When setting up a car for drag racing, the conventional spot to mount the battery is as far back and to the right/passenger side as possible in the trunk to optimize traction. This definitely has some handling benefits too. This location improves weight distribution significantly...but can guys building for overall handling do better?
Every modification that I make to my Dart is done with the intention of making it more balanced, more responsive and enjoyable to drive all around...with that in mind, I'm thinking of mounting the battery in the well for the spare tire. Placing the tie-downs toward the front of the well should allow clearance of the gas tank and this has the benefit of lowering the CG of the car a bit and decreases the polar moment of inertia by placing that chunk of mass closer to the center of the car. This location is still aft of the rear axle, even if it's not completely optimal for weight distribution.
What do you think?