Battery Hood Clearance

[90GTFIVO]

I just bought a red-top Optima battery (part#: 34/78-980) and now I'm trying to figure out if I have enough hood clearance. The hood shuts fine, but I'm worried the terminals might be touching the under hood mat. Has anyone installed one of these batteries in the factory tray on their foxbody, or have any good tricks to check hood clearance? My first thought was mark the terminals with chalk and close the hood, then open up to see if there is any chalk on the mat.

FYI: the Optima battery is 0.813 inches taller than the recommended battery for my car.

 

[f8tlfiveo]

you could do the chalk option, i have a optima battery in mine (red top) never looked to see if it hit the hood. if it is hitting the mat it should be leaving indents in it. can you lay underneath the car with the hood shut and see up to the battery?

 

[Grabbin' Asphalt]

tape with foam or soft something, when it sticks your at the limit

 

[90GTFIVO]

Thanks for the suggestions... I'll probably try the chalk and then the foam/tape methods.

 

[Saleen0679]

I've been running a Optima Red/Yellow 34/78 size for years without any problems in the stock battery location with a stock hood.

 

[Shakerhood]

You could put a lump of clay on the terminals and close the hood, you will find the exact clearance by how much it is mashed down.

 

[4G-KDMP]

I've been running a Optima Red/Yellow 34/78 size for years without any problems in the stock battery location with a stock hood.

Same here.

 

[90GTFIVO]

Thanks Saleen and 4G!