924Board.org

dash16 · Joined: 22 Aug 2007 Posts: 255 Location: Cali Cali

Was thinking about getting one of these:
http://www.optimabatteries.com/optima_products/redtop/specs.php

but can't seem to figure out which one I need.

I also hear that German cars need a "group 48" and there are no 48s offerred in the BCI group (not sure if that the same thing)

OR

suggest a battery

thanks

_________________
1987 Porsche 924S Black/Black. 5-spd.
Options: AFX C79 261 398 423 650 651 657

1987 Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth Pearl Black/Black. 5-spd.

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Rasta Monsta · Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 11733 Location: PacNW

_________________
Toofah King Bad

WeiBe (1987 924S 2.5t) - 931 S3

gohim · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 4459 Location: Rialto, CA

While Optima batteries are truly the best you can buy (I have one in my 914 that's been in service for over 20 years), they are really necessary in a 924 or 931.

You can buy a 48-3 battery from WalMart with good power reserves, and a good warranty for $65 (you can buy three for the price of one Optima).

dash16 · Joined: 22 Aug 2007 Posts: 255 Location: Cali Cali

I actually have an optima laying around with 800cca and 1000ca.
Is this too much for our cars?

My previous battery that died had 550cca and 750ca.

Im hoping that i don't need a new battery and just use this one but I don't really know how the different cranking amps affect our electrical systems, and am worried about adverse effects from long term usage.
_________________
1987 Porsche 924S Black/Black. 5-spd.
Options: AFX C79 261 398 423 650 651 657

1987 Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth Pearl Black/Black. 5-spd.

STUTTGART PREVAILS

Smoothie · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 2:29 am Post subject:

No problem there. It's the amperage draw of the cars' electrical components that determine how much "juice" flows. Think of the cca and ca ratings as a capacity, amount, or volume - it just sits there in the battery as a volume of power that's available for use. It's wholy contained and won't bother you or your car until some electrical component is switched on, then only the amount required by that device is drawn from the battery. You could use a 2000+ ca battery if you could find one. The important spec for preserving your electrical system is the voltage, so as long as it's a "12V" battery you're safe.

I have a similar one made by Exide, and mounted it sideways to clear the hood. It's also spiral wound dry cell technology.
The hold-down has been updated since this pic, but it's mounted in the same position-orientation -

_________________
"..it's made in Germany. You know the Germans always make good stuff."

'82 924T, US version, dark green metallic, 5 speed Audi 016G gearbox

dash16 · Joined: 22 Aug 2007 Posts: 255 Location: Cali Cali

Looks like I have to mount my optima redtop sideways to clear the hood as well.

Can you please snap a picture of your upgraded mounting so I can get an idea of how Im going to do mine

is that a piece of wood underneath the battery? its safe?
_________________
1987 Porsche 924S Black/Black. 5-spd.
Options: AFX C79 261 398 423 650 651 657

1987 Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth Pearl Black/Black. 5-spd.

STUTTGART PREVAILS

dash16 · Joined: 22 Aug 2007 Posts: 255 Location: Cali Cali

so i tried to install the optima battery and it turns out that the terminals are too big on the battery!

can someone recommend a battery that fits the following criteria:
1. dry cell sealed
2. fits in the stock battery mounting location and secured by the stock
3. short enough to fit underneath the hood
4. fits the terminals

thank you
_________________
1987 Porsche 924S Black/Black. 5-spd.
Options: AFX C79 261 398 423 650 651 657

1987 Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth Pearl Black/Black. 5-spd.

STUTTGART PREVAILS

Smoothie · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 8:45 am Post subject:

dash16 · Joined: 22 Aug 2007 Posts: 255 Location: Cali Cali

I have yet to try to pry the terminals open but...

I bought a group48 interstate battery and it fit over the posts perfectly. I returned it because it was leaking and I also had a spare optima laying around, so I figured why not use it.

The previous battery was a die hard and it was also a group 48 battery, which also fit over the posts perfectly.

Its my understanding that group 48 is for german cars due to the fact that the logo is a german flag, and so I was also told this by a mechanic.
_________________
1987 Porsche 924S Black/Black. 5-spd.
Options: AFX C79 261 398 423 650 651 657

1987 Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth Pearl Black/Black. 5-spd.

STUTTGART PREVAILS