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Optima Batteries

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David Brotchie

Freshman Member
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Do any of you use a sealed type battery like an Optima? I don't think any they offer fit the MGB, but I'm hoping someone knows of different brand that does.
 
David,
I have always gone with Interstate Batteries. Being originally from Minnesota and now residing in Arizona I’ve put them thru the most brutal weather. From -23 below zero to 118 they have performed very well. Last year I converted to a single 12volt system,/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif I should have done this years ago. But anyway, you can look up your car on their website (www.ibsa.com) this has all the info you should need.
 
Optima offers a size compatible with the correct size for the MGB 12v and I have heard they are working on 6v They are relatively new and here in Indy are distributed by the Interstate rep what I liked was the sealed battery thus no corrosive fumes that eats battery boxes
 
Interstate batteries are great, I agree. Probably the best thing other than Optima. I know a few people using Optima on classic cars, modern cars and boats. They last forever and the best thing about them is that they hold a charge far longer than a standard battery. Perfect for a classic which is not driven often.
 
I believe the Optima Redtop 34r is the one that will fit. I'm going down to buy one today and will confirm the modle number. Optima has quite a few models that fit the battery box, but some have extra or side terminals.

The dimensions are as follows
ibs_MT-26.jpg

Interstate MT 26
8" : 6.75" : 7.75" (L:W:H)

Optima 34r
9.3" : 6.81" : 7.62" (L:W:H)
34r_thumb.jpg


Having a sealed battery as tough as this one is worth the extra price.
 
If unused for many months are the Optima batteries supposed to hold a charge or at least be able to be recharged without failing?
 
[ QUOTE ]
Stinch,"Why select the Optima model 34R over the model 34?"

[/ QUOTE ] I think I posted the wrong data. Whichever redtop that has a 9.3" Width. I believe the most widly available redtop is 10" wide, which may be too big. Can someone verify this? My MGB is in the shop, so I can't measure for myself.
 
the optoma battery is the best u can buy i drove my mbg 150 with bad alt two weeks ago to get home.then charged it for 2 hrs and it was ready to go again,this is a 3 yr old battery.steve /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
 
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