Battery for my 64 Etype coupe 3.8

[chasers03]

I want a correct size battery which has no acid, ie. dry/gel cel for my 64 E-type 3.8 coupe.

Does anyone know the size of the original battery and of a source for such a non-acid battery??

Steve

 

[rotoflex]

You'll have to size it elsewhere, but for a manufacturer, I will personally recommend the Odyssey dry cell line.
https://www.odysseybatteries.com/

I had been reading messages from autocrossers who'd replaced their lead/acid batteries with lighter Odyssey dry cells, & who'd found they were fine for daily driver use.

I got an Odyssey PC680MJT (has automotive terminals) which is about 40% of the size of the OEM battery for my Neon, & it's been great. And it weighs about as much as a book, as opposed to as much as a car battery. Real Soon Now, I am going to get one for the GT6 (probably larger capacity, as the GT6 has 2 more cylinders & sometimes needs to spin some more to start than the FI Neon).

 

[Exotexs]

also check the battery recommendations at Mike Martinez' site, Star Auto electric - he rebuilds Lucas components and has a line of batteries for collector cars:

https://www.starautoelectric.com

 

[Exotexs]

also check this site:

https://www.antiqueautobattery.com/

 

[GregJ]

Gell cell battery is the way to go. I have been using Optima batteries in all of my collector cars with great success. They are the same size as the lead/acid originals so you do not have to deal with changeing and figuring out new holddowns for the battery that is a different size. I use my cars sporatically so the battery is left to run down and is recharged on occasion if at all. Gell cells take that kind of abuse very well. I would get a "deep cycle Optima gell cell." I have used them in my:

enclosed trailer
D-Type Jag
C-Type Jag
67 XKE OTS Jag
64 XKE lightweight Jag
Austin Healey 100S

All do very well and the battery lasts for years.

GregJ

 

[chasers03]

Thank you however I am confused in that the Optima web site says their battery is not a Gel Cel as noted here in a

FAQ 11. What is a gel cell battery? How does the OPTIMA battery compare?

A gel battery is typically a modification of a conventional lead-acid automotive or marine battery. A gelling agent is added to the electrolyte to reduce movement inside the battery case. OPTIMA Deep Cycle batteries are able to deliver and receive higher amperages than gel cell batteries, due to the much higher internal resistance of gel batteries. Most gel batteries cannot handle engine starting duties, but OPTIMA Deep Cycle batteries excel in such applications.

Thanks from Steve Chase

 

[BIBBER]

Steve...my philosphy is to go with a modern dependable high cranking amps battery....best you can afford....stick a label on it and/or paint it to look close to opriginal but if you're not showing and want to drive it....you'll be glad you can count on the battery!!!!

 

[Bugeye58]

Aren't Optima batteries spiral wound "Glass Mat" types?
Jeff

 

[Exotexs]

...my philosphy is to go with a modern dependable high cranking amps battery


I agree, and battery technology is much advanced today. If you're going to drive the car, get a modern battery.

Ex

 

[Keoke]

Aren't Optima batteries spiral wound "Glass Mat" types?
Jeff

Yep they sure are. However, there are Gel Cells that can be used to replace the standard lead acid car battery. Similarly they are not light or inexpensive. OTOH both batteries are of the Glass Matt Type.--Fwiw--Keoke

 

[GregJ]

You may have already discovered this information, it is a great tutorial on battery types, charging issues and application:

https://www.batterystuff.com/tutorial_battery.html

GregJ