Help me choose a battery
#1
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Help me choose a battery
I'm hopefully going to have my car running in a few weeks, which is a sumertime weekend fun car. There is no stereo, and soon there will likely be no A/C, so I'm thinking something lightweight, and preferably under $100. My only concern is when I'm first tuning there will be a lot of cranking, so it needs to be able to handle jumpstarts occasionally. I'm considering larger motorcycle batteries, but I understand those can blow up with the amount of power the alternator puts out.
#3
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Look up XS Power batteries.
I've never actually had to buy a battery before but i've heard those are the best. If and when someday i do have to buy one that's the brand i'll probably get.
I've never actually had to buy a battery before but i've heard those are the best. If and when someday i do have to buy one that's the brand i'll probably get.
#8
Don't be scared of motorcycle batteries, they work great. Easy way to lose 10+ lbs as well.
For example, I had this battery in my last miata for a couple years and it worked great, even on our coldest(20F) days in Texas after sitting for about a week :
Just an example, there are other motorcycle batteries that are cheaper. I bought this one because it had a very good weight to CCA ratio for its cost.
This battery would start the car just as strong as the Westco battery, and weighed 15lbs vs. the 25lb Westco. I can't think of a reason to put a larger battery than this in a miata unless you are prone to forgetting to turn your headlights off or something. Plus, it was fun to add the acid(which was very easy) and watch the battery jump to 12.8 volts all on its own in about 15 minutes when I first got it. No charging was needed.
I will probably go with something a bit smaller next time, but my car never sits for more than 5 days at a time so the battery never has a chance to deplete.
For example, I had this battery in my last miata for a couple years and it worked great, even on our coldest(20F) days in Texas after sitting for about a week :
Just an example, there are other motorcycle batteries that are cheaper. I bought this one because it had a very good weight to CCA ratio for its cost.
This battery would start the car just as strong as the Westco battery, and weighed 15lbs vs. the 25lb Westco. I can't think of a reason to put a larger battery than this in a miata unless you are prone to forgetting to turn your headlights off or something. Plus, it was fun to add the acid(which was very easy) and watch the battery jump to 12.8 volts all on its own in about 15 minutes when I first got it. No charging was needed.
I will probably go with something a bit smaller next time, but my car never sits for more than 5 days at a time so the battery never has a chance to deplete.
#9
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holey carp, that coupon is awesome. I guess a bike battery would be fine, I do not plan on leaving anything on, and I may add a cutoff switch too.
$73
AutoCraft 12-Volt Sealed AGM Premium Powersport Battery, 220 CCA TX14: Advance Auto Parts
The boat anchor is $110... I think not.
AutoCraft Silver Battery, Group Size U1RT, 370 CCA U1RT: Advance Auto Parts
Just saw this.. 220 CCA $110.. 2.5 lb!
Buy AutoCraft Lithium Power Sport Battery, Lithium, Iron, LFP-5, 260 CCA LFP-5 at Advance Auto Parts
$73
AutoCraft 12-Volt Sealed AGM Premium Powersport Battery, 220 CCA TX14: Advance Auto Parts
The boat anchor is $110... I think not.
AutoCraft Silver Battery, Group Size U1RT, 370 CCA U1RT: Advance Auto Parts
Just saw this.. 220 CCA $110.. 2.5 lb!
Buy AutoCraft Lithium Power Sport Battery, Lithium, Iron, LFP-5, 260 CCA LFP-5 at Advance Auto Parts
#10
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Don't be scared of motorcycle batteries, they work great. Easy way to lose 10+ lbs as well.
For example, I had this battery in my last miata for a couple years and it worked great, even on our coldest(20F) days in Texas after sitting for about a week : Amazon.com: Yuasa YUAM620BH-P YTX20HL-BS-PW Battery: Automotive
Just an example, there are other motorcycle batteries that are cheaper. I bought this one because it had a very good weight to CCA ratio for its cost.
This battery would start the car just as strong as the Westco battery, and weighed 15lbs vs. the 25lb Westco. I can't think of a reason to put a larger battery than this in a miata unless you are prone to forgetting to turn your headlights off or something. Plus, it was fun to add the acid(which was very easy) and watch the battery jump to 12.8 volts all on its own in about 15 minutes when I first got it. No charging was needed.
I will probably go with something a bit smaller next time, but my car never sits for more than 5 days at a time so the battery never has a chance to deplete.
For example, I had this battery in my last miata for a couple years and it worked great, even on our coldest(20F) days in Texas after sitting for about a week : Amazon.com: Yuasa YUAM620BH-P YTX20HL-BS-PW Battery: Automotive
Just an example, there are other motorcycle batteries that are cheaper. I bought this one because it had a very good weight to CCA ratio for its cost.
This battery would start the car just as strong as the Westco battery, and weighed 15lbs vs. the 25lb Westco. I can't think of a reason to put a larger battery than this in a miata unless you are prone to forgetting to turn your headlights off or something. Plus, it was fun to add the acid(which was very easy) and watch the battery jump to 12.8 volts all on its own in about 15 minutes when I first got it. No charging was needed.
I will probably go with something a bit smaller next time, but my car never sits for more than 5 days at a time so the battery never has a chance to deplete.
Motocross 12-Volt Powersport Battery, 310 CCA YTX20HL-BS-PW: Get the best Powersports Battery at Advance Auto Parts
#11
I cannot attest to that brand, but I can tell you if it is the same design and case as the one I linked, it will not leak.
I was a little nervous about adding acid too, but after I actually did this, it was super easy and well designed against leakage. After the battery gets done bubbling when you first add the acid, you put on this cap fitting that covers the 8 or so holes at the top of the battery. Mine was very tight, to get the cap fitting flush with the battery I had to use a small hammer.
Before I got rid of that Miata I looked over everything to make sure it was sound, and the battery acid indicator spray didn't show any acid around the battery caps. First time I had ever seen any battery do that. I was impressed.
I was a little nervous about adding acid too, but after I actually did this, it was super easy and well designed against leakage. After the battery gets done bubbling when you first add the acid, you put on this cap fitting that covers the 8 or so holes at the top of the battery. Mine was very tight, to get the cap fitting flush with the battery I had to use a small hammer.
Before I got rid of that Miata I looked over everything to make sure it was sound, and the battery acid indicator spray didn't show any acid around the battery caps. First time I had ever seen any battery do that. I was impressed.
#12
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I cannot attest to that brand, but I can tell you if it is the same design and case as the one I linked, it will not leak.
I was a little nervous about adding acid too, but after I actually did this, it was super easy and well designed against leakage. After the battery gets done bubbling when you first add the acid, you put on this cap fitting that covers the 8 or so holes at the top of the battery. Mine was very tight, to get the cap fitting flush with the battery I had to use a small hammer.
Before I got rid of that Miata I looked over everything to make sure it was sound, and the battery acid indicator spray didn't show any acid around the battery caps. First time I had ever seen any battery do that. I was impressed.
I was a little nervous about adding acid too, but after I actually did this, it was super easy and well designed against leakage. After the battery gets done bubbling when you first add the acid, you put on this cap fitting that covers the 8 or so holes at the top of the battery. Mine was very tight, to get the cap fitting flush with the battery I had to use a small hammer.
Before I got rid of that Miata I looked over everything to make sure it was sound, and the battery acid indicator spray didn't show any acid around the battery caps. First time I had ever seen any battery do that. I was impressed.
#15
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Ugh... I can't decide between the Yuasa clone and the lithium battery. The Yuasa is a bit more powerful than the lithium battery, and the coupon codes make the price not much different. Too many choices..
#16
This is what you want once you get your tuning sorted out. Light as ****, cheap, and crank the car over faster than the OEM battery will. ZIPPY Flightmax 8400mAh 4S2P 30C LiFePo4 Pack Be warned that since its a LiPO type battery it cannot be run dead or you destroy it, had a buddy leave his headlights on and it swelled up so much it popped the shrink wrap off. You'll also want one of the balancer boards that plug into the balance ports so that it charges perfectly while in the car. More advanced ones could be setup to give you a warning light on the dash if the charge is getting in the dangerzone. Note this is a LiPOFE4, the non-fire and explosions kind of LiPO battery. The normal LiPO and LiPoly batteries can release flammable gases and or explode if not treated properly.
#18
Not sure if you plan to do much track work, but our cars are light in the right rear. -this may not be the best place to remove weight
Here's my corner balance with small a AGM.
If anyone has experienced different results, please chime in... not claiming to be an expert here.
Here's my corner balance with small a AGM.
If anyone has experienced different results, please chime in... not claiming to be an expert here.
#19
This is what you want once you get your tuning sorted out. Light as ****, cheap, and crank the car over faster than the OEM battery will. ZIPPY Flightmax 8400mAh 4S2P 30C LiFePo4 Pack Be warned that since its a LiPO type battery it cannot be run dead or you destroy it, had a buddy leave his headlights on and it swelled up so much it popped the shrink wrap off. You'll also want one of the balancer boards that plug into the balance ports so that it charges perfectly while in the car. More advanced ones could be setup to give you a warning light on the dash if the charge is getting in the dangerzone. Note this is a LiPOFE4, the non-fire and explosions kind of LiPO battery. The normal LiPO and LiPoly batteries can release flammable gases and or explode if not treated properly.
Would it be alright because the alternator would only tend to recharge the battery at a high rate for a short period right after cranking?
I think it all depends on which way the OP want to go with this. If you want to do something to save about 30lb of weight(even though the RR corner is already light)with more work involved, and a smaller margin of error,then by all means, try one of the tiny lithium batteries. If the OP just wants to save 10-15lb, with a little more room for error and a more familiar installation process, then the Yuasa clone is the obvious choice.
I would personally find it interesting to try out a Lithium battery, such as the one Leafy linked. The Ballistic Performance batteries have a good reputation as well, but they are quite a bit more expensive.
#20
Its very unlikely that you would actually be able to charge the battery at 17A. I dont think you'll ever make a high enough voltage differential to pump that much juice in unless the battery was already dangerously low.
If anyone wants to DIY a ballistic battery just buy a set of standard size A123 LiPOFE4 cells from ebay or aliexpress and put it together. I pulled mine apart after some of the cells went **** up and they wouldnt honor the warranty. I ended up scraping it because apparently when my cells went **** up the balance wires all melted and when I popped the top off there was shorting and fire and I promptly whipped it out of the garage into the snow. Lol.
If anyone wants to DIY a ballistic battery just buy a set of standard size A123 LiPOFE4 cells from ebay or aliexpress and put it together. I pulled mine apart after some of the cells went **** up and they wouldnt honor the warranty. I ended up scraping it because apparently when my cells went **** up the balance wires all melted and when I popped the top off there was shorting and fire and I promptly whipped it out of the garage into the snow. Lol.