I bought a Moroso battery box because it is considered the only legal battery box for a hatchback. I wanted a nice looking setup for my battery relocation setup, so instead of the 18'' $45 battery boxes I went ahead and got the smaller $100 Moroso. My battery is a Drycell, Optima Red Top.

I cut holes on the bottom of the box to keep the wires flowing with the carpet to keep them out of the way (had I cut them on top of the box they would be dangling)

I'm just wondering if my setup is still going to be NHRA Legal considering the drycell use?

Here's a picture:


Notice the position of the holes?

 

I believe with a dry cell you dont need the box, I think.

 

in order to be NHRA legal, battery must vent to outside the car, and you must run an external cut off switch located on the back of the car.

 

The Moroso box is NHRA accepted in it's original form. It's designed for the cables to come out the top, as I remember. By cutting holes in the box, you've modified it and therefore negated it's acceptance.

The NHRA rulebook does not make distinctions for dry cell batts. NHRA does not want to put a tech inspector in the position of determining whether a battery is wet cell, dry cell or gel. (Think lawsuit.) Also, even though a dry cell eliminates the exposure to liquid acid in the event that the battery case is ruptured, you still have to deal with fumes, and possibly shorting against metal, etc. So the rule is written to include "all" relocated batteries. Same with the cut off switch.

It sounds harsh, but these rules have been developed through experience over a long period of time. In this lawsuit ravaged country, this kind of approach is a necessary evil in order to protect ALL of us, and our right to race.

If you have any questions like this, it's easy to call or email NHRA tech at 626-914-4761, ask for tech. You'll talk to either Pat or Eric, and if you get voicemail, they WILL call you back. Or you can email them at pcvengros@nhra.com, or elowe@nhra.com. Pat is actually tech director at the Sport Compact Series events, and Eric has worked Sport Compacts as well. You can also contact me at jskelly@nhra.com.

 

Well what everyone is saying makes perfect sense, and I know the drycell subject is a little tricky due to the lack of mention, but the instructions even say to cut holes for cables. In reality, I guess it just depends on the tech.

A few AutoX guys I know have drycells with an 'H' battery holder and welded J-bolts just sitting in plain view, yes, even in a hatchback.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GrayT &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Well what everyone is saying makes perfect sense, and I know the drycell subject is a little tricky due to the lack of mention, but the instructions even say to cut holes for cables. In reality, I guess it just depends on the tech.

A few AutoX guys I know have drycells with an 'H' battery holder and welded J-bolts just sitting in plain view, yes, even in a hatchback.</TD></TR></TABLE>

well the actual nhra tech has spoken in the post above you

and thats autox.. where cusco bars are also legal..

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JL &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">well the actual nhra tech has spoken in the post above you

and thats autox.. where cusco bars are also legal..</TD></TR></TABLE>

I know, but I was pointing out how it just pretty much depends on the tech to qualify the legallities regardless of what the rules are. A little crooked.