Since I already have the most expensive part (and all the cabling) sitting in my closet, I'll be relocating the battery (an Optima yellow top group 31) to the trunk of my Duster as I'm piecing together parts for the 4spd conversion.

I'm planning on using terminal blocks from Mad Electrical and 1/0 welding cable with soldered on copper ring terminals. I'm also planning to have one terminal block for positive and another for ground, mounted in the engine bay. Since the alternator will be connected to the + terminal block for charging, should I also use a 1/0 cable to go from the alternator to the terminal block, or can I still use 4AWG (actually if that's the case I'd use 2AWG since I'll install a 94A Delco alternator soon thereafter)?

Also, can anyone recommend a good (preferably clean, almost stock looking) method to secure the battery in the trunk? I have a feeling this is going to turn into a bigger project than what I've got envisioned now, so that's why I'm planning it out well in advance.

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

Weellll, I just used the stock tray from the front when I put a battery in the trunk on my valiant.
It looks kinda stock that way...
It might be better to get a proper box to protect the battery, at least if you are like me, and have "junk" laying in your trunk.

It is going to be a bigger project than you envision, and I'm kinda curious...why you're doing it? It is not advantageous on a street car, and the conversion represents hours and dollars (and sweat) better spent elsewhere.

Also, be very careful with Mad Electrical. They sell some decent parts, but a great deal of their advice is ignorant and/or halfassed BS.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

The main reason: 'cuz I wanna

I've already got the huge battery which was intended as being part of a dual battery project on my truck, but I haven't gotten around to making space for it and figured if I go ahead and put it in the Duster, I can at least start getting my money's worth out of it. I've already got that, a huge load or welding cable of all sizes (don't ask), a stockpile of solder-on copper ring terminals and shrink tubing. All I need now are terminal blocks and a way to secure the battery (and keep stuff from sliding into it).

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

1. Get a real battery box from Summit, Jegs, or someone. Properly install that.
2. Make a cardboard cover for the box.
3. Wrap the box with nice "Happy Birthday" paper.
4. Don't forget a bow.
5. Extra points if the wrapping paper and bow match your paint.


This might work for a nitrous bottle, as well ...

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

I saw some trick billet (expensive) Optima-only holdowns advertised, but can't remember where exactly. They didn't enclose the battery, just held it down.

I've also seen generic battery trays at local auto parts stores; those plus to stock threaded rod holddowns would look fairly stock, but the Optima battery wouldn't.

Maybe you could fab a plastic lined/steel exterior box to just hide and protect the above. A marine-style battery box might be better from a safety standpoint, but would probably look the part.

Out of curiosity, what are you doing for short protection?

An Optima is sealed, so I really don't think you need a battery box. (and you can mount it sideways or upside down if you want)

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

While gel-cells can be mounted any orientation and don't produce hydrogen normally, in case something goes very wrong (like overcharging due to regulator failure - I've had it happen), it might be a good idea to give the resulting gas someplace to go.

Our club project '68 Fury is planning on 2 batteries in the trunk, and I've been considering how to do for maximum reliabilty & safety and minimal cost, so please let us know how it goes.

The Optima is not a gel-cell.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

And to answer the next question, it's a spiral AGM (absorption glass mat)

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

Yeah I saw those too. They look pretty sweet, but they don't make 'em for the giant commercial G31 I'm installing. The thing's a monster. I have a feeling I'm going to have to fab up something myself for it.

As far as circuit protection, I'm not sure yet. Haven't gotten that far into planning the installation. I'm certainly open to suggestions though...

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'74 Duster w/ HEI ignition, beat to snot suspension, A904, 8.25" 3.55 SG rear, still being tuned up and gets 17 MPG

Know how they always build a better idiot? That's me

FYI :
If for any reason you need to charge or have your Optima battery checked make sure the equipment has AMG capabilities !!!
If an Optima battery is put on a non-AMG setting it can damage or possibly explode the battery !!
In the past I have worked for Advance Auto Parts and used their equipment, I also own an Optima red top.

Thanks jeff

Sorry - AGM , sometimes I wix up my mords

What about using a stock battery box out of an A100. The one I pulled out the the 108 I'm parting out has the adjustable bracket for different size batteries, plus has the rubber grommets which the battery cables go through. For venting the factory used a circular hole under the battery (since the battery doesn't sit on the box floor) through a same size hole on the floor. Could remove one of the trunk floor plugs and mount the box there.

What about using a stock battery box out of an A100. The one I pulled out the the 108 I'm parting out has the adjustable bracket for different size batteries, plus has the rubber grommets which the battery cables go through. For venting the factory used a circular hole under the battery (since the battery doesn't sit on the box floor) through a same size hole on the floor. Could remove one of the trunk floor plugs and mount the box there.