Dual battery setup on VT-VZ

[mechatron]

Hi Guys,

Who on here has a dual battery setup in their VT-VZ? ie dual batteries under the bonnet (the 2nd one where the air box goes)

What parts are involved and how much does it cost? Can you fit a standard battery tray somehow or does something need to be fabricated up? And is running two batteries off the standard LS1 alternator a bad idea?

Pics would be good too. Thanks heaps

[brycieboy]

i cant help to much with the under the bonnet side of things. i ran a dual battery set up in my VU, tho i had both batteries in the tub.

i ran a red arc Smart Start SBI 12V 100A (SBI12), all joined tiogether with 35mm2 welding cable (welding cable is good cause its flexable and double insulated. i probably could have gone up to 50mm2 as i used to run that with my last set up. tho i had no issues with the smaller size.

[feistl]

Just out of interest, why are you running dual batteries?

[white lie]

I run two for my stereo. More for engine off listening time than anything but it isn't exactly a small system so its warranted even with the alternator running.

[feistl]

I can understand for engine off listening time, but i would have thought its a much better idea to upgrade your alternator than more/bigger batteries. For my system i put in a 250amp alternator (Does 150amp at idle) and a Optima D34. Im doing ~1500wrms as well as running a bunch of extra electrical stuff and never had an issue. Granted the run time with the engine off isnt great, but this generally isnt an issue. If the battery does die, 5 minutes with the engine on charges the battery up nicely.

Not saying dont do multiple batteries, just be sure thats the best solution for the problem.

Cheers

[mechatron]

Thanks for the reply guys. I'm just after the dual battery setup mainly for engine off listening. I'm currently running a 2000W rms system with a 200A fuse for 2 amps ...1200W rms Alpine PDX-M12 and 4 x 200W rms Mosconi AS200.4 amp.

Anyone on here with dual batteries under the bonnet? If so can you please post some pics up? Thanks

[swingtan]

With the VT-VZ body, you can run an OTR intake and put a battery over where the stock air box goes.

Just make sure the wiring and isolators are up to the job and you should always be able to start the car. Your other option is to keep a small jump starter pack in the boot in case the battery gets too flat.

Simon.

[IJ.]

VZ's are already a bit of a Lead Tipped Arrow.... can't see running 2 batteries in the front helping this.

Boot mounted with decent 13mm Copper multistrand welding cable for the + and - would be preferable.
(been running this setup in multiple cars for 25+ years now.)

[duke5700]

You ended up with a US Alternator didn't you Errol? Off a late model GTO?



I can understand for engine off listening time, but i would have thought its a much better idea to upgrade your alternator than more/bigger batteries. For my system i put in a 250amp alternator (Does 150amp at idle) and a Optima D34. Im doing ~1500wrms as well as running a bunch of extra electrical stuff and never had an issue. Granted the run time with the engine off isnt great, but this generally isnt an issue. If the battery does die, 5 minutes with the engine on charges the battery up nicely.

Not saying dont do multiple batteries, just be sure thats the best solution for the problem.

Cheers

[XUV]

Go to a 4x4 shop , as they do alot of dual battery set-ups and they could probably make a battery cradle up for you too,

unless you'er a hands on guy that wants to do it yourself, wouldn't be to hard ,

Heap of kits out there , spanning every budget.

the redarc one has a main battery bypass ( as most kits should) that allows a button in your cab ,
so you can start off your 2nd battery, if ya main battery's flat. ........ we've been here before ..........

[feistl]

You ended up with a US Alternator didn't you Errol? Off a late model GTO?

Actually ended up with a Nations Alternators "Workhorse" (http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/ad-244.html) series alternator. From everything i read, they produce the best quality alternators and a "reasonable" price. Only mistake i made was purchased a 2 pin version initially (Which fits VZ-VE-VF) instead of the 4 pin version. So if anyone wants a 250amp alternator to suit a VZ+ V8 thats only been bolted to an engine for 15 minutes, shoot me a PM :P.

[duke5700]

I bought a Mechman.. waiting to see if it performs or it is a dud..


Actually ended up with a Nations Alternators "Workhorse" (http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/ad-244.html) series alternator. From everything i read, they produce the best quality alternators and a "reasonable" price. Only mistake i made was purchased a 2 pin version initially (Which fits VZ-VE-VF) instead of the 4 pin version. So if anyone wants a 250amp alternator to suit a VZ+ V8 thats only been bolted to an engine for 15 minutes, shoot me a PM :P.

[white lie]

I can understand for engine off listening time, but i would have thought its a much better idea to upgrade your alternator than more/bigger batteries. For my system i put in a 250amp alternator (Does 150amp at idle) and a Optima D34. Im doing ~1500wrms as well as running a bunch of extra electrical stuff and never had an issue. Granted the run time with the engine off isnt great, but this generally isnt an issue. If the battery does die, 5 minutes with the engine on charges the battery up nicely.

Not saying dont do multiple batteries, just be sure thats the best solution for the problem.

Cheers

I'm more up around the 4.5kW mark ;) My sub amp alone is wired to do 2500 but can do 3600wrms.
Doesn't seem to have any issues with good wiring and the dual batteries but the larger alt is on the list... But then I must be getting old as I dont tend to have it right up these days

But then like yourself, have more fuel pumps and whatnot to run.

[mechatron]

Thanks guys. I might just upgrade my current Delkor battery to a Deka Intimidator (remain as single battery setup) and put a portable 12V jump starter in the boot. I would charge the jump starter regularly too

[XUV]

Thanks guys. I might just upgrade my current Delkor battery to a Deka Intimidator (remain as single battery setup) and put a portable 12V jump starter in the boot. I would charge the jump starter regularly too

throw your delkor in a battery box with cig
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDUwMA==/z/L5wAAOxyTjNShXYz/$_12.JPG

I have a similar set-up in the back of my ute, but it charges off the main battery and has anderson, cig, usb outlets
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTE5NVgxNjAw/$T2eC16JHJHIE9nysd6RkBQNF)-6Syw~~60_57.JPG

It's a just in case thing, as well as I run a few things off it.

Heaps of options.

[mechatron]

That's pretty cool XUV, can you please post up a link where you bought it from?

[XUV]

That's pretty cool XUV, can you please post up a link where you bought it from?

the one i got
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dual-battery-system-Battery-Box-portable-battery-box-dual-battery-kit-USB-/261379099200?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cdb688a40&_uhb=1
http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mj72rwhNO4jUunkJP5wT1sg.jpg

he was starting at no reserve, but now at $265.00 start, so there must be a bit in it , I got mine at $201.00 in 2012, maybe inflation.

plain battery box
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BATTERY-BOX-HOLDER-CASE-12V-12-VOLT-AGM-DEEP-CYCLE-DUAL-BATTERIES-PLASTIC-NEW-/400353435329?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d36ec9ec1&_uhb=1
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDUwMA==/z/L5wAAOxyTjNShXYz/$_12.JPG

[IJ.]

Actually ended up with a Nations Alternators "Workhorse" (http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/ad-244.html) series alternator. From everything i read, they produce the best quality alternators and a "reasonable" price. Only mistake i made was purchased a 2 pin version initially (Which fits VZ-VE-VF) instead of the 4 pin version. So if anyone wants a 250amp alternator to suit a VZ+ V8 thats only been bolted to an engine for 15 minutes, shoot me a PM :P.
You have a PM ;)

[mechatron]

the one i got
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dual-battery-system-Battery-Box-portable-battery-box-dual-battery-kit-USB-/261379099200?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cdb688a40&_uhb=1
http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mj72rwhNO4jUunkJP5wT1sg.jpg

he was starting at no reserve, but now at $265.00 start, so there must be a bit in it , I got mine at $201.00 in 2012, maybe inflation.

plain battery box
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BATTERY-BOX-HOLDER-CASE-12V-12-VOLT-AGM-DEEP-CYCLE-DUAL-BATTERIES-PLASTIC-NEW-/400353435329?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d36ec9ec1&_uhb=1
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTAwWDUwMA==/z/L5wAAOxyTjNShXYz/$_12.JPG

Thanks bud. I'll look into getting that plain box and whacking my Delkor in it

[XUV]

repco might be you friend
http://images.lasoomedia1.com.au/imageicon/rep/prod/j00560031/c_001/page_007/repco_battery_boxes_007df255_org.jpg

[mechatron]

Nice find XUV. Do you know how long these are on special for?

[IJ.]

Have used these once before, they're made from very brittle plastic.

[XUV]

Nice find XUV. Do you know how long these are on special for?
http://catalogues.repco.com.au/home.html till sunday

[mechatron]

http://catalogues.repco.com.au/home.html till sunday

Thanks bud

[XUV]

Have used these once before, they're made from very brittle plastic.
yes ,Bakelite had that problem :P

[mechatron]

Decided to buy this instead. $148 for today only (SCA 20% off store wide).

http://m.supercheapauto.com.au/Product/SCA-Jumpstart-1900-Amp-Heavy-Duty/283448

I read some reviews on these powered battery boxes and the terminals apparently rust pretty quick and the indication LEDs don't last very long either.

[izaks]

I bought a Mechman.. waiting to see if it performs or it is a dud..

Hope you have better luck than I did with the Mechman.
It arrived with the incorrect mounting position, which I had to change before it would fit.
First time the regulator failed, and destroyed my battery
Second time it destroyed itself, so bad that the outer case was melted.
Go for the GM AD244 (uprated by Nations, amongst many others)