Batteries

[Mechie3]

Didn't see a dedicated battery thread, my bad if there is.

What is everyone using? My full size from my donor became my pit battery for my Fmod. Plus, it's huge, weighs 35 some pounds, and takes up space in what could be the frunk.

What are the options (or what are people actually using) for the 818?

I used a PC680 in the past. It wasn't bad, didn't last all that long, but started my 06 WRX in upstate NY winters without fail unless it sat for a long time. It's an AGM type battery, 14ish lbs.

Shorai LiFEPO4. A local guy has the LFX14L@-BS12 battery in his autocross only Civic Si. It weighs about 3 lbs. Reviews on evo and lotus sites say though it's bad for a DD and may leave you stranded. These are technically motorcycle batteries that might not quite have the CCA to not damage the battery.

Deka EXT14. Supposedly what Braille rebadges and sells for 3x the price. ~12 lbs, also an AGM. Sells for ~$70. Also a motorcycle battery that a lot of Subaru and EVO people have used.

[D Clary]

I"m not sure that a full size heavy battery in the front is a bad Idea. May be good for balance. I was going to use an Optima. I already use them in my autox car and have the charger.

[wallace18]

I am using my 2002 wrx donor battery. It is brand new.

[JeromeS13]

+1 for the Deka EXT-14. It's what I ran in my '08 STI. Decent, cheap and lightweight. Win.

[longislandwrx]

A lithium battery would definitely be on my wish list for one day, but for now I'll probably end up with Odyssey PC680, cheaper than the braille and a better warranty.

Not much more than the Deka and you have someone to talk to.

[CHOTIS BILL]

Aircraft Spruce has a lithium battery that might be an option. http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/el/batteries_full.html.

Bill Lomenick

[fateo66]

I'm going to run a 425 AMP battery from a riding lawn mower. They are only $50 new and weigh in at 14lbs.

[SkiRideDrive]

Best battery I've ever used was a braille.

[flynntuna]

Is FFR supplying a battery cut off switch?

[AZPete]

Nope, FFR does not supply a cut-off switch. If you buy one, don't sucker for a cheap one from Harbor Freight or Autozone but get a good one from one of the racing parts places. Don't ask how I know.
Pete

[Ray]

How about this one: http://performancedistributors.com/product/dyna-batt/

Ray

[blueoval_bowtie_guy]

Nope, FFR does not supply a cut-off switch. If you buy one, don't sucker for a cheap one from Harbor Freight or Autozone but get a good one from one of the racing parts places. Don't ask how I know.
Pete

I think I learned about the Harbor Freight one the same way Pete did.

When I removed that POS switch, I put in the Painless remote solenoid. Nice little push button switch that I hid very well. It completely disconnects the entire electrical system.

Steve

[coloskydiver]

I"m not sure that a full size heavy battery in the front is a bad Idea. May be good for balance. I was going to use an Optima. I already use them in my autox car and have the charger.

I agree, having some additional weight in the front is not be a bad idea, plus I am running a stereo and a few other accessories. I plan on going with an Optima as well but does anyone know what size or a part number to buy? I would like it to fit nice and snug in the tray.

[K3LAG]

I have an Optima Red Top in mine. I got the Group 35 model. It fits fine. It's not light, but in my case that isn't a factor. They can be expensive but sometimes Amazon has them for a really good price with free shipping. I got mine that way much cheaper than I could find anywhere else.

Larry

[C.Plavan]

I have this battery in both race cars. Its great and light.
http://www.amazon.com/Odyssey-PC680-PC680-P-Battery/dp/B0002ILK6I

[RM1SepEx]

20 AH AGM, less than 13 lbs, I still have several that were used with my electric go-kart. They routinely delivered short 20X busrsts... 400AMPS! 5 years old, intermittant use

$40 1 year warrantee, mine had 2 year, depends on vender

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-20AH-THREADED-VRLA-AGM-Sealed-Lead-Acid-Rechargeable-Universal-Battery-/111290352476?pt=US_Rechargeable_Batteries&hash=item19e96c035c

[Jaime]

I have an Optima Red Top in mine. I got the Group 35 model. It fits fine. It's not light, but in my case that isn't a factor. They can be expensive but sometimes Amazon has them for a really good price with free shipping. I got mine that way much cheaper than I could find anywhere else.

Larry
I got a group 51 yellow top for under $150 at AutoZone (on sale and web coupon). Group 51's are 26 pounds (10 pounds lighter than a 35) and still 38Ah (to the 48Ah of a 35). It's a pretty good compromise between the OEM battery and a race battery. I got the yellow top so it's less likely to die if left for a few months in the winter.

[coloskydiver]

Thanks for the information guys.