My mechanic carries Interstate battery, are there better choices?

[oregonmon]

I'm first going to get the battery checked. My car has not any power for two days. I jumped it and let it run for about 1 hour after the first day. Logically, and hopefully it's just the battery. The PO had it sitting for awhile.
My mechanic carries Interstate batteries. Direct replacement. Are there some better choices? Lightweight choices? I hear people talking about Optima and Odyssey.

[Danny_Ocean]

Odyssey are definitely lightweight. Optima's are good, too. However, if you can get a good deal on an Interstate from your friend, go for it.

[diverdan]

Interstate has had a great reputation, however I have switched to Wal Mart due to the awesome guarantee.

Diverdan

[Rick V]

I use Interstate, I like them. If you are looking to save some weight go with something else, if you just need a solid batt. go with the Interstate

[earlyapex]

You won't go wrong with the Interstate battery. I changed to an Odyssey to save weight since my car is used on the race track. Rennline sells some nice mounting kits.

[hbkramer]

Interstate in my SC since 02 AT least .5 yrs still going strong.

[jmohn]

Interstate is a good battery, however, a weak battery may be a symptom not the real problem (and don't rely on your alternator to recharge a badly discharged battery, it will take a very long time and it's hard on the alternator use a real battery charger). If the battery is more than 3-4 years old I'd just replace it, but do check the alternator out-put at the battery with a VOM, you may also have an alternator or regulator problem. Your '79 will have an external regulator unless the alternator was "up-dated" to the newer internal regulator type (which requires a resistor in parallel with the indicator light to excite the alternator). Be sure the drive belt is properly tightened and all electrical connections and grounds are clean and sound. Do a search on this board there are a number of good descriptions on checking the charging system.

Good luck,

Jerry M
'78 SC

[Zeke]

Originally posted by diverdan
Interstate has had a great reputation, however I have switched to Wal Mart due to the awesome guarantee.

Diverdan

According to Consumer Reports Interstate is lagging. The Sears battery always gets a good nod, Wal Mart, too. For the money IS costs, I'd look further. Only 3 battery manufacturers make all the brands.

From Yahoo shopping:


"Most auto batteries are made by just three manufacturers, Delphi, Exide, and Johnson Controls Industries. Each makes batteries sold under several different brand names.

Delphi makes ACDelco and some EverStart (Wal-Mart) models. Exide makes Champion, Exide, Napa, and some EverStart batteries. Johnson Controls makes Diehard (Sears), Duralast (AutoZone), Interstate, Kirkland (Costco), Motorcraft (Ford), and some EverStarts."

I think I remember that the Exide group tended to be better, but it depends on the specs used for the individual brand.

[RallyJon]

Only 3 battery manufacturers make all the brands.

On the internet, there's always someone who lives, eats and breathes a topic, with a site or blog that had more information than any normal human could want. For batteries, it's this guy:

http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/batbrand.htm

[JBO]

Does anyone know if the smaller batteries that are sold at Wal Mart, that say they are for motorcycles or ATV's, will work? Having done a search I know that Jack Olsen uses, if I remember correctly, a wheelchair battery. Just wonder if one of those would be a substitute for the Odyssey at a lower cost.

[scottb]

I bought a battery at Costco. Perfect fit. Great price. Great warranty. I didn't care about the weight, and just wanted a battery that would get the job done. The Costco battery has been perfect so far.

Scott

[Nostril Cheese]

Optima is all I use.

I've had one for 8 years. Used it in three different cars. Sucker wont die.

[silverc4s]

Nobody is mentioning the MOST IMPORTANT consideration in choosing a pre 964 era 911 battery: No battery acid in the front fender areas means no rust & corrosion problems there.
That is why many of us use Odyssey, Optima, WestCo, and other Gel Cell types.
I personally think they are better for weekend/occasional use cars anyway..

[thomschoon]

I use a miata gell battery, small & light weight and it fits in a nice Wevo battery box. I use a Optima in my 986 and it is also a good battery but I like the gell as it stores better.

[Zeke]

I used the battery shown on Baker's page in the center on the '71 S Ragamuffin. Still have one from the 914 race car sitting here which is four years old and still works great, just no car to put it in at the present time (the Carrera has some big sucker in it, but I have other priorities on that car).The Baker batteries are the same as an Odessy, AFA I can see. According to Baker, Robbie Gordon uses them in his Baja truck and they do that deal well. (Well, they'd have to, lot at stake these days.)

[defcon65]

Conventional lead/acid batteries are all about the same quality and are sold based on warranty or capacity. Find the best price for the longest warranty with the amp hours you need. The Optimas are different; you pay a price for compact size.
Whatever battery you pick, make sure to get a battery tender to protect your investment if the car is not driven daily or is stored for winters. I've still got the humongous locomotive battery that came with my 911; when it dies I'll probably go for something a little more compact.

Regards,

[Paulporsche]

Had an Interstate. I replaced it after about 5 1/2 yrs because it seemed it was time. I just noticed I've had my current Sears for about 6 1/4 yrs so I think I'll replace that soon. Both were fine w/ no problems.

[oregonmon]

Great replies guys. Thanks for all the info. I hate to say this though, but I think the problem all along was a dome light turned on. I remember checking for all the lights but, I don't know?
I had the battery checked and it was pulling like 12.5 amps, should be fine. We'll see if the battery dies again, but I am embarrased but relieved that I might have just overlooked the dome light being switched to the on position.
BUT hey when I do change the battery, I have more info.

[MOMO3.2]

I have been told that a gel cell such as the Odyssey PC680 may not be well suited for cold climates. That said, I love mine. And, living in SoCal, cold is not an issue.

The PC680 replaced the 45lb monster that came standard in my 1987 Carrera. The Odyssey weighs only 12.5lbs!

One has to either buy or fabricate a mounting bracket and a special battery charger is necessary in the event of the battery needing charging. A "standard" battery charger will not supply the volume of charge the gel cells require. I have an ACI charger. It is a very nice match for the PC680. I love it!

Mike

[oregonmon]

Now 32-33lbs is significant to come off of one corner no? That sounds like a good weight loss. Any thought about how it comes off one corner opposed to centrally.
Is there a kit to mount the Odyssey battery?