12V battery

[Warrren914]

I'm hoping to get my car back on the road within the next month or so. It's been parked for several years.

It will need a new battery. I previously installed a red top Optima, then possibly a AGM. Neither seemed to last long or work well. The voltage regulator is a Wells VR650 solid state replacement for the original clicky mechanical type.

I don't want to put in a regular lead acid type.

Any thoughts on a recommended battery type?

[jess p]

I’ve owned a number of Optima batteries, one lasted 7 years but they are expensive. I read where they can be brought back to life(youtube) video by giving it a jump charge for a period of time and then a long slow charge. I like the Sears die hard batteries, I’ve had good luck with them.

[Warrren914]

The Optima 34R seems to be the right fit. It is about double the price of a regular lead acid battery. I'm good with that.
Sears is long gone in Canada...

[PCA7GGR]

Get a sealed AGM from WallyMao. Most batteries, including theirs, are made by Johnson Controls.

[911pcars]

I have a lead acid battery in the front, but it’s housed in a plastic marine battery case to insulate the chassis from errant, chassis-eating battery acid. Can the factory battery mount accommodate such a setup?

Sherwood

[Warrren914]

I'm reading many conflicting reports about the Optima 34R.
Can someone confirm it will fit properly?
Does the the engine cover hit the terminals?
The car can not be driven at the moment, and the battery is not refundable if it doesn't fit.

[jess p]

The Optima part # R34-980 is 800 CCA

height is 7.875 in
length is 10.06 in
width is 6.875 in.

It can be bought from Amazon if you can’t find them

[Warrren914]

There are at least six batteries in Halifax, getting one isn't the problem.
I have the dimensions, but it's more difficult to determine exact fit with the lid down. Some people have said it will hit the positive terminal of the 34R battery.

[jess p]

Warren

I just checked the battery tray dimensions of my 70 914. The tray is about 10 in long and the length of the R34 is 10.06 inch. Measure the dimensions of your tray.

[jess p]

I have a Sears die hard gold series B-22. It measures 8 inches high with top posts. I had plenty of room. I did not have a battery pad. The other option is I believe you can get the R34 in a front post mount as well.

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by Warrren914

There are at least six batteries in Halifax, getting one isn't the problem.
I have the dimensions, but it's more difficult to determine exact fit with the lid down. Some people have said it will hit the positive terminal of the 34R battery.

If your cables comply, mount the battery so the posts are on the side.

To confirm height clearance, with the lid closed, drop a stiff wire down so it rests on the battery tray, then mark a spot on the wire just under the grill. That wire length is your height clearance for the battery.

Sherwood

[GregAmy]

FWIW, I run an Autocraft LFP-7 lithium battery. Was something like $80 at AutoZone (or was it Advanced Auto?) and weighs almost nothing (like a pound. Yeah, 1 pound or something silly like that).

Only 20Ah though, so it's not going to get you to Cleveland when the alternator craps.

[Zola]

In my 76, I bought a lead acid Walmart Everstart T5... a 5 yr Battery made by Johnson Controls..850 cranking amps I believe..Frame size is T5...$120.00.....Perfect fit in battery tray
3 year free replacement warranty as well

[Spring44]

I put an Interstate in my 944 three years ago and it is still going strong. Reasonably priced. Has a 3 year full replacement warranty and I have run that sucker stone-dead at least a dozen times and it comes right back to life!

On another note I think that Mercedes-Benz makes the best automotive batteries and they are only about $150-160.
On my last 3 Mercs, the original equipment batteries have lasted: 1.) 9 years, 2.) 10 years, and 3.) 10 years. Swear to God!

[skinnerd]

I went with an XS Power D4700 AGM battery that Jegs carries....other stores will carry this as well.
Cost me $279 with free shipping.

Fits perfectly into the 914 battery tray using the stock battery hold down clamp.
The battery has a ledge or foot on both the front and rear to allow this.

I don't have a rain tray on my engine lid as I'm a 914-6 guy, but it looks like there is plenty of room above the battery to allow for a rain tray.

Here's what she looks like:



Here are the specs:

XS Power D-Series AGM Battery 12-Volt
D-Series AGM Battery
Model D4700
12-Volt
CA: 760
CCA: 668
Ah: 62, 2000W / 3000W
Max Amps: 2900
Reserve Capacity: 110 Minutes
M6 Terminal Hardware Included
9.49'' L x 6.93'' W x 7.48'' H (Group 47)
42.2 lbs

For some the graphics may be a bit much.
I was fine with them, but decided to go stealth.
Here's what the battery looked like with a battery cover, some black vinyl and a Bosch decal off Ebay.



At 62 Amp-Hr, this battery has plenty of reserve power to run your lights, wipers and other accessories.