[Ronbo]

The charging rate is very important even in wet battries and is the primary cause of damage and premature failure.

In the case of our kit cars, you need to be aware of the importance of proper engine / frame bonding. Also heavy gauge wire to match your alternator output. Minimum 10ga (60A) to 6ga in the case of 100A alts.

If the battery's neg. terminal is not connected directly to the engine then a 2 gauge jumper to the frame should be used. Otherwise a 6 gauge wire will provide a good bond for the frame.

In the case of external regulators a 10ga wire to frame or block to reduce voltage drops (floating ground). Also 12 ga. "sample" wire to alternator output.

I am suprised that battery temprature is still not used in lead acid systems as it's a very important reading to catch overcharge conditions as opposed to voltage monitoring. Your battery life would probably double if temp monitoring was used.