battery in rear storage area
 

BATTERY INSTALLATION IN REAR STORAGE COMPARTMENT

The ZR1 Corvette is heaviest at the left front and lightest at the right rear, so this modification is a benefit for better weight distribution. It improves handling, braking and acceleration.
Keep in mind there are quite a few ways to do the installation. Some run cable in the car and use two cables to the original connections. I ran the negative wire to the right rear frame as pictured. The positive wire went over the tunnel and along the frame rail next to the brake lines to a disconnect switch located at original battery location. I used cable designed for low voltage. Some use welding type cable. I actually used that type of cable on a previous car, but a few sources state that welding type cable is not as good for 12 volt systems. It’s basically a small strand vs large strand issue. I see cable kits available with 4 gauge cable, but I recommend 1 gauge as the smallest cable to use.
I used a piece of 4”x4” wood for the bottom of the rear portion of the storage compartment so the battery would sit flush with the front portion of the compartment. A steel plate is used on the outside bottom portion of the storage compartment to support the clamping rods. I didn't find a battery tray that I liked during installation so I neglected to use one. I thought I would get to it in the future, but didn't. The battery can't be moved if you were to try and move it by hand, but extreme G forces and vibrations will shift it, therefore a tray is required for proper installation. That’s why I put a foam block in for track use and tool kits for street use.
I use and highly recommend the Optima battery. It’s a gel design and therefore its venting requirement is far less than a standard acid battery. I did supply venting holes for my installation as gels do vent regardless of how small. See Optima’s website (www.optimabatteries.com) for more information on venting and other great battery facts.
I also didn't use a fuse directly at the battery. The portion of cable from the battery to the disconnect switch is unprotected. I don't think this is a problem for my use and needs, but you may want to consider this.
See my website (www.cardomain.com/id/zr1mk) for more pictures of the installation.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member.../418999_36.jpg

Re: battery in rear storage area
 

Mike, that is a really nice installation! Thanks for posting that. :cool:

Re: battery in rear storage area
 

I agree :thumbsup:

:cheers:

Re: battery in rear storage area
 

:notworthy GUD STUFF THERE :notworthy :iroc:

Re: battery in rear storage area
 

Is it fine using 400 CCA , 55AH battery ?!
cuz i found good Battery to install it in rear storage!
the battery weigh about 13-14 kg . good for reducing weight too.
:icon_scra

Re: battery in rear storage area
 

I would not recommend that; factory rated CCA is 695, I have 735. I don't know if it would even turn over with 400 CCA. :confused:

Re: battery in rear storage area
 

Nice clean install Mike. As usual !! How is your engine project making out ??

Re: battery in rear storage area
 

Is FU and FU2 the same Frank?
I just happen to stumble on this post. I dont get email notifications on my posts in all the forums that Im involved in, so its hard to keep track. One reason I dont post as often as in the past.
My engine is in the garage waiting for the installation. I just need to schedule it between track events, vacations etc. Its planned to go in after a March 28 track event. Finally after a one year delay.