Okay on HS website it says that i will be needing a smaller battery, but i think some where in here someone said just to move over the battery towards the motor and cut the batt. tray. what do I do??

the second option.

ditto. no need for new battery

hypothetically speaking, if i needed a new battery anyways, would it be easier to get a smaller battery? would i lose anything from having a more compact one?

i relocated my battery to the rear, much more space to work with, very nice!!

I dont see why you would bother getting a smaller battery, unless you want an optima for its "power" and its color. youll still have to cut the battery tray.

If you actually need a new battery it wouldnt hurt to get a smaller one but there's really no need for it.

Just cut the hole man.