[Shotimes] battery in trunk

[Robert Bruce]

1) I didn't run a separate PCM ground wire.  Just be sure the original PCM
ground wire is securely grounded at the shock tower area.  Go ahead and use
the short ground cable as supplied, but be sure you have a very strong
(mechanically and electronically) connection.  If you later have PCM issues
and suspect the ground, you could run a full length ground cable at that
time.  I don't believe you will ever need to add the full length ground
cable.

2) Although the positive cable is hot at all times, I don't see it as more
of a hazard than the existing positive cable you currently have.  The
location of the Taurus fuel tank is what makes this car on of the safest
rated cars on the road.  Fuel leakage from an accident is basically unheard
of for Tauri.  Therefore by locating the battery to the trunk doesn't
increase my fuel/battery fire hazard concerns. YMMV  You could move the
starter solenoid to the trunk, but then you will have to add additional
wiring for the starter and accessories.  This adds weigh and the main
purpose of moving the battery is to improve weight balance.  Others (Paul
Nimz?) have added a large inline fuse on the positive cable.  That is a
great idea if it would make you more comfortable.  The fuse is available
from http://www.waytekwire.com/.  I am sure Paul can tell us the proper part
number.

3) The starter motor location would be fine.  Alternatively you could mount
it at the main fuse box, next to the brake master cylinder.

Of course this is all just my $.02.  There are a dozen ways to install the
battery in the trunk and each way has it's merits.  The vast majority of
race cars have a short ground cable and no fuses or relays at the battery.
But then again race cars have their components inspected and maintained on a
regular basis.  Whereas with street cars these types of modifications get
installed and then basically forgotten.

Robert Bruce
92 w/3.2


-----Original Message-----
From: shotimes-admin@autox.team.net
[mailto:shotimes-admin@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of van Oss
Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2005 4:30 PM
To: shotimes@autox.team.net
Subject: [Shotimes] battery in trunk


Thanks to encouragement from Robert Bruce, I plan to take the plunge and
move the battery to the trunk in my 92 MTX.  I am using a Summit Racing kit
bought at the Maryland convention.  A few questions, please forgive me if
they've come up before.

1. This kit has a short ground wire; it definitely depends on grounding
through the body.  It's been said the PCM can get flaky unless it's grounded
directly to the battery.  Shall I run a separate PCM ground wire back to the
battery?  If so, what gauge?  How (which pin) would it connect to the PCM?

2. I wonder about the 2-gauge red positive wire being charged at all times.
What happens in a crash?  If I move the starter relay to the trunk, how does
the car get power for accessories when that relay's off?

3. I have a headlamp-relay harness in this car.  Can I keep it?  Currently,
that harness connects directly to the battery.  Shall I reroute the red
wires to the point where the big red cable attaches to the starter motor?

VO
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