CS Prototype Battery Box-Install review

[WetzMS3]

So last weekend I was given a prototype @CorkSport battery box by @silvapain. CS sent it to him for testing. He had issues fitting it in a Gen 1. I am not exactly sure what the complications were in his Gen 1. But since it didn't fit, CS told him to pass it on to a Pu. That is where I step in.

Let me preface this with, I have not figured out how to post pics, mid thread yet. So what should read/look like instructions, will be a wall of text and pictures below. Sorry.

The prototype box itself is good looking. The finish is rough on at points because it is a a early version, as you'll see in pictures. There are also scratches on the exterior that I assume are from Dan trying to fit the box to Elisa Joy. It came with 4 5mm Allen bolts to attach the top, 4 bolts to attach attach the OEM 10mm nuts to secure the ECU, a slick looking battery tie down, and two nasty looking long bolts for the tie down, 1 with a wing nut, 1 with a 10mm bolt.

Obviously I started by disconnecting the battery and removing it and the stock battery box. I removed the ECU cover, and disconnected it, labeling each connection because I figured things may get messy. Then I removed the ECU heat shield, and ECU bracket from the OEM battery box. Total of 6 screws, 4 P3, 2 P2. I disconnected the ground line near the strut tower so it could be fed through the box. Then I disconnected both hot lines into the battery connector.

This is where my initial fail begins. For some reason I assumed the ECU was being relocated to the front face of the battery box. So I attached the ECU to the box in that location. This caused a few issues.

The box itself is large. Taller and probably close to as long as the stock box. In order to get the box in place I had to route the fuse box positive cable through a hole, while angling the box into place. The bracket holding the wire harness clip was in the way and had to be removed in order to get the box into place. I also removed the white harness clip. Because I wrongfully mounted the ECU on the outside of the box at first, I needed more slack on the harness. I also unclipped a few tie downs for slack. That turned out to be unnecessary.

I realized my fail, the ECU needed to be inside the box, so I turned it around. Fed the ECU connectors, and positive and ground cables through the large slot in the box. I tied up the wires left exposed by the lack of harness clip with tape, and clipped the wire looms back into place. Along the way I removed the SRI to have access to all of this. Then I tied up the hot leads to the battery connector, and bolted the ground into place. Hooked in the janky long bolts, and dropped in the battery, then tied it down with the nice crossbar. Then bolted the top on and was done.

It is a clean, good looking battery box. But I have to say, I am not sure what benefit it may have. It doesn't seem to be noticeably smaller or lighter. The ECU relocation doesn't add much usable space in reality. And at this point it is a bigger hassle to put in and out than the stock box is.

I like the design and hope that with testing this can be improved to make it both a useful and good looking product. My initial suggestions would be some sort of rubber lining around the opening to help protect wires in the harness and maybe making it slightly smaller and more snug around the battery in favor of space in the bay.

All in all, it looks cool, but was a pain to put in. And may be a pain to remove regularly for other work. But I still like the idea and look of it. I expect the next iteration will be better.

[WetzMS3]

I've got additional detail pictures as well, if anyone is interested in more. Just a lot to upload at once.

[jk_ms3]

Doesn't just moving the ecu to the front of the battery gain you enough space for a larger intake? It looks like it does in your pics. Seems like that's the problem that it's trying to solve.

[WetzMS3]

Originally Posted by jk_ms3 Doesn't just moving the ecu to the front of the battery gain you enough space for a larger intake? It looks like it does in your pics. Seems like that's the problem that it's trying to solve.

It looks like it clears up some space, but not enough for a larger intake. I'll try to take better pictures tomorrow. But it only leaves a bit more clearance between the tip/sri and the box than stock. Not enough to increase intake size. May be because it's a prototype, maybe that the design wasn't intended to allow space for a 3+" intake.

It may be close, but I don't have a larger intake to test it with at this point. Based on the design, I don't think that was the intention, especially since they just came out with a small battery box for that application, but I could be wrong.

[WetzMS3]

Honestly, I like the box a lot. It looks really clean,and the wiring seems logical. I am happy I have it so far. My only concern is removing it for work in other areas. I will test that more in the coming weeks. Hopefully I will be in contact with @CorkSport to update them on the use-ablitiy if the piece in the coming weeks.

[He Hate Me]

Not trying to sound like a killjoy but the box doesn't seem to net space saved from the stock box.

You can look at the pictures you took and look at the space between the brake fluid reservoir in the pictures of the stock box and the CS box and the distance is about identical, also between the strut tower as well. Only thing you are saving space from is the moving of the ECU into the box (which is cool) but what protects the ECU from lets say an acid spill? Perhaps a piece of metal between the two to help separate?

Also, on a Gen 1 we have a hole in the stock battery box, not technically sure why, possibly for heat or "fumes? Any reason to do away with that?

Very nice write-up by the way though.

[breakfstincluded]

It would be cool to see how it fits with the HTP 3"

I hope it doesn't turn out to only allow room for their own upcoming 3" lol

[Worbit]

^^^
yeah, the only noticeable difference it the fact that the ECU has moved to the front of the box...

[He Hate Me]

breakfstincluded: You can fit a JBR 3" intake just fine with the stock setup (ECU included). Tight, but it fits. Not sure how the HTP 3" differs from a JBR though.

[breakfstincluded]

Right, for 160...

just taking off the ECU cover and drilling out the mount holes to move the stock box over sounds like a pretty good alternative for 3" intakes.

And it doesn't fit genwon anyway.

Do you still need an allen key to open the CS box?

[WetzMS3]

Originally Posted by He Hate Me Not trying to sound like a killjoy but the box doesn't seem to net space saved from the stock box.

I completely agree.

Honestly, I am not sure what the purpose of the box is. It is not much if any smaller, and seems like it will be more involved to remove to gain access to other work, than the stock box is.

[silvapain]

The box was approximately 1/2" too long to work with my HTP 3.5" intake. Based on how close it was, I believe it would fit with a 3" intake. CorkSport told me that it fit in their Pu with a 3.5" intake. I have been told that the dimensions for the production version are slightly different, but I'll leave that for CorkSport to give you the details. Otherwise, the box will work perfectly well with a GenJuan as well as a Pu.

The box shifts the battery further back towards the firewall as well as move the ECU to be inside with the battery. This is a nice alternative to the small 51R battery boxes for those who want/need the larger capacity and higher CCA's of a stock-size Group 35 battery.

Yes, @WetzMS3; the scratches are from me.

Originally Posted by He Hate Me Also, on a Gen 1 we have a hole in the stock battery box, not technically sure why, possibly for heat or "fumes? Any reason to do away with that?

The CS box is not sealed on the top; if you look at the pics posted, you can see there is a gap all the way around between the box and the lid.

[WetzMS3]

I figured that was from you manhandling it!

Thanks again for the box.

[He Hate Me]

Originally Posted by silvapain The CS box is not sealed on the top; if you look at the pics posted, you can see there is a gap all the way around between the box and the lid.

Hard to tell from the pics, as I can't see overhang, even then if it rests on top of it, it's still going to create a seal. But apparently Mazda didn't find it necessary in the 2010+s so I guess it doesn't matter.

And it doesn't "appear" to be any further back by comparing the location of the Fuse Box on the stock and CS box.

Just pointing out my thoughts on this.

[SparkySparks]

Originally Posted by He Hate Me Hard to tell from the pics, as I can't see overhang, even then if it rests on top of it, it's still going to create a seal. But apparently Mazda didn't find it necessary in the 2010+s so I guess it doesn't matter. And it doesn't "appear" to be any further back by comparing the location of the Fuse Box on the stock and CS box. Just pointing out my thoughts on this.

If I understand the design correctly, the box doesn't move back as a whole. Rather the box is longer allowing the battery to be located closer to the firewall and thus freeing up room for the ECU with out making the box stick out further then normal. I could be wrong as I am just going by pictures.

[WetzMS3]

I am not absolutely sure, but I think the box is longer, and shifted back towards the firewall slightly. I did not pay much attention to the clearance at the back, other than making sure the top would fit. However, it is definitely longer towards the front of the car, becasue I had to remove the wire harness clip and bracket that normally sit right in front of the box.

I will try to measure both tonight and post dimensions.

[SparkySparks]

Any chance you could get the measurements indicated in the picture below? That will tell me if it will fit with my HTP 3.5" intake.

[WetzMS3]

Originally Posted by SparkySparks Any chance you could get the measurements indicated in the picture below? That will tell me if it will fit with my HTP 3.5" intake.

Sure, when I get a chance to measure it, I'll note those dimensions for you.

[CorkSport]

Originally Posted by SparkySparks Any chance you could get the measurements indicated in the picture below? That will tell me if it will fit with my HTP 3.5" intake.

Ask and you shall receive.



That is the final size of the box. There is more than enough space for a 4" intake but it all depends on the routing of the pipes.

[WetzMS3]

Originally Posted by Brydon@CorkSport Ask and you shall receive. That is the final size of the box. There is more than enough space for a 4" intake but it all depends on the routing of the pipes.

Brydon, do you know how this compares with the unit I have? Is that a hole up front for wiring, or venting? It isn't there on the version I have. I curious what revisions have been made.

[CorkSport]

Originally Posted by WetzMS3 Brydon, do you know how this compares with the unit I have? Is that a hole up front for wiring, or venting? It isn't there on the version I have. I curious what revisions have been made.

It is actually for a bent bracket on the body of the car. They seem to vary from car to car so some touched the box. Dual purpose would be a drain if anything ever went wrong in the box.

The major difference between yours and the final product was a little length and the added hole. The hole for the main power wire was also enlarged slightly so you could send all of the wires from the relay box through the battery box if you really wanted to tuck all the wires away. Other than that the boxes are very similar. We also added laser cut tie down bracket.

[WetzMS3]

Ah, ok. I am not sure what bracket that might be. The bracket for the wire harness that gave me issues was close to the corner.

Just a thought, that probably wouldn't be an efficient drain, even in emergency, since the mounting holes are recessed. Fluid would likely go there first.

I like the idea of a larger whole for the wire harness. Is there some sort additional trim piece around the hole to protect the wires? One thing I am concerned about is the wires rubbing on that opening. I imagine the opening on the finished version is cleaner than mine, but the rough fiberglass edges and vibration in there scare me a little.

[hnda etr]

1st Gen Battery Box available when?

[SparkySparks]

Now to go home and measure, would still like the measurements from the points I indicated in my picture as they use easy to measure from landmarks in the car as a starting point. That will give us the location of the corner that will be closest to the intake and the limiting factor when it comes to how big of an intake you can have. Other wise I will have to remove my stock battery box and make a template based off your schematic to bolt in and see how close it is.

[WetzMS3]

I can measure from the fixed points on the fuse box and firewall for you tonight.

But the dimensions may be slightly different, since the design has changed some.

[SparkySparks]

Originally Posted by WetzMS3 I can measure from the fixed points on the fuse box and firewall for you tonight. But the dimensions may be slightly different, since the design has changed some.

Thank you, it should get me close enough. I guess if you could also measure your box and see if matches the new designs 225mm by 320mm. as long as there is enough room to get a finger between the intake and the box I should be good.

[WetzMS3]

Alrighty. I've got more pictures and more information.

First off, the top. The top does overhang and leave a tiny gap, however there is trim tape on the underside of the cover, preventing this from being for ventilation. But the back of the cover is open, as you'll see in pictures. I imagine this is mostly for ease of removal, but could also provide venting.

Next up, dimensions and clearance. I measured and converted all of the dimensions CS provided, and added it to their provided drawing. I also took some pictures of clearances with a tape in pace, as well as noted them on the drawing.

Let me know if I didn't get everything needed.

EDIT: The pictures of clearance for an intake are pretty dark. I can take better ones with more light tomorrow. There is about 5 1/4" from the engine side of my CS Intake, to the edge of the box. About 3 3/4"-4" to the wire harness, but that only matters depending on the location and piping of the intake. The higher the piping, and there is more clearance.

[shaneski]

Thanks for the review the pictures are quite dark might be my shit monitor but all i mainly see is a yellow tape measure and a lot of black that doesn't show the inlet pipe position

Also confuses me how there wouldn't be any room for a larger intake. Looking at mine with a stock battery box with a JBR 3 widepath it barely touches the ECU cover and the previous C/s intake didn't touch it at all, with the ECU gone there should be easy another inch or more for a 4 inch intake to fit. Unless the C/S battery box is way wider than the stocker?

[WetzMS3]

Originally Posted by shaneski Thanks for the review the pictures are quite dark might be my shit monitor but all i mainly see is a yellow tape measure and a lot of black that doesn't show the inlet pipe position Also confuses me how there wouldn't be any room for a larger intake. Looking at mine with a stock battery box with a JBR 3 widepath it barely touches the ECU cover and the previous C/s intake didn't touch it at all, with the ECU gone there should be easy another inch or more for a 4 inch intake to fit. Unless the C/S battery box is way wider than the stocker?

I don't think you read the write-up.

I said there is space for a larger intake after measuring. There are also measurements of the box itself to compare with your stocker. It's similar in width, but the ECU is now inside the box, opening up space.

[lilred]

Any confirmed reports of fitment with jbr 3.5?

tapafuck

[WetzMS3]

Originally Posted by lilred Any confirmed reports of fitment with jbr 3.5? tapafuck

Not that I am aware of. It's on my list of parts to buy in the next few months, so I'll know then, but not for a month or two. I'm fairly confident it will fit. I plan to just order the whale penis. So if it doesn't fit, I'll have to put the CS back in and order JBR's box. But like I said, I'm pretty sure it'll fit.

I'm not sure if anyone has bought or installed the production version yet. That'd be your best bet for now. Or ask Corksport for some pictures of a larger intake installed with it.

[WetzMS3]

Last night I got installed a new 3.5" HTP intake with the early version CS ECU Box I have. So I imagine that the more flexible silicone of the JBR 3.5" would fit with this box as well.

It is very tight. I should mention that I also recently installed the new cs bpv. It is noticeably shorter than the Turbosmart I was running. Didn't take measurements of that, but as you can see the filter just about touches the BPV, so keep that in mind if you're still TMIC.

[motherfnmonsta]

wow that is still some tight space there, I know with the jbr battery relocate kit you have a lot more room, but you also run a 51r batter which allows for more room to.

[Jkspeed]

Originally Posted by WetzMS3 Last night I got installed a new 3.5" HTP intake with the early version CS ECU Box I have. So I imagine that the more flexible silicone of the JBR 3.5" would fit with this box as well. It is very tight. I should mention that I also recently installed the new cs bpv. It is noticeably shorter than the Turbosmart I was running. Didn't take measurements of that, but as you can see the filter just about touches the BPV, so keep that in mind if you're still TMIC.

Notice any compressor surge with the BPV?

I recall hearing some on one of the beta testers videos, and heard that goes away after a while. Just want to see if you have the same situation or if that was just a single case.

[WetzMS3]

Originally Posted by Jkspeed Notice any compressor surge with the BPV? I recall hearing some on one of the beta testers videos, and heard that goes away after a while. Just want to see if you have the same situation or if that was just a single case.

No I haven't notice any surge at all. It's only be on for a week, and only done a few pulls due to weather, but I haven't noticed any issues at all and really like it so far.

I believe the issues the testers were having were resolved in the redesign of the piston and change in lube.

[Jkspeed]

Ah good to hear. Thanks for the input.

[SparkySparks]

Thanks for the update, That is about how I thought it would fit with the 3.5" HTP based off the provided measurements. A bit close for me so it looks like 51R is in my future which sucks cause I like how clean this the engine compartment looks with this box.

[SpencerC]

Originally Posted by WetzMS3 Last night I got installed a new 3.5" HTP intake with the early version CS ECU Box I have. So I imagine that the more flexible silicone of the JBR 3.5" would fit with this box as well. It is very tight. I should mention that I also recently installed the new cs bpv. It is noticeably shorter than the Turbosmart I was running. Didn't take measurements of that, but as you can see the filter just about touches the BPV, so keep that in mind if you're still TMIC.

Good to see it working! Also good to see the BPV being used and saving room!

Thanks for the update!

[SpencerC]

Originally Posted by lilred Any confirmed reports of fitment with jbr 3.5? tapafuck

I know it's a year later, but just wanted to bump and say I have a customer who has used our CorkSport Battery Box with the 3.5" JBR Intake and confirmed it fits.

THE MORE YOU KNOW!

[WAMBUSHHHH!]

Originally Posted by Spencer@CorkSport I know it's a year later, but just wanted to bump and say I have a customer who has used our CorkSport Battery Box with the 3.5" JBR Intake and confirmed it fits. THE MORE YOU KNOW!

Please clarify, Spencer. Is it the TRU JBR 3.5 or the 3.5 before the revision. Also, is it the silicone or aliminum. I onyl say this because I have the battery box and the TRU 3.5 aliminum JBR intake did not fit.