MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
Is it a common change to relocate the battery into the engine compartment?
It seems like a logical change (if the room is available) because of shorter cable lengths, warmer environments, etc..
If so, does anyone have pictures?
I have a 1970 MGB and I was thinking of mounting the battery on the passenger side shelf near the firewall.
I wouldn't do it. If you ever go to sell the car, that just screams "DPO", and a buyer will wonder what other bodges have been made.
Besides, it's located where it is so that big lump is low and to the rear. Mounting it higher and more forward might adversely affect handling.
The first thing most folks did to cars back in the 60s was to relocate the battery to the right rear to aid traction....
Actually, it's more common to relocate the battery to the trunk/rear of car. Benefits include better weight distribution (front engine car) and the battery tends to last longer because of the cooler environment. Cable length does not seem to be a factor. I suppose you could put the battery under the hood of an MGB (perhaps ditch the heater?) but I don't know why you would.
Plus, if you did manage to relocate the lump to that position, any vapor or spillage, leakage, etc. would play pure Hell on the paint, not to mention the surrounding area. I would not recommend the change at all, but rest assured it has been done before by DPO's.
Jim B.
I saw this picture on this website and it gave me the idea. I then when and looked in my copy of Rick Astley's, MGB Electrical Systems and I though his was in favor of the move?
I will have to go back and review his comments. But I could swear that he felt the warmer engine compart and shorter cable lengths were positives.
It's not a common practice but it has been done on a few cars. Your battery may not live as long due to the underhood heat. Some people have the carbon canister in that location. The shorter wires would be a plus and it's easier to inspect the battery if it's sitting in front of you under the hood.
Clifton
The battery in currently in the trunk and the battery boxes are rusted out.
I would like to clean-up the trunk and use the battery boxes as storage.
I just reaquired the car from my relative. The car is the first car I ever owned, so it have nostalgic value. But frankly the car is trashed and will be a major project.
Here is a picture of the sill... pretty scary!
Back in the early 80s when I bought my GT, the PO had installed the battery there. I immediately switched to the stock location but there was already corrosion started. I'd leave it in the stock location.
As Carl and others have said the Midgets are under the hood. Somewhat convenient at times, but the battery vapors reek havock with the paint and other metal surfaces.
I definitely wouldn't move it - I don't think there is a good place to put it up front. If you go with a single battery (a Mazda battery if you really want small) that still leaves one battery case for occasional storage.
There is extra resistance due to the length - but not much if you use good cable.
All good points, thanks for the feedback. I am going to fix the battery boxes and put it back where it belongs.
You could put it in the passenger seat ;)
My first thought was, "where would you put it?" Folks have you covered here. I would rebuild the box (easy project) and then get a plastic battery bin to keep the road grime off it.
Good luck.
Heat is the enemy of batteries..
Standard location ,,get an " 0 " size cable and ends at NAPA..
Also you could look in a Summit cat for a remote solenoid they sell for GM cars,,
Like a TR,
Ask a Spitfire owner what they think of the idea.
If you just want more storage use one rear battery and add an ammo can to the underhood position.