Batteries, Batteries, Batteries, What do you use or recommend in a 914? Original Porsche Battery & Fuel Rail Recall Info Options

[tumamilhem]

I know there have been a couple threads mentioning this, but I thought it would be helpful to have a thread solitary to the discussion of batteries to compare and contrast the pros and cons of many options to make an educated and sound decision when buying the right kind of battery for your car. This will also serve as a good guide by seasoned owners for new 914 owners.

So I'll go first with the most obvious question, and actually a current one, as I am shopping around for a new battery for my car.

What (in your opinion) is the best battery to use in a 914 and why? This is a question I am curious about because I need a new battery.

Many 914 owners prefer the Optima due to its closed top to prevent leaking of acid that drains down into the notorious hell hole, eventually destroying the frame of the car if not tended to. This is a huge advantage. Typically, the type of Optima used is the Red Top / Size 34 Series.

I have used Interstate in the past. I don't find they last too long. I also had cranking issues sometimes. The battery would seam to wear down quicker if I needed to start it a few times.

I am currently trying to take advantage of the recall on the 914 which was the battery issue. I discovered that not only did Porsche provide the battery cover, but replaced fuel lines. I contacted Brumos Porsche (I live locally) inquiring if this was still done. Not only could they not bring up anything via my year and VIN number, but not the recall number either. So they had to make a few phone calls to dig deeper into their archives. It's been a week now and nothing yet.

Here is that recall information for your information:

Porsche 914 Fuel Rail Recalls
Recall Number: 77V105000
Owner Notification Date: July 12, 1977
Record Creation Date: October 12, 1979

Defect Description:
The Battery covers on the involved vehicles may be missing, damaged, or improperly installed. This condition could allow water to contact the top of the battery and mix with acid. This mixture could cause the fuel hoses to deteriorate and lead to fuel leakage.

Defect Consequence: n/a
Corrective Action: Dealer will install a new Battery cover and hold down clamp, and replace all fuel hoses in the engine compartment, without charge to owner.

So what battery do you recommend?

[tumamilhem]

I saw it was a Odyssey PC680. But I'm not familiar with them and not sure if people use their other batteries Also for example lots of drivers use Optima Yellow Top, but they do not last long because they put out more power on a constant basis, wearing the battery out faster. Whereas the Red Top shoots out a lot of power to start the car and utilizes only the power it needs to run the car instead of putting out an over-output of power, wasting it. Coincidentally, non-closed top batteries that do this heat up the battery causing it to bubble up and leak.

Also, as I found out, our car battery size is 42. But Optima doesn't make a 42 (someone was asking about this the other day). It does come in a 35 - two of them, which is taller. So someone not familiar will need to know this and also know that even though it's taller, there is enough clearance in the compartment for it, so it's a non-issue. Also, there are 2 size 35 batteries. I believe the one that fits best with the terminal configuration is the 35 R.

So these are good examples of what and why I was asking about regarding which one and why the preference, to weigh the pros and cons that most may not be aware of but want to find the battery suited to them and which is preferred in comparison between the two - Odyssey (any model) and Optima (Red Top). Hope these details help people make a decision.

For me, not being familiar with Odyssey, I was ready to go buy a Red Top. Now with this new-found preference for Odyssey, I'm going to research that to compare, which was the whole purpose of this thread. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)