Trunk mounted battery questions

[409Biscayne]

I am getting ready to move the battery to the trunk of my '62 Biscayne. I have a couple of questions:
1. Where have other members mounted the master cut-off switch? I would like to accomplish this with a minimum of cutting in the trunk.
2. I want this set-up to be NHRA-legal so do I need a certified switch from the Moroso or Flaming River or can I use one from Summit/Jegs?
3. Are others using a solenoid close to the battery to avoid having an always hot cable to the starter?

I thought this was going to be easy...I should have known! Any other advice other than my questions above would be welcomed and appreciated.

[raymar58454]

When I done my 66 Impala years ago it had to be mounted where it was visible, luckily mine had a rear antenna so I mounted it there. Usually Jegs/Summit will list if it is a legal switch. I've heard of guys mounting the switch behind the license plate which they removed the plate when racing. Best to check their (nhra) website for rules.Hope this helped.:dunno
Ray

[jim_ss409]

I don't have a rule book here at home but if I remember right the NHRA rule is that the switch has to be mounted to the rear if the car and be clearly marked On and Off. I hope Aubrey doesn't mind me posting a picture of how he mounted his. I've also see guys sacrifice a tailite lens and mount the switch there. There are also some rules on mounting the battery. I think it either has to be in vented box or if not the trunk must sealed from the passengers compartment. I think they mean the opening behind the back seat and speaker openings etc. must be blocked off. I also remember that "J" hooks are not allowed unless the hook is welded closed. I hadn't thought about the remote solenoid but it seems like a good idea. I'm also going to be doing the same job soon but I don't think I'll use a remote. I think I'll just be carefull to mount the cable in a way that it can't rub through. I usually put a length of rubber hose over the cable anyplace where it can rub. Have you decided on a cable size yet? I wonder if you can get away with #2 sized cable or do you need #1? I'll try to remember to bring the rule book home tomorrow so I can look this stuff up.

One more thing... Has anybody used the Optima style battery. Is it any good?

[Tic's60]

I recently did mine and have been trying to figure out just how to mount the switch as well. The best idea I came up with so far on my 60 BelAir is to remove one light and use two pieces of round sheet that the switch can mount through the hole. This way I can easily put it back when done and head home.

The remote mounted solenoid works on standard type starters but if you use a perm magnet gear reduction starter they are not recomended. Kills them. After going to a gear reduction type starter I'll never go back to a stock one. The BBC has 11:1 and the little bugger spins it over like crazy. Even when hot.

[Ronnie Russell]

I used the same area as Aubreys, but more off to one side. 63 Impala.. I used #0 welding cable for the battery cables. Actually quite reasonable (price) Did not use remote solenoid.

[models916]

How does a remote selenoid cause damage to a gear reduction starter. I used one on mine for over 2 years without trouble. Delco brand mini. Seems unlikely, but? Never say never.

[Tic's60]

permanent magnet mini starters have issues with the remote Ford like soleniod from what I was told by manufactures and in some other groups. But only the
permanent magnet type all the others are fine. Why? I'd like to know as well.

[Firepower354]

The #2 and crimp terminals in a lot of kits are a bit light duty for a big engine. Optimas rock!

[jim_ss409]

Thanks Firepower.

I scanned the battery and switch info from the 2005 NHRA rule book. I'm not sure about this, but I don't see any thing in the rules that would prevent you from using a smaller switch to trigger a Ford style solenoid that was mounted near the battery. As long as the switch met the other requirements and was reasonably tough it might be okay. :dunno

[jim_ss409]

Here's a diagram I came across. It looks like a kit from Mad Ent. It looks like a bit more work but I guess it would pretty well eliminate any potential problems.

[jester]

" An electric power cut off switch (one only )

Is the relay an electric power cut off? Is this a second switch?
I'm asking , I don't know.
The previous owner of my car had the battery relocated . I could not stand the thought of all that power cable running next to fuel lines and exhaust pipes. I put in back where is belongs. Just my opinion, :rofl

[Skip FIx]

One other thing to look at is wiring the alternator in the switch also. the purpose is to be able to kill the motor etc if needed. Like jump starting a dead battery, it can keep running on the alternator.

[CDNpontiac409guy]

Good point. Skip.... this requires a second power power to run all the way from the switch to the alternator.

Yes, the rear seat back has to be sealed off with metal panel... completely. I have run a vent hose from the battery box, through one of the removeable plates in the trunk floor ( I just don't like cutting an original rust free trunk ).

[Firepower354]

You can run a push/pull setup to a switch inside the trunk and remove the handle when "not racing". Officially, I mean:)

http://superchevy.com/technical/interior/other/0302sc_whichweigh/

I think the Optima eliminates the need for a fully sealed rear seat area, as would using an approved battery box with a lead/acid conventional.

[409Biscayne]

Any suggestions/advice on the best way to run the battery cable forward to the starter?

[JimKwiatkowski]

I used 1 gauge postive cable,I ran the cable along the frame on the right side.I fastened the cable to the frame with cushioned clamps.the negative cable I ran from the batt to the rear part of the frame,on the front I bolted a negative cable to the engine block and then to frame.

[Dond409]

I run a remote solenoid with a mini starter. I have the wagon set up that way with no problems it's been like that for years. Race cars all over the country are set up like that.