Whether you’re looking at a vehicle’s weight distribution for racing or beginning a streamlined wire harness build, the battery has got to move. Relocating a battery is a common early step in a custom engine build, but where do you start with this process, and why is it so widespread? Learn all about relocating a battery before pulling out the engine hoist and getting to work.
Why Relocate a Car’s Battery?
There are a few reasons you might want a vehicle’s battery somewhere other than in the engine compartment. Here are four advantages of moving your battery:
- Moving the battery away from a hot engine compartment keeps it more stable and functional.
- Batteries are heavy components that can counterbalance engine components for better weight distribution.
- Tucking wires or installing a wire harness is only possible without a battery in the way.
- Moving the battery out of the engine compartment makes more room for aftermarket engine mods such as a cam and lifter kit.
Whether you’re racing or simply trying to put together the most efficient build, moving the battery is a critical step.
Where Should You Relocate a Battery?
There are two options when it comes to where you relocate your vehicle’s battery. Each has several advantages and disadvantages.
Trunk
The most common second home for a car battery is the trunk. Many sports cars come with the battery already in the trunk, such as the Dodge Challenger and the Dodge Charger.
A trunk battery counters the weight of the engine for a more ideal 50/50 weight distribution, allowing for smoother handling at higher speeds. Since most weight modifications involve moving the entire engine or fundamentally altering the structure of the car, moving the battery is a comparatively easy solution. Some people also use a trunk battery to help power extreme high-end audio systems.
Behind Passenger Seat
In some builds, the battery may be too large to fit in the trunk. The other option is to relocate the battery behind the passenger seat. This position puts the battery’s weight closer to the center of the vehicle, which can improve turn handling. However, this location is a less common option and is slightly more difficult to install.
How Do You Relocate a Battery?
Relocating a battery isn’t an extremely difficult process, but it’s not the place to cut corners or do a rush job. You’ll want a high-quality battery relocation kit that gives you everything you need for a stable battery relocation.
Install a Casing
You need to put your battery in a new steel casing specifically designed for the trunk or passenger seat placement. This specialized casing is designed to slot securely into the battery’s new home and keep it in place.
Rewire the Battery
After the battery is secure, you must use high-gauge cable to reconnect the battery to the car’s electrical system. Use a wiring diagram and take care with this step to protect your vehicle’s electrical components.
It’s a good idea to get professional help when relocating your battery, as it can be a high-risk process. Make sure to secure the battery well and wire it correctly for safe driving.