Trunk mounted battery...where to run alternator output?
 

If mounting a battery in the trunk and running the + up front to the starter, would you then run the alternator to the same lug on the starter? Specifically in an Ls swap if that matters.

That works.


Or you can create a positive power take off using a COVERED common buss bar -- then you have power in the engine bay for electric fan relays or anything else you'd need power for. Run the big positive from the battery to buss bar -- make a short jumper from there to the starter etc.





http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/a...0Fotos/_35.gif

I've used this version from West Marine a couple of times -- I like that it's nice and compact -- and the connector ring and screws are Stainless Steel......






http://i919.photobucket.com/albums/a...tos/540658.jpg

We used something very similar on the delivery I had. Marine supply stores have great electrical components without the "hot rod" mark up.
:thumbsup:

I did mine a little different. As I used the solenoid in the trunk so the long large line from the battery isn't live all the time, then from the alternator I went to this terminal block from Jegs.

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performan...10521/10002/-1

Then I connected one post to the alternator, then all other accessories, plus the charge line back to the battery in the trunk (8 gauge, I think) on the other post. Then for safety I connected the 2 posts with a fused link wire in the event something overloads. All tucks up into the block and seems to work well.

Woodrow.

Are you saying you used a Ford type solenoid?

rear battery
ran line up the passenger side of the car including the ground
2 bulkhead connectors on the floor board + and -
Other side of the bulkhead connector connects to the starter
Wire hidden from the starter to the alternator.

DSE kit is what i used

From what I've read, there are many variations to what people have done. This is what I am going for so far:

An XS D1200 battery mounted in a simple mount and hold down in the trunk.

2 AWG positive from the trunk to the lug on the starter. Not fused and not sure if it is ok to be live all the time?

4 AWG Fused some way to the same lug from alternator to starter

a 2nd 4 AWG to a distribution block like you guys have posted above from the alternator for the ECM and fuse panel of the car.

2AWG negative from battery to body in trunk along with multiple Negative grounding cables where needed.

A Negative distribution block some where in the engine bay from the frame (or engine...not sure if a block is even needed).

The car has no power windows, locks, defrost, etc. I only have a radio, the ECM/TCM, electric fans and the lighting.

Any opinions/suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Madd electrical has a very nice write up on mounting the battery in the trunk. He advises not to run your starter cable live at all times. I am looking for the link. When I find it I will post.

I just found the link. Thanks!