Batteries and wires to me have always been an eyesore when customizing cars, at least on RWD cars you can relocate them to the trunk and get the extra benefit of weight for more grip. Well in the case of the xB and it’s FWD no luck and I have to much in the back already.

I knew about the Tsunami battery power distribution top for the Optima and decided to try it out. Like always I had to mod it out to work like I wanted it to and to carry my BCP theme I am doing in the engine compartment.

For this mod I wanted to maintain the factory fusible link box (Red Square Thingy) and try to maintain a factory look and function as well.

So using my favorite tool the Dremel XP400 (this dremel is the cit!!! ) I went to work on it first I disassembled the piece and had it painted to match the BCP. Then I drilled and tapped the negative distribution block to be able to transfer my HKS grounding wires over for the grounding system.

Next I had to fabricate a side mount system to accept the factory fusible link box and maintain use of the positive terminal cap. After two attempts and $20 for an additional cover to mod I have a clean cover that snaps on correctly. I also used some Mallory Ignition pro wire separators to keep all the grounding wires grouped together for a cleaner looking install.

The part that I really liked the most is that I no longer have to have that ugly looking top battery mounting bar. Again thanks to my trusty dremel I modified a set of bottom mounts and was able to secure the battery at the bottom for a much cleaner looking battery install.

Overall it was time consuming my mods usually are I say this is about a 10 beer project 5 for prep and 5 for install. I like the appearance that it has now, but I am working on a remote AC to DC power connection underneath for shows and going to route the positive power cables better for appearance only. I recommend this mod but only to those that have some skillz and will maintain the factory fusible link system; it is there for safety and to protect your car form fire foo's!

Before:



After:



Unmodified:

 

looks like a tight fit but it sure looks great!

 

Nice mod! I always thought the Tsunami battery power distribution thing looked dope.

 

Where did you end up putting your catch tank? I didn't see it in the after picture.

 

can the optima be mounted on it's side?

 

Still there just did a tight shot of it cause my engine compartment is dirty from the road trip to NorCal for Import Motion

 

nevermind, just read up on em.

my battery is going under the car ! back by the ABS distributor

 

You might want to check out either one of the front corners... I know a guy who is running a optima on the driver side front corner and a Short ram intake... I was thinking about removing the Washer bottle (don't have wipers) on the passenger side and running a second battery there for shows

 

nah, i'll put mine under the car better f/r weight dist.

 

looks good! is your battery still tied down?

 

what does this thing do?

 

it's a ANL fuse holder attaches directly on the battery, it's mainly an aesthetic product, but a very cool one in my opinion.. it also beats having fuse holders screwed into your car, the only drawbacks are that they are designed to fit on a select amount of batteries...

 

I can say that IMO it actually holds better now with the bottom mounts.

 

How does it hold better? It's either secure or it isn't.

 

dude thats really cool....i didnt know they made something like that

 

Man, I saw that mod in person, and always, Dave's work is crisp and clean!

 

When using the factory top mount you can move it front to back even when very tight it can be moved. With the bottom optima mounts they contour to the round section as well as flat on the side so no movement and the 3/8" bolt is only 1.5 inches long compared to the 1/4" J bolts

Thanks Brad ya know I have to keep up my rep

 

looks clean, i like it. is there anyway to get rid of that red box thingy onthe + terminal?

 

I can't recommend it because of the safety issue that the fusible link provides for the electrical system and possible fire if it is bypassed and/or removed.

 

looks swwwweeettt.