Replaced two batteries with one today...

RallyJon · 03-29-2003, 05:09 PM

One or both of the two Interstates quit, and they both looked pretty bad. I got a WestCo Miata battery, which is the completely sealed absorbed glass mat type. I've had the same type in my Subaru, where it's cranked 2.5L and 10:1 compression, so I figured it could handle 2.4L and 7.5:1 compression without too much trouble. It fits easily in the stock boxes, and is shallow enought to fit flush. I spaced it out with foam so I could use the stock strap. It weighs 24lbs and cost $85 delivered.

I replaced the main battery cable that goes around the gas tank with a much shorter one straight across to the fuse block. This terminates in a simple aluminum distribution block, which connects to the starter cable and the other three small cables with a free port left over for future installation of headlight relays or a decent horn.

HarryD · 03-29-2003, 06:06 PM

Very nice! When my two dudes quit, I may do something like that.

Why did you place the battery on the passenger side? My preference would be to place it on the driver side (weight distribution be damned) so's i can put all of my tools and emergency parts next to my spare tire.

RallyJon · 03-29-2003, 06:43 PM

For corner balance. Without the spare (fit-a-flat in smuggler's box, AAA card in wallet, rally car trailer in a real pinch) there's not too much left holding the right front down.

On the other hand, I do a pretty good job holding the left front down.

When I lose 48lbs, I'll move it over to the driver's side.

CamB · CamB's Garage

This has inspired me - I'm going to:

1) Get a battery tie down (I know - its dangerous without!)

2) Put a distribution block in the drivers side box - I have only 1 battery but the POs bodgy wiring needs tidying and this is the impetus

RallyJon - maybe put something over the positive terminal - its is pretty close to the metal and something could fly around and you'd get a good spark show under there...

techguy · 03-30-2003, 05:09 AM

Looks like a great idea, my single battery quit just this week and I was looking for a better solution then a non tied block battery floating beside my spare. Do you know if WestCo has a battery with side termainals? Maybe a better option to offer some more space to prevent a +'ve to ground connection via top terminals? Do any other companies manufacture similar batteries? I need all the options I can get here in Toronto

Pete

lagrassa · lagrassa's Garage

Rally John:

Just read your post on the batteries. My two Porsche-brand batteries needed replacement and I couldn't find anything to fit the boxes, so I got two more Porsche-brand batteries. Very expensive. For future reference, what is the Interstate Battery part # for the ones you had and what is the manufacturer and part # for the single one you replaced those with? As long as they fit the boxes, it's fine. For originality's sake, I think I will keep the two battery set-up until I get too frustrated with it.
Thanks.

RallyJon · 11:19 AM

They were Interstate "U911-50"s. Here's a link: http://www.ibsa.com/Batteries/ProductLines/AutomotiveTruck/ProdLine_U911-50.htm

The Miata battery is from here: http://www.westcobattery.com/miata.html

lagrassa · lagrassa's Garage

Thanks for the info Rally Jon.

skinnerd · skinnerd's Garage

RallyJon:
How far did you have to space the battery out from the rear wall with foam? I like what you've done, but may install a more rigid false rear wall as I do quite a bit of autocrossing/track events with my car. Thanks

RallyJon · 04-01-2003, 05:13 PM

Oh, about this much:

That's 1/2" thick foam. The battery fits completely in the box, but the strap won't work. Eventually, I'll remove the stock strap and fabricate one to hold it in flush.

304065 · 04-01-2003, 05:31 PM

I'd put a piece of wood over the top of the terminals, or better yet, plexiglass-- a good bump and new meaning to the term "ignition points."

I recommend the "Optima" battery used by car audio types, not cheap at about $225 but totally sealed, lightweight and cranks like a madman. www.sounddomain.com

RallyJon · 04-01-2003, 05:40 PM

I got vinyl covers for the terminals, but something covering the metal on the top inside the battery box sounds like good insurance. I guess I could just rivet a sheet of plastic up there...

rudy sanchez · 04-01-2003, 05:48 PM

Jon,

where did you get that aluminum distribution block? how much was it etc.

also, thanks for that site you have up. I recently used it extensively to instal some carpet I also got from OFI. OH that reminds me. mine came w/o kick panel pieces. need to call him.

RallyJon · 04-01-2003, 05:50 PM

I got the distribution block from McMaster-Carr, but you can get them at any car stereo store. It was about $15, I think.

Glad you liked the site!

HarryD · 04-01-2003, 05:51 PM

For what it is worth, my car was lacking a battry hold down so I had a sheet metal guy I know make me one. It looks like this:

HarryD · 04-02-2003, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by skinnerd
RallyJon:
How far did you have to space the battery out from the rear wall with foam? I like what you've done, but may install a more rigid false rear wall as I do quite a bit of autocrossing/track events with my car. Thanks

Doug,

If you need to get some spacers, go out the facilites group where you work and have them give some scraps of plastice PVC Pipe. You can cut them to length and glue them together to make a nice, rigid corrosion resistant spacer.