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Thread: Battery location options

  1. #1
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    Battery location options

    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

  2. #2
    Senior Member Higgybulin's Avatar
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    Yama-bro just did this not too long ago. Full pics on the install in is build thread
    https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...light=yama-bro
    Post #263 I think it was

    Higgy
    Last edited by Higgybulin; 09-16-2018 at 05:50 AM.
    New MK4 kit picked up 4/10/23!!!
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    MK4 #9759 picked up on 4/3/19
    351C, 3 link, 17's, dual roll bars

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  4. #3
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    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.

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  6. #4
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    342F912A-689D-4CD6-BE84-026FDE5F23D3.jpeg

    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.
    MKIV complete kit w/powder coating and cut outs, serial #9189 delivered 10/10/17, first start - 10/5/18, legal - 10/08/20. Blueprint 306 w/Holley Sniper EFI, TKO 600, power steering, Breeze fan shroud, trunk cubby, & engine compartment battery kit, CNC brake reservoirs, RT turn signal & gas pedal, mechanical throttle linkage, METCO safety loop, GASN side pipes, drop trunk, dual chrome roll bars, vintage gauges, glove box, custom center console, cup holders, and speakers.

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  8. #5
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    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.
    20th Anniversary Mk IV, A50XS Coyote, TKO 600, Trunk Drop Box, Trunk Battery Box, Cubby Hole, Seat Heaters, Radiator hanger and shroud.

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  10. #6
    Senior Member John4337's Avatar
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    Another vote for the Breeze front mount, shorted cable runs, easier to get to, works great.

    John
    FFR #7388 - Mk 4 Complete Kit w/ IRS, Ordered 10/21/10, Delivered 12/8/10. 302 with FiTech and Under Car Exhaust, Heat & A/C, Rod Top. Hard top and shop built side curtains added 2023.

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  12. #7
    Senior Member phileas_fogg's Avatar
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    Add me to the number of Breeze advocates. Great product, superior customer service, and excellent instructions; you can't go wrong!


    John
    MK IV Roadster #8631
    Ford 302, Holley Terminator EFI, T5z, 3.55 Rear End, IRS, 17” Halibrand Replicas (9” front, 10.5” rear), Nitto 555 G2’s (275/40ZR17 front, 315/35ZR17 rear), Fast Freddie’s Power Steering, F5 Wilwood Brakes, FFMetal’s Firewall Forward, Forte’s Hydraulic Clutch & Throttle Linkage
    https://www.ffcars.com/threads/phile.../#post-4776313

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  14. #8
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    # whatever Breeze
    ---Boyd---
    MkIV #9042 build thread
    www.boss427.us
    427W, TKO600, Moser 3.55 rear.
    Delivered Feb 2017, Graduated Nov 4, 2019

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  16. #9
    Senior Member jrcuz's Avatar
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    Breeze also, Mark is great to work with.
    JR
    Mk4 complete kit #9059 ordered 1/19/17 delivered 3/23/17, 2015 IRS, Fortes/DART347,TKO 600, hyd clutch, P/S, 12.88 wilwood brakes front and rear, heater/defrost and vintage gauges
    First start and go-cart 4/11/18. Taken To Whitby Motorcars Greensboro, N.C. 2/5/21 for body/paint

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  18. #10
    Straversi's Avatar
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    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
    Mk IV #8901 - Complete kit, Coyote, TKO-600, IRS. Ordered 5/23/16, Delivered 7/14/16, First Start 8/13/17, First Go-Kart 10/22/17, Registered and Completed 10/18/18. Build Thread: http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showt...V-Coyote-Build Graduation Thread: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...-Roadster-8901

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  20. #11
    Senior Member cv2065's Avatar
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    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.
    MKIV Roadster - #9380 - Complete Kit - Delivered 7/17/18 - SOLD 5/2023
    Build Thread #1: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...V-Build-Thread
    MKIV Roadster - #TBD - Complete Kit - Delivered 11/6/23 - In Progress
    Build Thread #2: https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/show...Build-Thread-2

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  22. #12
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    Well, it looks like I'll be going with the front battery box then. Thanks to everyone for the recommendations.

  23. #13
    Senior Member TBull's Avatar
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    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

  24. #14
    Senior Member rich grsc's Avatar
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    Yes Dan it is a problem with the new IRS. There may be a work around

    Well it may fit better than I thought
    Last edited by rich grsc; 09-17-2018 at 06:47 PM.

  25. #15
    Senior Member Avalanche325's Avatar
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    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.

  26. #16
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    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.
    Mk4 #8861 Complete kit. Delivered: 27 Apr 2016, currently a roller.
    Gen-2 Coyote, clutch, TKO600, midshift, and solid axle from Forte. Many pieces from Breeze and Replicarparts.

  27. #17
    Senior Member mlewis's Avatar
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    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 …)
    Mk4 #9165, Base Kit with lots of options, Delivery on 08/17/2017, Coyote, TKO600, 2015 IRS, 18" Halibrands, 12.99" Wilwoods

  28. #18
    Senior Member BEAR-AvHistory's Avatar
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    Have a red top battery in a CNC bottom mounting plate in the trunk. Very easy to remove or hook charger leads too.

    Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 09-17-2018 at 07:58 PM.
    Kevin
    MKIV #8234
    Coyote '14/TKO-600/3-Link 3:55 Rear
    I love the smell of 100 octane in the morning.
    NITTO NT01 275X40X17ZR - 315X35ZRX17
    Delivered 2/7/14 - Plate "COYOTE NC1965" 3/25/15

  29. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by initiator View Post
    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.

  30. #20
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    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.
    Mk4 #8861 Complete kit. Delivered: 27 Apr 2016, currently a roller.
    Gen-2 Coyote, clutch, TKO600, midshift, and solid axle from Forte. Many pieces from Breeze and Replicarparts.

  31. #21
    Senior Member Avalanche325's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by initiator View Post
    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?

  32. #22
    Richard Oben's Avatar
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    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.
    Richard Oben FFR builder www.northracecars.com

    Need help finishing your project we can help here or at your shop.

    FFR GTM #34 first GTM with working AC. 400 hp LS1 w/G50
    FFR coupe 3617CP 331 Stack EFI T-5 IRS Cobra brakes, AC/heat.
    Both cars by NRC, we can build (and have built) any FFR product.
    We also make and sell a ton of great parts for the FFR community.
    Brake kits, AC systems, #1 supplier of Team III wheels.

  33. #23
    Senior Member DavidW's Avatar
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    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.

  34. #24
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    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

  35. #25
    Junior Member BULLITT428's Avatar
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    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.
    FFR 7570, 402sr ROUSH 455HP, TKO 5 speed, Wilwood brakes, IRS 327gears Torsen Diff, Forte's Hydraulic Clutch, 15to1 AGR Power steering rack and lots more it never seems to end?

    TEMPTATION: because willpower is no match for Horsepower!

  36. #26
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    Quote Originally Posted by BULLITT428 View Post
    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.
    20th Anniversary Mk IV, A50XS Coyote, TKO 600, Trunk Drop Box, Trunk Battery Box, Cubby Hole, Seat Heaters, Radiator hanger and shroud.

  37. #27
    Bill_VA's Avatar
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    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.
    Non-donor - Engine Factory 351w/400hp - TKO500 - 3-Link - Cobra brakes - FFmetal - Wilwood pedals - FR500 wheels - NCPainter

    Owner of FFmetal.com

  38. #28
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    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.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  39. #29

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    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.

    2017-07-16_09-59-46 by Frank Maslowski, on Flickr

  40. #30
    Senior Member skidd's Avatar
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    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.



    2016 MK4 | '99 Explorer 5.0 | E303&600cfm carb | T5z + 3.55 | 3-link | SN95 | PB/PS | FR500 17" 315&275 |

  41. #31
    Senior Member FLPBFoot's Avatar
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    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
    2nd MK4 #10639 received 3-19-23. Wife's version. Street Snake - IRS, Willwoods, no roll bars, no hood scoop, no stripes, Blue Print EFI 306 with AOD trans, and under car exhaust. Ford Eruption Green with saddle leather interior.
    1st build - Mk4 Roadster #9319, received 4-10-18. IL registration 8/6/19. Moser 8.8. 3 Link. Wilwood brakes. Blue Print 427, Holley 750, TKO 600, 0.64 OD. Paint Dec 2020. Ruby Red with Carbon Flash Black metallic stripes.

  42. #32
    Senior Member phileas_fogg's Avatar
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    Both Mark and Bill do nice work, don't they. Can't go wrong with either.


    John
    MK IV Roadster #8631
    Ford 302, Holley Terminator EFI, T5z, 3.55 Rear End, IRS, 17” Halibrand Replicas (9” front, 10.5” rear), Nitto 555 G2’s (275/40ZR17 front, 315/35ZR17 rear), Fast Freddie’s Power Steering, F5 Wilwood Brakes, FFMetal’s Firewall Forward, Forte’s Hydraulic Clutch & Throttle Linkage
    https://www.ffcars.com/threads/phile.../#post-4776313

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