TXSZ66AVLANCHE
Full Member
Just got done installing the auxiliary battery in my 04 Z66. I wanted the install to look OEM but didn't want the headache of figuring out all the cables, wires, junction box, and relays. Here are the parts I used to install.
GM Dealer:
RETAINER,AUX.BATTERY HOLDDOWN 356668
TRAY,AUX.BATTERY 15246518
SCREW, BATTERY 11509853
CABLE, NEGATIVE 15321212
Summit Racing
BATTERY CABLE KIT, 2 GAUGE, SIDE POST SUM-G1198
eBay
STINGER GM SIDE POST PLATIMUN BATTERY TERMINAL STP55308
O'reilley Auto Parts
1/2 Diameter convelated conduit 12 feet
Installing the AUX battery tray is simple and uses existing hardware from the fender brace, the upper fender brace will need to removed permanently. The battery you install is up to you, I went with a Continental battery since it matches my primary battery.
Ground Cable
The ground cable I used is actually the same exact cable that is used on the primary battery, I chose this cable for several reasons #1 The length of the cable is perfect! #2 There is heat shield installed on the lower portion. Grounding the cable is done on the forward top bolt for the AC compressor, since there is heat shield on the cable the close proximity to the right side exhaust manifold will not be an issue. There is an extra wire (small) that is meant as a chassis ground when used on the primary battery that is not needed and can be removed from the cable if desired.
Positive Cable
The battery cable kit from Summit Racing comes with a short 12 inch ground cable that is not needed (ordered just for the positive cable) the positive cable is VERY FLEXIBLE and unlike the OEM cables is very easy to work with, install the conduit on the entire length of positive cable before you start routing the cable in the engine bay. If you still have the OEM intake and air box this routing will not work for you.
The positive cable is run between the coolant reservoir and battery and secured with a p clamp (p clamps comes with Summit kit) that attaches to the stud for the coolant reservoir. There are several holes that already exist in the fender that can be used to install retainers to route the cable and make a clean, professional looking install. Next the cable runs across the front of the radiator,there are many holes on the top of the radiator to install retainers in order to keep the cable off the radiator. Keep in mind that there is allot of extra cable and it either needs to be shortened or you can take up the extra space with your routing. I chose to route the cable between the driver side headlight and turn signal lamp and bring the cable in between the battery and driver side fender. FYI..all of the positive cable is hidden and is not visible when installation is complete.
Battery Terminal Connection
I am using a stinger GM side terminal temporarily until I can find a more OEM looking method to install. These are very easy to install, the OEM stud is removed and the Stinger terminal is installed in its place. The stinger terminal has a hole drilled in the center with a bolt to attach the cable from the AUX battery. Updates will follow when I piece together a better method to connect the AUX battery to the main battery.
Notes/Comments
Will add more pictures soon
AUX battery is not isolated
Battery gauge shows 13 volts without the engine running!
Battery gauge reads normal range with engine running.
GM Dealer:
RETAINER,AUX.BATTERY HOLDDOWN 356668
TRAY,AUX.BATTERY 15246518
SCREW, BATTERY 11509853
CABLE, NEGATIVE 15321212
Summit Racing
BATTERY CABLE KIT, 2 GAUGE, SIDE POST SUM-G1198
eBay
STINGER GM SIDE POST PLATIMUN BATTERY TERMINAL STP55308
O'reilley Auto Parts
1/2 Diameter convelated conduit 12 feet
Installing the AUX battery tray is simple and uses existing hardware from the fender brace, the upper fender brace will need to removed permanently. The battery you install is up to you, I went with a Continental battery since it matches my primary battery.
Ground Cable
The ground cable I used is actually the same exact cable that is used on the primary battery, I chose this cable for several reasons #1 The length of the cable is perfect! #2 There is heat shield installed on the lower portion. Grounding the cable is done on the forward top bolt for the AC compressor, since there is heat shield on the cable the close proximity to the right side exhaust manifold will not be an issue. There is an extra wire (small) that is meant as a chassis ground when used on the primary battery that is not needed and can be removed from the cable if desired.
Positive Cable
The battery cable kit from Summit Racing comes with a short 12 inch ground cable that is not needed (ordered just for the positive cable) the positive cable is VERY FLEXIBLE and unlike the OEM cables is very easy to work with, install the conduit on the entire length of positive cable before you start routing the cable in the engine bay. If you still have the OEM intake and air box this routing will not work for you.
The positive cable is run between the coolant reservoir and battery and secured with a p clamp (p clamps comes with Summit kit) that attaches to the stud for the coolant reservoir. There are several holes that already exist in the fender that can be used to install retainers to route the cable and make a clean, professional looking install. Next the cable runs across the front of the radiator,there are many holes on the top of the radiator to install retainers in order to keep the cable off the radiator. Keep in mind that there is allot of extra cable and it either needs to be shortened or you can take up the extra space with your routing. I chose to route the cable between the driver side headlight and turn signal lamp and bring the cable in between the battery and driver side fender. FYI..all of the positive cable is hidden and is not visible when installation is complete.
Battery Terminal Connection
I am using a stinger GM side terminal temporarily until I can find a more OEM looking method to install. These are very easy to install, the OEM stud is removed and the Stinger terminal is installed in its place. The stinger terminal has a hole drilled in the center with a bolt to attach the cable from the AUX battery. Updates will follow when I piece together a better method to connect the AUX battery to the main battery.
Notes/Comments
Will add more pictures soon
AUX battery is not isolated
Battery gauge shows 13 volts without the engine running!
Battery gauge reads normal range with engine running.