1 battery or 2 in my '73 911E

tmctguer · tmctguer's Garage

i've read all the threads on this subject and am still unsure what to do. i need to replace my batteries in my '73 911E, and am not sure whether to find a single battery that works, or whether to go with a dual battery setup (what i have today).

anyone want to provide their opinions??

lateapex911 · 10-18-2003, 01:46 PM

I put one Optima in my '73E. Very happy with it, although some say there are better batt choices.

304065 · 10-18-2003, 01:56 PM

Single hawker or odyssey.

You must remove the crossover cable. Just taping it off is an invitation for it to short against the fuel tank making your car look that guy on the cover of the rage against the machine album.

Jack Olsen · 10-18-2003, 01:58 PM

I don't think anyone has ever noticed anything but an improvement going to a single (lighter, non-leaking) battery.

Jim Richards · 10-18-2003, 03:10 PM

I put in a single Stinger dry cell battery in our 73E.

Randy Webb · 10-18-2003, 04:14 PM

If you are worried about wt. balance, shove the tool kit into the RH battery box, and push the jack to that side. Strap it in place. get a corner balance, and don't chose a girl friend that is heavier than you are.

lateapex911 · 10-18-2003, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Randy Webb
, and don't chose a girl friend that is heavier than you are.

words to live by, eh??

Randy Webb · 10-18-2003, 04:46 PM

We all need to have a certain philosophical outlook....

Of course, if you drive only an SUV that is not a consideration.

pwd72s · 10-18-2003, 05:58 PM

I seem to find myself hung up on keeping the car "pure"...and regretting the mods I did during the 1970's. Well, not ALL the mods...I do enjoy the flatter cornering of a modified (by Grady Clay) suspension. Anyway, that's why I still run dual batteries. But if I were purely practical? Without the "original" hangup? If I had a T or an E I was doing some early 911 hotrodding to? I'd go to a single battery on the left in a heartbeat...then be able to cut away the passenger side battery box, for better airflow to the fender mounted oil cooler. Front mounted oil coolers advertise too much...but that's my personal Q ship dream. We all need to strive for our dreams...

Aussie · Aussie's Garage

Im with you, I like to keep the car as pure as possible. Its little things like having 2 batteries which make them a bit different from most other cars. As long as you inspect your batteries regularly you should see if they are spilling any acid.

Hans Stoehr · 10-19-2003, 08:20 AM

I had a 73 E once and came across the same issue. I wanted the car to be original as possible so I stayed w/ the two batt. setup. I liked the uniqueness of it too. I never had a problem once I replaced them.

Randy Webb · 10-19-2003, 08:40 AM

Purity is fine. It can turn into a councours Curse if one is not careful. If I had an S or maybe an E I'd be a Puritan. But I have a T, so I fall into more of a "period correct" category -- with less wt. and more power.

If your batteries are not causing problems, there is no reason to mess with 'em. If the cost to replace them is high then go to 1 battery and save the stuff to change back.

pwd72s · 10-19-2003, 09:08 AM

Should you decide to stay with dual batteries? Sonnenschien, a German battery maker, supplies an EXACT size replacement to the original liquid acid filled...only they are gel cells. $pendy tho...I think mine ran $350-400 for the pair. The upside? They seem to last & last, I got 8 years out of my previous pair, plus I now have zero corrosion, rust, carpet rot, etc. worries.

lateapex911 · 10-19-2003, 09:36 AM

Purity smurity! If purity means constant worries about the hours I spent rewelding and fabbing batt box parts being undone, you can keep it. Besides, there is no permanent change here. It's all bolt in~bolt out!

There are so many upsides to the change, such as better weight dist (if you go right side) less overall weight, better cranking power, and the bigget issue, no acid!

I don't know about you all, but I don't go around lifting my felt showing folks my battery....I prefer the driving part of my car....IMHO, of course!

reed930 · 10-19-2003, 09:46 AM

Paul,

Do you know the group number/size of the Sonnenschein gel batteries for the dual battery setup? Is there any problem with CCA of that type of battery? Thanks.

chuckw951 · 10-19-2003, 05:45 PM

Where does on find these batteries?

Quote:

Originally posted by pwd72s
Should you decide to stay with dual batteries? Sonnenschien, a German battery maker, supplies an EXACT size replacement to the original liquid acid filled...only they are gel cells. $pendy tho...I think mine ran $350-400 for the pair. The upside? They seem to last & last, I got 8 years out of my previous pair, plus I now have zero corrosion, rust, carpet rot, etc. worries.

pwd72s · 10-19-2003, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by reed930
Paul,

Do you know the group number/size of the Sonnenschein gel batteries for the dual battery setup? Is there any problem with CCA of that type of battery? Thanks.

CCA, I believe, is superior to factory original. The numbers, as read from a box I have, are: A 200...then, 081 (could the "081" be the year made? This box may be from my 1st set.) 90640. Size? Like I said, exactly the same as factory original. I would hope that any battery specialty company could find them for you. FWIW, I've also used Optima...and it worked well. I just didn't like placing it on it's side & seeing it stick out in the luggage area. I haven't tried "stinger" and similar batteries...

Randy Webb · 10-19-2003, 09:03 PM

" I don't go around lifting my felt"

Ah, but for Concours people, not only may the felt be lifted but they may poke around under the skirts as well.