Decisions, decisions...

[oldguy668]

Why do I want to spend over $200 for an Optima or Odyssey battery when i can get this for $120?

http://www.atbatt.com/product/3609/sla/power-sonic/pg-12v55fr/battery

This is equal in advertised capacity to the PC1230 which sells for $280. What am I missing?

[Darren]

Or go to Costco and buy one for $50. Works great and starts my car like it is supposed to :)

[oldguy668]

I should have mentioned that I have a size problem (don't we all?). I want to mount it between the front crossmember and the X-member, so I have to use one of the AGM types that I mentioned above.

[Jeff Kleiner]

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj43/jkleiner/Mk4%207276/100_1953.jpg

Joe,
I made a box and placed a group 51 lead acid battery between the X member and crossmember on a Mk4. Group 51R is the same size with the terminals reversed.

Cheers,
Jeff

[oldguy668]

I think you are right, Jeff. I spend way too much time trying to reinvent the wheel.

[rich grsc]

The battery in the link is a lead acid battery, not an AGM. Not sure where you shop at, but no way would I pay $200 for an Optima or Odyessy.

[PG_Cobra]

I used a battery tray for a Jeep CJ (82) from JC Whitney on my Mk1, $60

http://www.jcwhitney.com/replacement-battery-tray-for-jeep/p2006089.jcwx?filterid=d1166y1982j1

Then installed a group 34 battery from Sears, $60

Fits good, battery securing is down by the crossmember so no upper retainer barcket. Has enough clearance for belt replacment.

[oldguy668]

The battery in the link is a lead acid battery, not an AGM. Not sure where you shop at, but no way would I pay $200 for an Optima or Odyessy.

Then the copy in the ad must be wrong...

"The Power-Sonic valve regulated sealed lead acid batteries are maintenance free, easy to handle, rugged and economical. It has a characteristic of high discharge rate, wide operating temperature, long service life and deep discharge recover.
• Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology for superior performance.
• Valve regulated, spill proof construction allows safe operation in any position.
• Power/volume ratio yielding unrivaled energy density.
• Approved for transport by air. D.O.T., I.A.T.A., F.A.A. and C.A.B. certified.
• U.L. recognized under file number MH 20845."

The Odyssey PC1200 is $231 retail and a few places have it for $199.

[Arch]

I have the Breeze box that mounts it as pictured above. I went with the yellow optima because, well I liked the look and have had good experience with optima's in the past. However, I am certain that I saw the same size battery at the local auto store in a regular black lead acid type for well under $100. In the end, I think a battery is a battery, if it starts the car it is a good one.
Arch

[Ray]

I should have mentioned that I have a size problem (don't we all?). I want to mount it between the front crossmember and the X-member, so I have to use one of the AGM types that I mentioned above.

Have you looked at this: http://www.performancedistributors.com/batteries.htm

"SPECIFICATIONS: Weight = 13.5 lbs, Dimensions: Length = 7", Width = 3" & Height = 6 1/2" ,
Reserve Capacity = 16 Amp hours, Cold Cranking Amps = Not Rated"

I don't have this battery, but do use a couple of their other products and they are all that they are advertised to be.

Ray

[Kevin Davis]

Costco 51r here as well. When it sits for a while, trickle charge is needed, but that's the same with anything. It never failed while I was dialing in the engine, and it fires right up.

This is the mount I made from 3/4" angle (I used the hold downs from the kit.)

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_jc24YCM0TIY/S0vSaYGVm6I/AAAAAAAANNc/cpCYBIxxzz4/s800/SDC11260.JPG

[oldguy668]

Thanks for the advice. I did some more checking and found that the common 51 or 51R is 10-154 pounds lighter than equivalent gel or AGM batteries, and also about 40% cheaper.

[3kcarbon]

I bought a conventional battery at Sam's for about $52.00. Basicly got the biggest one that would fit in a FF Metal box.