Modifying battery tray on 7th gen I4 for bigger batteries?

[Spac3d]

Hi guys, I am new here to DriveAccord.net.

I was wondering if anyone modified their battery tray in the 7th gen 4cyl to fit a battery bigger than 51. It looks like a D34 is just too big to fit without some sort of mod. Do I just have to cut the plastic? I haven't changed my battery in a while...

I could use a yellow top with more reserve for my car stereo, and they no longer make the 51 yellowtop.

If you can provide pics, I would appreciate it. I searched everywhere.

[greg-ster]

Welcome to DA!

The yellowtop D34 will fit in the tray...the tray will just bow outwards a little.

[Spac3d]

Originally Posted by greg-ster

Welcome to DA!

The yellowtop D34 will fit in the tray...the tray will just bow outwards a little.

Did you have to extend any of the cables to fit? It looks like 1 of the power cables may be a tight fit.

My upgraded grounds will be okay.

[CA05LXDriver]

I was just looking to do this. Apparently the group 35 will fit the v6 tray just fine, so I was going to order the parts below from slhondaparts.com (only 23.28 + tax and shipping). If you look below, the cable is the ground cable, the bolts are the j-bolts, the plate is the strap that goes over the top of the battery, and the box is actually the battery tray.

Part Number Description Quantity Price You Save
32600-SDB-A00 CABLE ASSY. 1 $7.47 $1.75
31513-SP0-010 BOLT A 2 $6.64 $1.56
31512-SDB-A01 PLATE 1 $5.05 $1.18
31521-SDB-A00 BOX, BATTERY (70D) 1 $4.12 $0.96
PRE-TAX TOTAL $23.28 $5.45

[CA05LXDriver]

Ordered all parts including Optima... all is on the way. I plan to post before/after shots if anyone is considering upsizing thier battery.

[CA05LXDriver]

Ok, so a couple important notes.

The group 35 battery is a perfect fit if you use the bigger battery box and wider hold down plate (both part #s below). You do not need the longer J-bolts unless you use the 1.5" spacer typically included with optima batteries. I didn't use the spacer because I like the battery as low as I can get it. Also, if you don't use the spacer, you'll need to trim the upper part of the battery box by about 1/2" along the top because otherwise the positive battery cable somewhat interferes with the batt box. If you use a regular (non-optima) battery this wouldn't be an issue.

Also, and an important note even for those who don't plan to use a larger battery, the ground cable that connects to then negative terminal is almost two times larger gauge cable on the V6 model!!!! The part # is also below.

32600-SDB-A00 CABLE ASSY. 1 $7.47
31512-SDB-A01 PLATE 1 $5.05
31521-SDB-A00 BOX, BATTERY (70D) 1 $4.12

Enjoy!