Battery downsizing / replacement

[noone]

My 2006 GTI is due for a new battery, I have no symptoms of it dying yet, but I would like to replace it before it stops working as it happens quite suddenly to some.

Thinking of going down to a compact battery, saving some weight, making some room and getting rid of the excess garbage around the area. May assist me to move to a POD setup (maybe).

I've seen a little info on it, but can't find much. I'll need to make up a battery cage / holder, which should not be too difficult. My main concern is relocating the existing connections and any rewiring if the stock cable is not long enough.

Can anyone help me with what they've done or does anyone want to work with me on a little DIY project?

[kaanage]

PM vwthunder for some pics and advice on this - he spent a lot of time and effort on this and his battery setup is very nice indeed.

[vwthunder]

PM vwthunder for some pics and advice on this - he spent a lot of time and effort on this and his battery setup is very nice indeed.

Oh thanks

Hang on i willl try to find some pics

I made a flat tray, out of 6mm aluminium plate
You can buy the earth cable already done, which i did
I had to extend the positive cable, just used a car audio joiner from Jaycar
You will be amazed how much room is in there when you remove the airbox and battery

[vwthunder]

Sorry dont have any really good pics

You can actually see the join under the heat shrink on the positive wire

[Greg Roles]

I believe Polar is still running his tiny Deka motorcycle battery in his MKV GT TSI, but mine started to get weak after a year of turning over the high compression diesel and running my big sound system, I have a mid sized Oddessy and it's been awesome, plus a fraction of the stock size.

[Spec83]

Mine died suddenly the other week and I replaced it with a golf spec item which had more CCA's.... The battery cage is a complete pain in the ass to get out, I broke the rear mount off so I won't have the same problems next time