including the starter and alternator. Finally, ground your negative terminal based on your instructions.
Advantages of Moving Your Battery
When you move your car battery to the trunk, you can free up space in the engine compartment. This gives you the opportunity to add other modifications and upgrades to your engine. You also better distribute the weight of the vehicle by moving it to the trunk. When the weight is more evenly distributed, your vehicle can handle better, especially at high speeds and around tight corners.
Disadvantages of Moving Your Battery
Some of the main disadvantages stem from not placing the battery within a firewall as it would be in the main engine compartment. In addition, your main cables will likely run inside the vehicle, under the passenger’s seat and to the trunk. This may lead to fire risks. You can also void your manufacturer’s warranty on your vehicle, and it can be expensive to move the battery, and some mechanics may feel hesitant to work on your engine. You also lose some trunk space.
Like a cam and lifter kit, your battery kit should make your relocation easier. Make sure you understand all the risks and steps before you start your relocation.
