Excellent choice Doc. I think you will enjoy that combination in a lot of airplanes. Now since you spoke of the need to mount the battery as far forward as possible and that the airplane is an "old bipe" a type that has often suffered because of difficulties in getting the center of gravity sufficiently forward.

I would like to offer a solution that is quite simple needing only just a little effort: and that is put the battery along side or under the engine all the way forward, just behind the prop. Most designs can accommodate this inside the cowling. Its just a matter of fabricating a plywood plate on a base that can be glued and screwed to the firewall. Tie wraps can secure the battery to the plate or a little box for the battery can also be used. I have done this with many airplanes and can preclude the use of lead. In most cases the batteries actually run cooler as well.


John