Looking for BATTERY input...

[rexav8r]

Yet another BATTERY post...

I've been reviewing a LOT of old posts on batery changes.

Here's my situation: Unfortunately, balancing 2 jobs, moving TWICE this summer, having 2 kids and being gone for training for the past 2 months (TOO many 2s !!!) I haven't had many opportunities to have the 911 out since roughly October. With the temp drop & sitting I had to jump the car just to get it from storage to the new house on Thanksgiving day.

Right now, my car is set up very well using the original 2 batteries in the front corners. I Auto-X the car a lot and plan to DE a few times this year as well.

Wayne, forgive me if I sin, but I didn't see batteries (esp. Odyssey here @ Pelican). If someone tells me they are, I'll buy here before going ANY place else, PRICE BE DAMNED !!

I found what seems to be a pretty good deal on the PC1200MJT.

First: I'll have to measure for size. Battery says L:7 13/16 W: 6 9/16 H: 7 9/16

Second: Convert to one or not? I believe that one should do the job & why waste the money and sacrifice weight if it's not needed. However, I wasn't really looking to "gut" the electrical system (right now) to remove the excess wire if I delete one of the batts, UNLESS it's a relatively easy process.

Note: I did see the thread about doing just that, but didn't really see a cost & time break down for accomplishment.

Third: I'm leaning pretty strong toward the Odyssey, but as I haven't purchased yet, I'm still not committed. Anyone from the Optima/Sonnenshein peer pressure group got any input ?? I didn't see any prices on Sonnenshein, but PWD72 said they're possibly more expensive than "others" in one of the other threads...

Thanks !!

[RickM]

Ricahrd, Did you see this thread that shows the conversion to one battery relocated to the smugglers box using a Miata or Optima?
oddysey battery and batt. relocation?

[rexav8r]

Yes, thanks though, that was a good thread !

The guy that put twin Odyssey batts in his (down the page) has essentially the setup I'm looking for. It would probably be more effective to lose one of the batteries, but I'm not ready to go there right now.

Although I'd like to (& plan to eventually) go the light weight route. I'm not sure I want to do it (completely) to this car.

...but that's quite a LOT of money for 2 Odyssey batteries...

Any more inputs??

[boxster03]

go the sonnenschein route, they are correct replacement and size. Odyssey will only fit if tilted on its side

[rexav8r]

1 vote for Sonnenshein.

Which one? I wasn't able to find a part # yet... Is there a good site to go to for looking up Sonnenshein part numbers for particular cars?

[boxster03]

Batterysalesusa.com or see if your local porsche dealer can order, try Sunset Porsche in Oregon, they sell at wholesale plus 15%

Sonnenschein model #8190640 A212/36A

[rexav8r]

Thanks, I'll check them out. May have to be on Monday though.

[reed930]

Another vote for the Dryfit Sonnenscheins. They are an exact fit so you can even use the original mounting straps. And I think they have come down in price. I recently purchased two from Lauderdale Battery and Alternator for around $100 each

By the way, the part number is alternatively listed as either A512/40 or DF75. The A212/36A is the old part number which has been superceded. The new battery is now 40 amps instead of 36 amps.

I put these in last year and couldn't be happier with them. I think you can't go wrong with these batteries.

[redz350]

I also vote for Sonnenschein batteries. I bought 2 from Lauderdale battery a few moths ago. They fit perfectly in the original battery boxes for my 73.5 911, and are sealed, dry cell batteries. A good idea when the batteries are located in the front compartment!

[anthony]

Originally posted by rexav8r
Yet another BATTERY post...

Here's my situation: Unfortunately, balancing 2 jobs, moving TWICE this summer, having 2 kids and being gone for training for the past 2 months (TOO many 2s !!!) I haven't had many opportunities to have the 911 out since roughly October. With the temp drop & sitting I had to jump the car just to get it from storage to the new house on Thanksgiving day.

I'd recommend one of those battery maintainer devices or simply disconnecting the battery when the car is not in use. I killed my first Optima in 2.5 years by constantly letting it run down too low. Now I just disconnect the battery when the car isn't being driven. Even after a month of being disconnected the Optima fires up the car without a problem.

[kucharskimb]

if you are talking about my post on converting to a single battery:

Early Dual -> Single Battery Conversion

i'll preface it with "I'm Cheap!"

battery cost is up to you.

converting to single battery cost:
$10 for the electrical butt connectors
$0 for the inner tube
$10 for the ground wire

the original blue hold down system will be replaced with a metal system like Guenter's, as i overlooked the AX requirement.


this holddown setup will endup costing:
$5 for the latch/hook/pull
$5 for the strap

Time spent
Conversion:
1 hour to change wiring
1 hour to make metal hold down
(not counting running around town looking for parts...)

best of luck
matt

[rexav8r]

Thanks for all the ideas !

Looks like I'm now leaning toward the Sonnenshein.

It's gotten a bit late tonight, so I'll surf a bit & if I can order I will, or wait and do it in the morning.

Thanks again.