Optima Batteries???

SK · 04-25-2002, 04:24 PM

For all that have Optima batteries,,, which model fits in a '85 carrera? I notice they sell a mounting adapter kit....What is this? Is it needed to install the Optima Battery in my '85? Any insight would be great. Thanks

nhromyak · nhromyak's Garage

I have the standard Optima (not sure on the size). It is the one that all the car shops have in stock. It fits fine. However, I was a little leary about the way my positive cable connects (it is close to the tub wall). Of course it was even closer with a regular group 42 (I think) battery.

I bought a new positive battery cable clamp cover (read = red rubber boot). Additionally, I fabricated a battery mount that uses the stock battery clamp bolt in the front (part of the car). Basically, it is a battery mounting piece you buy at Kragen or Autozone. I pounded the ends flat so the back side of the tray will go under the battery clip. And I drilled a hole for the front to go in the stock battery bolt location.

Then the Optima has four holes in it. I drilled four holes in the battery plate. Bolted the Optima to the plate. Slid the battery (PITA) and plate in and put in the stock front bolt.

It passes auto-x tech inspection.

WHEW.... I hope I described that right.

Good luck!

pwd72s · 04-25-2002, 04:31 PM

You a PCA member? THere is a small classified in the commercial section. Chatham Motorsports in Virginia...That's Mick Michelsen...
He's been around Porsches since dirt was rocks, and he sells, and ships, optima at a fair price. He also should be able to give you all the info needed on installing one in your car. Yeah..this is a plug!

SK · 04-25-2002, 04:34 PM

I have an interstate that went bad after 10 months...They said they would give me an optima for $20....Sounded like a good deal to me, just wasn't sure if there are multiple sizes of the"standard" and if there are special mounting requirements.

nhromyak · nhromyak's Garage

Mine definately, has special mounting requirements. I understand Optima is now making many different sizes and mounting points.

Most of the sizes are for the little japanese import cars...

I am sure there are some that come close.

How was your battery mounted before? Did it mount using the stock front bolt?

Markus30 · 04-25-2002, 04:43 PM

AJ USA sells an adapter plate for ~$35 which looks like to me like what nhromyak describes as his diy solution. Nice, clean and simple.

Regards,
Markus

Chuck Moreland · 04-25-2002, 06:41 PM

The problem of tie down is not just with the Optima. Check this recent thread on the topic.

I found a solution that works well and have some pictures in the thread.

SK · 04-26-2002, 03:06 PM

Chuck, did you mean to add a hyperlink to your thread?

Chuck Moreland · 04-26-2002, 03:09 PM

Doah!

Here it is

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=66144&highlight=battery

nhromyak · nhromyak's Garage

Hi again, Chuck...

I didn't think the "rubber band" would pass tech inspection...

I thought it had to be metal.

Interesting.

Chuck Moreland · 04-26-2002, 03:30 PM

Well, I've had it pass inspection.

The only criteria I have ever heard is that the battery be held securely in place. Of course any given inspector might have a different opinion.

That "rubber band" is purpose made as a battery tie down. It is thick and strong, very hard to stretch. The battery is solid.

You are correct that a bungee strap isn't going to cut it, but it's an issue of strength, not material.

steve911 · steve911's Garage

I was installing headlight relays (thanks for the heads up Warren and Superman!) and came across the aforementioned wooden block next to the battery. My initial comment was WTF???? Then I noticed that there was nothing holding the battery down (its a DieHard, inherited from the PO). Works fine, so guess I'll keep it until it doesn't.

Thanks Chuck - looks like I'm off to PepBoys/Kragen tomorrow to get me a battery tie down. Anyone know if they also sell the battery mats to protect against battery acid?

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

Steve, I just secured the battery in my SC a couple weeks ago. I picked up the parts at Pep Boys for about $15.00. I purchased a complete battery tray with the hold downs position on the side as Chucks post. However, I found a thicker tie down strap that attached across the narrower side of the battery. To secure the battery tray to the body, I slid one end under the stationary OEM mounting tab and drilled a hole through my new battery tray and it with a bolt in the non-stationary OEM bolt hole. The tray is as solid as a rock. Like Chuck said, those rubber tie downs are specifically made for the battery. You can't get them to streach much. The rubber is also resistent to corosion.

By the way, pick up a couple terminal covers too, about $2.00. That way even if a wrench fell between the posts, it won't cause a spark. I didn't see a battery mat at Pep Boys, but the tray will prevent any acid from reaching the pan.