Need battery asap - which one?

[WolfeMacleod]

The giant Die Hard battery that was in the car has finally given it up. Doesn't seem to want to hold a charge.

I've got an AutoX to attend tomorrow. Need a battery asap.
What to people reccomend? Something I can pick up at ther local parts place. Something reasonably priced since fund are slimmer than normal (darn economy)

Die Hard.. Exide... what? And what model?

The Die Hard in there now is HUGE.

[Head416]

Last time my SC needed a battery I walked into Autozone and picked up a Duralast in the neighborhood of 1000 cold cranking amps.

I think it was around $100

[Rot 911]

Due to the size of the battery tray, you can fit in damn near any battery, but you need to make sure of the placement of the battery posts. Unless you get the stock battery, you will eventually have to make a new hold down for the battery. If your AutoX does a tech inspection you will have to have the battery tied down to meet inspection.

[WolfeMacleod]

Originally Posted by Rot 911

Due to the size of the battery tray, you can fit in damn near any battery, but you need to make sure of the placement of the battery posts. Unless you get the stock battery, you will eventually have to make a new hold down for the battery. If your AutoX does a tech inspection you will have to have the battery tied down to meet inspection.

Yep, I know about the battery hold down. I had a "battery dislocation" problem once that cost me a wiring harness.

The Die Hard is a model 31249 (I think.) It fits the stock hold-downs.
It's a major pain to get in and out because it's so large.. and the distance of posts to body make it difficult to do things like.. jump start...or even get a wrench in there at all.

[vash]

my SC has two threaded holes for the battery hold down. i like interstate batteries.

[HarryD]

There are only a handfull of primary battery makers. Go to your local store. Any Group 93 (49) battery with the posts in the correct place will work. Buy based on your pocketbook.

[rick-l]

I have had good luck with Wal-mart batteries.

[WolfeMacleod]

Originally Posted by HarryD

There are only a handfull of primary battery makers. Go to your local store. Any Group 93 (49) battery with the posts in the correct place will work. Buy based on your pocketbook.

I was wondering about that "group" thing. I take it that that has something to do with the size?

[kodioneill]

Originally Posted by Head416

Last time my SC needed a battery I walked into Autozone and picked up a Duralast in the neighborhood of 1000 cold cranking amps.

I think it was around $100

+1

You don't need that big honkin battery. Get the smaller size. You can move the hold down clamp to the smaller size. While your at it get a battery mat.

[moneymanager]

group IS size. Google it to get what size goes with what group.

[kodioneill]

[sig_a]

Deka light weight like this will cut about 15 pounds from front of car. Need to modify/weld/extend stock battery retainer bracket as pictured. I made up a cardboard template and had welder add center piece for hold down. Easy install and removal. Simple DIY project. Note -- there are two mounting options for two battery sizes.

[CCM911]

Originally Posted by Head416

Last time my SC needed a battery I walked into Autozone and picked up a Duralast in the neighborhood of 1000 cold cranking amps.

I think it was around $100

+1

I am on my second one. Every bit as good as the Diehard. And cheaper.

[911pcars]

One day before an event doesn't leave you much time, especially if there's a desireable battery requiring custom installation bracketry. Your local Interstate battery dealer usually has used batteries you can use in the interim before you do more research on lightweight, small, large, sealed, unsealed, etc. options.

Sherwood

[RSTarga]

get an Optima at Costco and eliminate future rust problems.

[KTL]

For assurance of a quick no-hassle install make sure whatever battery you get has the "feet" on it's short sides that allow it to be secured by the metal lip in the car and the metal hold down tab. Some batteries have smooth casing sides with no tabs/feet to allow the battery to be secured at the bottom- these are batteries intended to be secured with a top strap. You don't want a tab-less battery because it won't stay secure in the car, and you'll have to fabricate something.

Can't go wrong with the Interstate MT-91. I have it in my car and it's a perfect smaller lead-acid substitute for the monster coffee table size stock overkill battery.

[WolfeMacleod]

Originally Posted by RSTarga

get an Optima at Costco and eliminate future rust problems.

Imagine my surprise when I removed the batterty and found zero rust. No paint damage. Perfectly clean.

Traffic was hell. Was goign to go down to John Walker's and pick up a battery from him... but a 6 mile backup on I-5 with all lanes blocked said "heck no" and with trafic bleeding onto side streets, I didn't try that either.

I went to Autozone and bought a Duralast.

[byfdinky]

I would never use any of those Interstates or Duralasts. Optima is the only way to go! Yes you'll need a mounting plate to catch under the tab. It shoud be the last battery you'll need for your Porsche.

[KTL]

There's twelve bazillion cars on the road with basic lead acid batteries. They're not THAT bad and Optimas aren't exactly 100% infallible.

As long as the Duralast fits, you're fine. I DE'd my car for 4 years with the dreaded Interstate and never had any issues with acid overflow/spillage or fumes.

[nineball]

i am not an optima fan at all. the six-pack design has less surface area inside than a conventional rectangular design. i have also heard more stories of optima brand failing than any other brand of batteries. i personally swear by kinetik batteries but since you are in a pinch head to sears and get a die hard platinum series battery. they are sealed agm style and come with a 4 year no questions asked warranty.