I just installed a short ram on my ECO, if I had to use jumper cables, I don't think I could get them on with out touching the Intake Tube. Is this common?
What brand intake? The K&N and AEM eco intakes have plenty of clearance even with a big Optima battery.
Agreed^^^
And you might wanna consider a dual post battery if your worried about arching/frying something. Then at least you have another set of post for like an audio setup, BIG 3, etc.
Optima (any class), 75DT, 78DT, or a 34DT will all work!
now DIE!
Not the same engine but I know the setup is pretty close to the same...but with my 2.4 and a Bomz Racing (eBay) intake, jumper cables do indeed touch the intake tube when they're attached. My solution was just to take a rag and throw it over the intake tube to insulate it. Probably not the most foolproof/safest method but when my battery took a sh!t and I couldn't afford a new one for a week or so, I had to jump the car every time I drove it and I never fried anything.
Dual post battery would be a good idea...
Also, would be a good idea to make sure that the intake isnt grounded to anything.

You wouldnt want it to move under the hood and bump that battery post.
I have the same problem, but my intake tube doesnt touch anything else metallic.