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Putting the battery in the trunnk is a common change made to all manner of cars being modified for competition. In almost every case, a car is weight biased toward the engine, and the Corvair is no exception. While the passenger footwell works really well for an all out track car, putting it in the trunk is a decent compromise. Rick Norris was kind enough to share his installation.
Here is how I did my battery in the trunk.
Originally, I had it mounted on the passenger side floor board as I did not have time to do the trunk deal. The battery is a racing dry cell from Performance Distributors and includes the heavy duty bracket they offer. It weighs 14 pounds and fits behind the right side light bucket.
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Images courtesy Rick Norris.
I bolted a steel plate to the frame horn, then bolted the bracket to the plate. I fabbed up a diagonal brace from aluminum strap and bolted it to the inner fender well. A note here. Anytime I have to fasten something to the sheet metal I always use rivit nuts. Much stronger and more durable for removing the item often without enlarging the hole as a sheet metal screw would.
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Images courtesy Rick Norris.
I ran the heavy 1 gauge cable down the tunnel to the starter. Any area that might rub the underside has a rubber insulated Adel style clamp or a piece of hose slipped over the wire. All terminals are properly crimped. I had to buy a $80 tool to do it!
At present the battery ground goes to the frame. The motor has several ground straps also but I plan to run a separate ground wire from the battery to the motor. This is good practice and all the car wiring manuals advise it.
Rick
Van Pershing did a very nice install that uses the Honda 51R battery, and is thus is more suitable for the street. I've included one of his photos here, you can see his full description on Van's site.
