Battery location options

[Saleen9165]

Is there anyone here who has done the battery box from FFmetal.com? It looks clean, but I'm envisioning REMOVING the battery to replace after the body is on, and wondering how much of a pain in the *** that might be.

Looking for other options / experience from others.


Saleen

[Higgybulin]

Yama-bro just did this not too long ago. Full pics on the install in is build thread
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?25743-Yama-Bro-s-MK4-Build-Thread-9158/page7&highlight=yama-bro
Post #263 I think it was

Higgy

[Murd]

I used the forward mount from breeze and am very happy with it, highly recommended. Moves the weight to a better spot and easy to access. Much easier to disconnect negative for working on the car too.
I know many of the pro builders on here use it on ever build.

[RJD]

93620

Love my front battery box from Breeze. Easy to get to and no need to run a battery cable all the way from the back of the car.

[Railroad]

I am still in the build process, but did install the rear battery box. I am thinking a battery swap will be a test of strength and caution. I have the drop trunk box, so no place to put your knees in reaching the battery, which will have to be raised under the arched 3/4" hoop, avoiding hitting the terminals against the metal. With arms fully extended you will need to lift the battery, just clear of the box and draw toward yourself. I have not practiced the procedure, just tried to think it out, before it is needed.

[John4337]

Another vote for the Breeze front mount, shorted cable runs, easier to get to, works great.

John

[phileas_fogg]

Add me to the number of Breeze advocates. Great product, superior customer service, and excellent instructions; you can't go wrong!


John

[Boydster]

# whatever Breeze :cool:

[jrcuz]

Breeze also, Mark is great to work with.
JR

[Straversi]

I used the trunk drop battery box. It is not easy to remove the battery with the body on but it is not a big deal. Not something I plan on doing very often. I like it. Extra room in the trunk and a clean engine compartment. Just a matter of personal preference.
-Steve

[cv2065]

I’ll be going with the Breeze front mount. From what I’ve read, you can’t use the FFMetal rear battery box in recent MKIV frames.

[Saleen9165]

Well, it looks like I'll be going with the front battery box then. Thanks to everyone for the recommendations.

[TBull]

Does anyone know if you have an older MK4, does the FFMetal battery box interfere with maintenance or removal of the IRS center section? Thanks

[rich grsc]

Yes Dan it is a problem with the new IRS. There may be a work around

Well it may fit better than I thought

[Avalanche325]

These cars need the weight in the rear if you plan on doing any performance driving.
Ease of access is a once in maybe 7 year concern. 20,000 miles and I have never touched my battery. I have, however, wished for more traction in the rear.

[initiator]

To safe the battery for removal from a trunk well, would be fairly easy to 3D print terminal caps with (plastic or nylon) set screws.

[mlewis]

I have the new IRS frame.

Working on a custom drop box to put two 6V batteries in series (following FFMetal's lead). Will let you know how it goes (once complete …)

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Have a red top battery in a CNC bottom mounting plate in the trunk. Very easy to remove or hook charger leads too.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/511PMxdYymL.jpg

[davekp]

To safe the battery for removal from a trunk well, would be fairly easy to 3D print terminal caps with (plastic or nylon) set screws.
Or use blue tape.

[initiator]

That wouldn't be nearly as much fun, would it? I've arced through blue tape on impact, but several layers should do the trick.

[Avalanche325]

That wouldn't be nearly as much fun, would it? I've arced through blue tape on impact, but several layers should do the trick.

How about electrical tape? Hence the name, blue tape is masking tape. Not exactly made for insulation. Or save the plastic caps that come on the battery when you buy it?

[Richard Oben]

FFmetal box in a fairly new mk 4 works great. We have done the FF metal boxes for years. Breeze is great but the front can get crowded. JMHO. Richard.

[DavidW]

The battery in the trunk is the ideal place for me, a battery just doesn't look right under the hood. Use the red optima battery with the side terminals in the trunk installed as the build instructions mention and upgrade from the FFR 4 gauge wire to a 0 gauge wire. I don't see any reason to have constant access to the battery... if you need a trickle charger a permanent trunk mount would be ideal.

[Jim1855]

This may or may not help.

My plan for my MK IV Challenge Car build with 2015 IRS is to put a Braille B3121 below the upper trunk level, behind and to the passenger side of the diff center. From my evaluation a dedicated box and battery just fits. It should lift straight up even with the additional cross bar for the Challenge Car. I would like the weight lower but the 21# Braille would be only about 10-12" above the axles. From this location the battery cable is about 8' long.

Jim

[BULLITT428]

I used the battery box from FFmetal.com I was very impressed at how easy it was to install and the fit up and look were great!! I wanted the weight in the rear for performance driving.

Ed.

[Railroad]

I used the battery box from FFmetal.com I was very impressed at how easy it was to install and the fit up and look were great!! I wanted the weight in the rear for performance driving.

Ed.

In my post, I listed my concerns, but am pleased with the product. I have the FFM box mounted up and look forward to having the battery in the rear and not taking up space, otherwise. The box is very well designed and made. I am lugging up my cable ends and wiring in the cut off switch, presently.

[Bill_VA]

14 years ago, I bought everything that FFmetal (Linwood) had; firewall forward, larger footboxes, F-panel without a hole, radiator shroud, and the battery box. Now I are FFmetal! I've only had to get to my battery twice in 14 years. The key is using remote battery terminals and a cutoff switch. Hint, leave the battery handle on, makes it easier to pull it out of the box.

[Fugi]

I also have the IRS and wanted a rear battery location, so I had a friend weld up a box for me with 2 Optima 6v in series. Here is what it looks like.

[i.e.427]

We made room for a small AGM battery in the wheel well of this MK4. Way easy to get to and out of the way.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4327/35933161676_88b8be0b1d_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/WKhR5h)2017-07-16_09-59-46 (https://flic.kr/p/WKhR5h) by Frank Maslowski (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152631091@N02/), on Flickr

[skidd]

I just wasn't a big fan of the rear battery myself. So...
Some steel, a neighbors welder, bit of paint, thread tap and some large body-bolts from TSC. Made my own front battery box for pennies.

https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/zp/cache/Shanes%20Cobra/TheBuild/IMG_20170212_111049330_595.jpg

https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/zp/cache/Shanes%20Cobra/TheBuild/IMG_20170212_111005745_595.jpg

[FLPBFoot]

Well, I went with both. I have the Breeze front battery mount for the battery and also purchased the FF Metals drop box for the truck since they are so small. I hate to have the wasted space under the top shelf of the trunk. I have the Moser 3 link so no issue with the IRS cross member. I'm using the FF Metals drop box as my tool/extra parts storage compartment in my trunk. Got a flocking kit from Flockit.com and the FF Metals box looks beautiful.

A bit pricey but I think worth the extra storage space in the trunk.

Steve

[phileas_fogg]

Both Mark and Bill do nice work, don't they. Can't go wrong with either.


John