Battery Specifications?

[sobodave]

I am a newbie, so forgive me if this isn't a smart question, but I've used the search function, and can't seem to find the answer.

I have to replace the battery in my 1983 911 SC. The owner's manual says to be careful to replace the batter with only a battery that meets the correct specifications, but I can't find the "correct" specifications anywhere. Does any car battery do?

Also, how is it supposed to be properly anchored. The old battery wasn't anchored at all, but I see that there is some type of "guide" where the battery looks like it is supposed to sit....does the battery have to be an exact size to fit in this guide?

Thanks for your help...this site is a lifesaver.

[kees]

B13



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Kees.

[msk1986911]

I've looked into replacing the big honkin' Interstate battery in my '86 coupe but haven't gotten to that yet; I've been considering either an Optima or Odyssey. After speaking with someone at Optima, I understand that cold cranking amps are most significant. If you get a battery smaller than the hold down positions, do a search on this forum and you will find many good suggestions on how to fit a smaller battery.

Where are you in Maryland? I live just southwest of Baltimore.

MK

[Wil Ferch]

The battery should have a lip or ledge on the backside of the housing where it fits under a metal "lip-clamp" as part of the car. The front of the battery shoild also have a small lip formed as part of the housing...it gets clamped down in one of three, longitudinally spaced holes, using a small metal "wedge" tab with a hole in its center for the bolt. Usually, the biggest size ( stock) hole is the furthest out. Smaller batteries use one of the two holes further back.

A search will definitely find some recommendations on size and other things like Optima and Odyssey installs.

Wil

EDIT-- here's a start ---> Battery Replacement in a 86 - Advice Please

[afterburn 549]

IMO use the PC 680 unless your in freezing weather all the time..weighs 12 lbs and dose the job just fine..........works for me

[joe payne]

Check out West Coast Batteries on the web. I just bought the Odyssey PC 680, Charger, and the battery box to secure it to any flat surface. Mine is going in the smuggler box since I removed the A/C. The battery weighs 15 lbs. and I have been told it works very well.

[Early_S_Man]

Just in case none of you advocating or contemplating the 'tiny' batteries have never experienced how little reserve the battery on a Honda Civic [with stock, tiny 19 AH battery] has ... it won't even turn over the engine more than three tries on attempting to restart a hot engine with A/C on, in 90°F weather. This was on a new battery in my sister's car with a 2.0 few years back ...

The batteries in our '69 thru '73 models were 2 x 36 AH [later cars' batteries are 66 AH or 88 AH] ... and what people are advocating here is less than 1/4 that capacity [16 AH Odyssey PC680] ... fine for a race car, but woefully inadequate for a street car with no support vehicles in attendance!

Weight savings are great, but just one incident with any difficulty restarting when hot will quickly drain the battery that is the same capacity as a riding lawn mower or tractor, or Honda-car sized!!!

Just a word of caution here ...

Here is a spec page for the Odyssey batteries:

http://www.batterystore.com/Odyssey/OdysseyTech.htm

[afterburn 549]

I use it in my street car...not with arrogance as I know there would not be a lot of reserve......but it dose a fine job of road trips ,starts in 31 deg weather too ! If one is not going to pay attn to things like tbo on alt. and monitor gauges- well leave it alone........but for most peo on this board it will work fine as most here are above in intelligence and good looking !!

[Eric Coffey]

I believe a "group 48" size battery is a good fit for a 911, and will let you use the small battery tie-down hole.

[Natog]

Originally posted by afterburn 549
[B]IMO use the PC 680 unless your in freezing weather all the time/B]

Another vote for the PC 680. I have run one for 5 years, still going strong (non P-car).