Looking to replace my battery--Recommendations Please

JonT · 07-19-2003, 01:39 PM

I've got a Sears battery in there now and would like to save some weight if possible--my car is driven daily (no rain or snow) and an occasional DE or open track event. Are the lightweight racing batteries OK for my application? Which one? How much weight can I realistically cut? Thanks

ruf-porsche · ruf-porsche's Garage

Optima

JonT · 07-19-2003, 03:36 PM

which model? how much does it weigh? how much$$? have you used this battery? looking for real world experience with this please.

RallyJon · 07-19-2003, 03:44 PM

Another option: WestCo Miata battery. 24lbs. Completely sealed "absorbed glass mat" construction. Less power than a big, heavy Optima of course but still cranks with ample authority. Fits the stock battery boxes.

Here's mine:
http://www.rallystuff.com/pcar_electrical.html

targa88 · 07-20-2003, 04:56 AM

Optima (red top) is a good solution. If you are really looking for light weight then speak to Chuck Moreland.
Ref Elephant racing

304065 · 07-20-2003, 06:11 AM

Stinger 1250

www.sounddomain.com

I have a Hawker XT16 in my airplane that is small and the power density incredible, might try one of those next.

jmz · jmz's Garage

I bought an Optima Red Top maybe 4 years ago when I had the battery /suspension pan replaced due to corrosion from battery acid. They are not lighter but these things are great batteries. First of all, no worrieds of acid corroding anymore. Secondly, I laid my car up apporx 2 1/2 years ago. I recently re-installed the drivetrain after a re-paint etc. I simply re-attached the negative cable to the battery and fired the sucker up. I thought maybe I would have to buy a new battery after it sitting for so long....nope! Great battery, I think I might replace my Diehard deep cyle batteries on my boat with these too.

s_wilwerding · s_wilwerding's Garage

I've got the Optima red top in mine. Batteryweb.com sells them over the Internet for $100. You have to fabricate a mounting bracket - I made mine out of aluminum. In fact, I have some aluminum left over, if you're interested in going the Optima route. You also need a longer negative ground cable - I used one my dad had lying around from his old 914.

david914 · 07-20-2003, 11:16 AM

Ditto on the Optima red top. GREAT battery. Takes alot of abuse and no acid spill worries. I would think that if the car is doing daily driver duties (as is mine) that you'd probably be better off staying away from the light weight race batteries. The small bit of weight savings might be offset by shorter battery life.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Optima, red top! Great, reliable battery.

ruf-porsche · ruf-porsche's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by JonT
which model? how much does it weigh? how much$$? have you used this battery? looking for real world experience with this please.

Costco has them.

ruf-porsche · ruf-porsche's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by david914
Ditto on the Optima red top. GREAT battery. Takes alot of abuse and no acid spill worries. I would think that if the car is doing daily driver duties (as is mine) that you'd probably be better off staying away from the light weight race batteries. The small bit of weight savings might be offset by shorter battery life.

Race battery are smaller so their capacity is smaller and with all the accessories such as lights, stereo, climate control, etc, the race battery will be inadequate

derek murray · derek murray's Garage

you may want to read a couple of other recent posts as well...

what size Optima in an early car?

Early 911 Battery

burton73us · 07-20-2003, 08:14 PM

Optima Orange top. Same battery as the red top but the positive and negative are on a different position on the battery, and my battery distributor that I have bought several Optima red tops from says that is the correct battery for my 86 Carrera. The other batteries have not been for P-cars. These are great batteries and well worth the money.

john70t · 07-20-2003, 08:30 PM

The lifespan of the battery is affected by it's conditions as well. Consistant warm weather, fully charged, light load, no vibration probably contributes alot to the lifespan of the lead plates surrounded by sulfuric acid. For reliability, the more material the better. They(650CCA) were changed out on the delivery vehicles every 2 years tops, and many barely made them that far with the stop/starts.

The lead-acids have their acid-venting problems, but don't you need a different alternator for the Optimas? They are capacitive discharge type(?) and need a higher charging voltage(?!) to break through the internal battery resistance(?). Does the alternator go bad if the battery fails?

JonT · 07-21-2003, 05:08 AM

Darn--I was hoping to save another 30lbs with a quick hit. I'll take a good look at the Optima and shoot an email or phone call to Elephant racing to see what their recommendation is. Thanks for all the responses-- this board is great!

Wil Ferch · 07-21-2003, 05:30 AM

Another option....
I have an Optima red top, and so far I have been satisfied, but I keep the battery up with a trickle charger. Have heard some people had QC problems with some of theirs, so I won't do a blanket recommendation.

So...how 'bout an Interstate size 48/91, not-too-big-and-not-too-small, plus add a small hose connection on the vent and route out of the body through one of three rubber grommets on the floor near the front A/C blower ( thinking SC's and later Carrera configuration).

--Wil Ferch

arrivederci · 07-21-2003, 06:03 AM

I have red top Optimas in both of my Porsches. I bought the one for my '72 about 5 years ago. No problems...never needed a charge even after sitting outside through the winter.

The one in my '87 died this winter (it gets the garage). I think I have a drain on the system, though (alarm maybe?). But after a month, it wouldn't start my car. I trickled it and it seemed to be fine, only to die a few weeks later. Eventually, it wouldn't hold a charge. Fortunately, it was covered under warranty!

911longhorn · 07-21-2003, 07:20 AM

The red top optima weighs about 35lbs and the OEM battery it replaced weighed about 70lbs.

Wil Ferch · 07-21-2003, 08:19 AM

The 70lb batttery was undubtedly a size 49...the big , honkin, Mercedes diesel type 88Ah battery most of the later 80's cars came with. The 48/91 size is one step down in size and will work with the "other" hold down hole that's already in the body for the hold-down clamp ( the second one of three holes....for various battery lengths).
---Wil Ferch