As the title says, if you are relocating your battery to the trunk MUST you install a battery cut-off switch?

If you don't race and don't have to meet NHRA requirements for an external easily visible switch that cuts all power, should you install one anyway?

Many thanks!

 

No, but it's not a bad idea and heres why. When you put the battery in the rear the wires are much longer and you increase the likelyhood of perhaps having the wire chafe causing a momentary short. With a battery guage wire the wire will begin to burn and eventually melt possibly causing a fire or the battery to explode. A cutoff sw right off the battery that you can get to quickly may just save the car. Up to you.

 

the reson you want a external disconnect is for safety crew or anyone stop fuel pumps in event of a crash on race track. stilla good idea to have one on any car just to kill power without having to unhook battery

 

Do BMW's have a large inline fuse since they have the battery in the trunk from the factory, at least my friends older 3 series did.

 

Firehawks do not use a cutt off switch and they were still IMSA and SCCA legal at the time of production...

 

I think some tracks require a cutoff switch if the battery is relocated to the rear of the car, other than that, assuming you routed the wire correctly, there is no reason to install a cutoff switch....

Whatcha gonna do if you roll the car? Jump out and shut the battery off? If I can get out, I'm leaving the scene ASAP.

 

the battery cut off isn't for the driver to use, it's for safety people to use to kill power to car and fuel pump in the event there is a crash and the driver is trapped and say a fire fed by the fuel pump that's still running

 

I realize that...that's why I mentioned some tracks require it.

But if you just doing it for weight distribution, there's no actual need to have one installed.

 

Many thanks for all the comments guys!! Later this week I'll be relocating the battery and installing a cut-off switch as you suggested.

 

If you show up at the track with a 9-second C3 Corvette with the battery installed in the stock location, do you think they'll DQ you for NOT having a battery disconnect? They came with the "back seat" battery for over 15 years. I think I may have to get out my tire iron to "explain" that one to them if that occurred.

 

vader I have a question for you though
the z06 is capable of a high 11 stock if done right

if you are able to run a 11.98 wich is faster then the 11.99 roll cage listing

would I have to add one just to run my stock z06?

 

11.49 or faster is the cage rule for IHRA (and I think NHRA as well). It could also vary by track as well.

 

Hey Doc, where are you going to put your switch? If you need any pictures for an install behind the license plate I have a few for ya to look at.

 

It appears NHRA is going to adopt that for 2005.