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> What Battery is in your 914?
NS914
post Mar 24 2016, 05:53 AM
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Hey Everyone,
I was speaking with Jeff Bowlsby yesterday...a great website by the way for all things electrical...but I am about to buy a battery for my car. Can you speak to what battery (and specific model in the case of Optima etc.) you have chosen for your car and why.

I have heard good and bad about Optima (they are very expensive here in Canada) but I want to get the best for my car. I have not truly confirmed the difference between Yellow and Red either just in case anyone can chime in on that.

In my case, I have relocated the battery to the front of the car and really have no power options to speak of in terms of additional load. Its a '74 1.8 which has since been increased to 2.0 with Weber Carbs (dual 40's)

Much thanks to all of you. I promise to post a video when I get this thing going!!!

Grant
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johannes
post Mar 24 2016, 05:58 AM
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The cheapest 2016 battery is way better than a 1970 one.
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mepstein
post Mar 24 2016, 05:58 AM
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Optima red top. 5 years old. Sat in the garage for 4 years then I charged it, put it in the car and it works perfectly.

When I bought my optima at Costco I confirmed that I could bring it back for an exchange or refund if I was ever dissatisfied with it. Without a time limit. Can't really beat that.
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saigon71
post Mar 24 2016, 06:01 AM
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I've been running an Optima Red Top 34 for a few years now. I know there has been some quality concerns, but mine seems to be holding up well.

A lot of folks seem to be switching to Odyssey dry cell batteries with good results.

If I need a replacement battery, I'll buy whatever is cheaper...Odyssey or Optima. Just stay away from lead-acid.
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jim_hoyland
post Mar 24 2016, 06:04 AM
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Optimus 34R; have used it for past 10 years. Starts every time on 1st turn of the key.
BTW, the 34R can be purchased on Amazon for $147 including shipping
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DRPHIL914
post Mar 24 2016, 06:11 AM
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optima- 2 years. last one was a duralast from autozone, it was not dura- last. lasted about 1 year. -0 ---- so far so good for the optima - yes, expensive. - I put one in the truck and lasted 7 years.
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NS914
post Mar 24 2016, 06:20 AM
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I knew you guys would respond quickly....I will head out to Costco at lunch and pick up an Optima.

Thanks Everyone, Grant
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914Next
post Mar 24 2016, 06:24 AM
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I'm interested too although the current battery in my car is a Diehard that was purchased in 2006 and well...just won't die! Seems quite strong yet. Of course now that I said that, I'll be needing a new battery
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1stworks
post Mar 24 2016, 07:23 AM
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Odyssey
my T4 setup...

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i1315.photobucket.com-15718-1458825802.1.jpg)


My V8 set-up.Bigger Odyssey

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/i1315.photobucket.com-15718-1458825802.2.jpg)
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Steve
post Mar 24 2016, 07:33 AM
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Optima red top
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era vulgaris
post Mar 24 2016, 08:42 AM
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Optima red top
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Shredhead
post Mar 24 2016, 09:16 AM
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Odyssey PC925MJ (metal jacket).
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gabeurgelles
post Mar 24 2016, 09:28 AM
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Autocraft Lithium-Ion motorcycle battery LFP-4. Weighs 2 pounds and starts the car just fine. I don't know how it would do with radios and extra lights.

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euro911
post Mar 24 2016, 11:09 AM
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The 'BB' also has the Odyssey PC925 in the engine bay.
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screenguy914
post Mar 24 2016, 11:29 AM
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Several choices for batteries. However, one important factor is to prevent battery acid (more prevalent in wet, lead-acid batteries), from attacking the sheet metal chassis.

Sealed, AGM batteries (e.g. Optima, Odyssey, etc.) provide the most protection. If using a typical lead-acid battery, enclose it in a plastic Marine battery box or equiv. to keep the acid vapor contained.

Also, when comparing batteries, use the Cold Cranking Amp results (CCA). The highest numbers provide the most cranking capacity (most important in cold climates). All other capacity tests are conducted under milder and/or less stringent test conditions.

Generally speaking, battery capacity is still related to battery weight. A Red Top Optima or equivalent Odyssey, 35-43 lbs. The light weight Odyssey series and others are 11-15 lbs.

Sherwood
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mepstein
post Mar 24 2016, 11:47 AM
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QUOTE(gabeurgelles @ Mar 24 2016, 11:28 AM) *

Autocraft Lithium-Ion motorcycle battery LFP-4. Weighs 2 pounds and starts the car just fine. I don't know how it would do with radios and extra lights.


I was planning to give that a try. I figured moving to lcd lights would reduce the need for a big battery. 30+ lb weight reduction.
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pilothyer
post Mar 24 2016, 11:48 AM
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QUOTE(jim_hoyland @ Mar 24 2016, 07:04 AM) *

Optimus 34R; have used it for past 10 years. Starts every time on 1st turn of the key.
BTW, the 34R can be purchased on Amazon for $147 including shipping


Is there a specific version of the 34R for the stock 914 location? (Post Orientation)
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stinkindiesel
post Mar 24 2016, 11:54 AM
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QUOTE(jim_hoyland @ Mar 24 2016, 07:04 AM) *

Is there a specific version of the 34R for the stock 914 location? (Post Orientation)


I believe the "R" in the part number designates the correct post position., That would be a top post, reverse polarity.

Gary
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Elliot Cannon
post Mar 24 2016, 12:25 PM
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This battery (mounted up front where is should be (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ) has been in the car so long, I can't remember when I bought it. Of course I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday so...


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Tom_T
post Mar 24 2016, 12:31 PM
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Both Optima & Odyssey & Interstate & maybe some other sealed AGM & dry cell lead-acid, Li, etc. would work & preserve the rust-abillity nature of our 914s a bit better than .

Optima Red top is for cars, yellow top is deep cycle for RVs & campers which don't get used often, drain down 90-100% & then need full recharging often.

Some folks like yellow top for that reason if they occasionally drive their 914s/cars .... or guys like SoCalAndy who has everything YELLOW in his 914s! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Note that the new batteries today made by both Optima & Interstate are NOT what the folks above with older batteries were, as they lowered their excellent 8+/- year warranty down to just 2 years a few years ago, with quality lowered as well, after they were both bought out & production moved to ..... wait for it ..... China! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

They're still good batteries, but today you're getting 1/4-1/3 the life, quality & warranty for a very expensive battery, as compared to their originals, IMHO. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

I've used their sister Interstate sealed batteries in my `85 BMW 325e E30 with the rear battery in the trunk & requiring more CCA due to the long run to the front engine, & conversely in my `88 Westy under the front seat & conversely long run to the rear engine with good luck for 20+ years, with most lasting 7-10 years.

IIRC they also have a flat-plate AGM version too, so you could use either that or Optima - with the caveat of the new shorter warranty & less quality.

Some folks also like the Exide AGM as well, which may be less costly for you up in Canada.

BTW - I'd still recco an acid neutralizer pad under any battery in a pre-zinc-treated car body.

FYI - Porsche didn't start hot-dip zinc treatment until `76 MY - EXCEPT for 914s, which 76 MY 914s were all built in 1975 & sold as 76 MY thereafter.

PS - my nefarious & as yet untried plan for my 73 2L's resto, is to mount a smaller but same CCA/V/etc. capacity Oddyssey lead-acid dry cell or another Li etc. battery inside a "blank case" for an old school Bosch battery as a "case" - so it looks OE, but runs as new tech - with the added security of the battery case serving as a battery tray/enclosure, such as those used for inside trailer battery installations to contain any leakage. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)

Good Luck! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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