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Time to get a new battery.

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AUSMHLY

AUSMHLY

Yoda
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BJ8 III, generator, negative ground, positive post near front of the car.
I need a battery.

I was thinking Interstate or Optima?
If one of those, or another brand, what would you suggest?
What brand & model?

I'd like to have enough clearance to get a jumper cable on the posts.



Thanks,
Roger
 
Hi Roger,

I have had an Optima battery for the past 3 years and found it to be up after 3 months of inactivity. The battery seems to have more than enough power to carry a heavy load and, though I cannot tell how long it will last, I do like the fact that it is not a liquid acid unit.

All the best,
Ray (64BJ8P1)
 
I like to have enough clearance to get a jumper cable on the posts.

Roger, This is generally not a problem. :nonod:

However, be sure you get the battery posts located properly for a negative ground car. I think your choices may be somewhat limited If you chose the gel cell batteries
.But in the Optima line you should select a Yellow or blue top unit.

For the more common Lead Acid battery. I suggest using only those brands that have a truely "Sealed" design like a delco is---Keoke
 
RAC68 said:
Hi Roger,

I have had an Optima battery for the past 3 years and found it to be up after 3 months of inactivity. The battery seems to have more than enough power to carry a heavy load and, though I cannot tell how long it will last, I do like the fact that it is not a liquid acid unit.

All the best,
Ray (64BJ8P1)
Click to expand...

Ray, which model do you have? Red, blue or yellow and the model pls.
 
I just put an Optima in my Healey. It was donor from a home security companys back up generator. They change them out about every three years. The generator gets test fired once a month, otherwise they sit with a manitainer until called into service. I was very suprised to find the battery output was still more than a new standard battery. After sitting on the floor for several months, it was finally put to use. I cant say for the price to buy a new one I could go this route, but for what it cost me I cant complain. Normally I would use a group 27, but dont have any concerns with the Optima posts shorting to body if battery shifts.

My forklift sits more than used. After a couple years from little use the battery usually just quits, without any warning, even if maintained and wont charge for any length of time. Its hard for me coughing up the cost for a premium battery, but I think one would have a long shelf life for this. Fortunately, a buddy sells surplus and blems for $25. In the long run for the forklift, its way cheaper to go this way, but for my Healey, I dont want the battery to take a dump out on a joyride.

Dont know if its a gelcell or AGM, but the Optima is a completely sealed case. I would usually consider an Interstate, but even those leak and corrode terminals more than I would like. Especially if you dont keep check on a regualr basis.
 
Not,sure if this is true but Napa told me there were only two main manufactures of batteries that are sold under many names. They said to check for size, cold start value, and the amps to fit my car and shop price. I'm not sure the Optima fits this generalization, but they indicated Interstate was the same as their Napa house brand.
 
HITH, I think Interstate bought Optima I am not sure, However, here is somthing to consider when chosing an AGM type batery.


Charging 10 amps on a drained 31 series Optima battery is like filling a 55 gallon drum with an eye dropper!
Charging 10 amps on a drained 34/78 sries battery is like filling a 55 gallon drum with a 10oz cup -

it can be done; but why?
How much did you say your Dynamo put out??------Keoke :laugh:
 
Hi Roger,

I chose a red topped Optima as it provided the demand and power output I thought most appropriate. By the way, I put the same battery in my Acura TL.

Good Luck,
Ray (64BJ8P1)
 
Roger,
I've had an Optima Red Top in my E-type for 5 years. No issues whatsoever and it is as strong today as the day I installed it.
In the Healey, when my current Interstate battery hits the skids, it will be replaced with an Optima battery and I'll never look back. Fantastic product.
Randy
 
Thanks guys for all your input.
I've purchased an interstate battery.
I've never had problems with a battery in the Healey. I drive it a lot. I got 6 years out of my old battery.

I agree the optima battery is great. Especially for people who do not drive their cars a lot. If I went with the Optima, I would need to purchase their flat case surround or make one. I show the car and seeing the 3 tube like structure on the optima, would catch the judges eye.

The interstate I purchased comes with a 3 year over the counter exchange. Prorated 84 months. It was also about 1/3 the price of the Optima.

Now it's on to the next project. I don't know what it is yet, but it will let me know soon enough.

Cheers,
Roger
 
Roger, you will be happy with the Interstate choice. I had mine for over 9 years and then it just began to need water added. I went with Napa cause the are available up here if I need replacement. The specs and warranty were the same as the Interstate which is not readily available here. The best batteries are the ones you don't have to think about.
TH
 
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