Battery Option for 80' SC

[lada03]

I need helping finding a battery for my 1980 SC. I found an old thread on Pelican discussing the various options, but now the prices have really went up on those models.

What is a good battery option under $120?
I have a quick disconnect, which I use as something is draining the battery. But now its getting hard to start the car sometimes, first thing is replacing the battery

My father for his 81' SC bought a Bosch Size 91 model 91-700B at Pep Boys for $111 this past summer.

Not the same battery is $166

[Targalid]

I would never put anything but a sealed battery in these cars. Leaks cause damage. Why take the risk? There are too many threads on this forum where owners are cleaning up acid destroyed metal in and around the battery compartment. I use Optima but others like Odessey.

[lada03]

what model?

[Targalid]

I got the red Optima from Costco. About $120 as I recall. It has been several years. No problems. I put it on a battery tender for the winter.

[TheSt|G]

Yeah, get away from the non solid state batteries. The standard units are just an accident waiting to happen.

[lada03]

OK Guys you convinced me,
I just need the specific models of the battteries so I can google it and compare prices and buy one

[TheSt|G]

Odessey 925 and Odessey 1200 would be the two people generally use from Odessey.

[Barrpete]

I have the Optima 34R. The 'R' stands for reversed terminals.

[lada03]

and all of these models fit nicely like stock?

I dont need any brackets or straps?

[darrin]

This thread is helpful -- Replacement battery

It's my understanding that the optimas need adaptors/etc to work. Not a big deal, but . . . the above thread discusses how several manufacturers now make AGM (advanced glass mat -- the same sealed technology used by Optima) batteries in standard battery sizes that simply drop in. On my carrera, I went with a group 48 AGM battery I bought at a local advance auto (http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/autocraft-platinum-agm-battery-group-size-h6-760-cca-h6-agm/10210829-P?zoneAssigned=1). It's a bit shorter than the standard battery, but my carrera's battery tray area already came pre-cofigured with a screw to hold in the shorter group 48 battery -- the slightly smaller size made it FAR easier to get the battery into place. Using a discount coupon (see http://www.retailmenot.com/view/advanceautoparts.com), you can get this for within your budget too

[lada03]

thank you, exactly what I needed!

[nineball]

another battery install thread

[lada03]

I currently have this battery in my car
http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/9073724/00856/#nav_3

$75 with coupon at Pep Boys


Just thinking, Is there a really high chance that the Wet Batteries will leak?

I mean the technology is moving forward ofcourse, but back in the day Porsche only used wet batteries. I wonder if leakage was a major concern?

[Mark's 86]

I installed an East Penn AGM battery 3 years ago in my 86 carrera. Works great and no venting/spilling issues to worry about. Paid 200.00 CAD.

[darrin]

Originally Posted by lada03

I currently have this battery in my car
http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/9073724/00856/#nav_3

$75 with coupon at Pep Boys


Just thinking, Is there a really high chance that the Wet Batteries will leak?

I mean the technology is moving forward ofcourse, but back in the day Porsche only used wet batteries. I wonder if leakage was a major concern?

IMO, no significant concern while you car's systems are healthy. However, if/when your voltage regulator fails, a "wet battery's" acid can boil over and, especially if not properly vented, leak acid onto the battery tray and metal below. This happened to (then very clueless) me years ago on a battery that lacked a vent tube, causing acid to leak down and around the battery and necessitated bodywork to replace some rotted metal. Thus, for me, using an AGM battery is cheap insurance to mitigate the risk of another boilover . ..

[lada03]

I have something thats draining power from my battery, so I installed a quick disconnect. Everytime i park the car I disconect the battery. So I will be checking the battery often, still Im leaning towards the dry option. $75 is a very attractive deal however

[nineball]

Originally Posted by lada03

I currently have this battery in my car
http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/9073724/00856/#nav_3

$75 with coupon at Pep Boys


Just thinking, Is there a really high chance that the Wet Batteries will leak?

I mean the technology is moving forward ofcourse, but back in the day Porsche only used wet batteries. I wonder if leakage was a major concern?

back in the day no one had cell phones, computers or agm batteries. times change and products are improved. back in the day the factory put asphalt on the floor to help lower road noise but today there are products that do a better job and weigh less.

steps can be taken to help prevent leakage but how many threads are on this board alone about battery areas being damaged by acid? for the minor cost difference it should not even be a concern.

[lada03]

I made an appointment with PepBoys tomorrow

I will see the options and go for a dry battery if the cost difference is not too bad


thanks for all the advice

[hamhead]

Originally Posted by darrin

This thread is helpful -- Replacement battery

It's my understanding that the optimas need adaptors/etc to work. Not a big deal, but . . . the above thread discusses how several manufacturers now make AGM (advanced glass mat -- the same sealed technology used by Optima) batteries in standard battery sizes that simply drop in. On my carrera, I went with a group 48 AGM battery I bought at a local advance auto (AutoCraft Platinum AGM Battery, Group Size H6, 760 CCA H6-AGM: Advance Auto Parts). It's a bit shorter than the standard battery, but my carrera's battery tray area already came pre-cofigured with a screw to hold in the shorter group 48 battery -- the slightly smaller size made it FAR easier to get the battery into place. Using a discount coupon (see http://www.retailmenot.com/view/advanceautoparts.com), you can get this for within your budget too

Darrin, thanks so much for your info. Advance's web page would not even show a AGM for my '83. I was about to buy the autocraft-gold for only $10 less, now with the discount coupon I got the AGM platinum for 121.99. Thanks again for your great post.

[alstonalvin]

I also had the Interstate in my SC. It was a perfect fit although a bit
tight. If I had to put another battery in an SC I'd go Optima for the
room.