Hello, The front end is currently dissasembled from my 70' Skylark 350cu. While I have access to the front, should I replace the battery tray to a bigger size? ( I plan to do a 455 swap. ) Is there even such a thing as a bigger battery tray? All input appreciated!
You can install a larger capacity battery without it being physically larger. I don't think a physically larger battery will fit. My GS has the correct size and there's just enough room between the AC lines and fender inner structure to drop the battery straight down onto the tray.
I see what you’re saying. But how do I go about buying the right size battery? Autozone doesn’t list the dimensions of the batteries, and I don’t want to accidentally buy one that is too big
I took a pic of my two batteries, one is for my GS, the other is for my GN. Physically they're the same size, but one is a larger capacity,I think the bigger capacity one goes in the GN, since that car has a MUCH higher electrical load than the GS. Even tho your going 455 from 350, your electrical load is not going to increase much if at all, unless you have big compression, electric pumps, fans, big stereo, etc.
I believe that’s what my father was anticipating. He was probably thinking that there would be a higher electrical load with the 455. I don’t plan on running anything fancy. Just 4 small speakers and a stereo Thank you for taking those pictures, I really appreciate it, and thank you for the info!
Your welcome! If you wanted to "upgrade" your electrical system, what I would do is run a larger amp alternator, my stock alt. on my 350 was 37 amp, LOL, I run a 62 amp or something like that, which is more than enough for my electrical demands. Also check the condition of your engine bay wire harness, its a good time to replace it when the engine is out. After 50 years the insulation dries and cracks, the wires get corrosion on 'em. Battery cables need to be clean, and have good contact. In a nutshell, the condition of the electrical system has more to do with reliability than anything
I had a spare large battery I put in mine when I first got it. There was enough room to get yer fingernails around the top lip and lower it in. Almost impossible to get back out the same way. IIRC, I used a battery strap to remove it. It also sat on the edge of the battery tray itself; NOT GOOD. The replacement is correct and fits the tray as it should, with a handle. ws
Type 24 battery with the positive terminal on the right hand side - closest to the engine. Top post for '70
