[BigL2U]

Since I recently replaced the battery in my 968, and finding no specific battery guidance on 968.net, I thought I'd share my findings.



Our OE batteries are 48 series and have the following specs;

weight 41 lbs.

length 11.38 in

width 6.88 in

height 6.88 in



CCA 700

CA 875

reserve 120 minutes



Suitable replacements with above mentioned specs;



BOSCH 48-B

Sold by Porsche dealers $185.00 - 36 month prorated warranty (first 18 months full replacement).



Interstate MegaTron Plus (MTP) -91 (91 replaced their 48)

Sold at select Mobil gas stations and auto shops (call around) $95 - 85 month prorated warranty (first 36 months full replacement).



Die Hard International 33348

Sold by SEARS, $99.00 - 100 month prorated warranty ( first 36 months full replacement).



I would guess any battery that met the above physical and electrical specs. mentioned above would work just fine. I went with the Die Hard because of the longer warranty and SEARS being nation wide here in the U.S.

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[insite94]

Just curious...did you investigate the Optima battery too? I have the "Porsche" battery in my car (installed by PO) that I expect will craok within the next few months and will need to be replaced. Thanks for the informative post.



Best,



Buzz

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[BigL2U]

I looked for an Optima that would fit without retro-fitting but could not find one.



I searched Optima Battery and their battery locator had no recommendations for 968, 944, 924, 928, or Boxsters. Most of the Optima's I looked at also had exposed post. If you can find one with the above dimensions then it should fit.



If you find one that fits easily, please post it's physical, electrical and warranty info.

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[flatsix]

I think the cranking amps is 600 which is important also to consider. I purchased mine at Battery plus for about $79.00

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[Mark]

I replaced mine with an Interstate last year because I have had good luck with them for the last 30 years. The cranking amps on the 91 is 875 and the cold cranking amps is 700 so you should be able to start it with no problem. I think mine cost about $90 last year from the interstate warehouse down the street.





Mark

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[BigL2U]

Flatsix,



As I mentioned above... Most 48 series batteries have 700 cold cranking amps (CCA) and 875 cranking amps (CA). If your battery only has 600 CA then I would be worried about exposure to cold weather, since CCA is usually well below CA.



600 CA may not be enough power to operate your starter or electronics properly when the temperature falls below 36 degrees F...



Do you have a battery other than one of the three I mentioned above? What type of warranty did you get? Curious...

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[flatsix]

I have the proper cranking amps i just don't remember what that number is, and i will look and see what brand battery i have.

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[968cab]

I'm finding the cost of SLA's (sealed lead acid battery) such as Optima, about $40 - $50 more than traditional batteries. That's a reasonable price difference for me, and I'm going to try out a SLA. The redtop Optima's have a potentional clearance problem. There have been a few postings on the .net site about Optima and other SLA's. In a nutshell, I have checked out this one, and will be ordering soon. Some on Ebay, but I may drive to LA to pick up directly from mfg. I understand that since they are sealed, they meet postal regulations and can be shipped through the mail, but can add $25 - $30 to the price.



@6.80 tall, it just may be the ticket... http://www.odysseybatteries.com/auto.htm#bcigroup



PC1200MJT

Heavy duty 1200 cranking amp battery with metal jacket and SAE automotive terminals.

Larger cranking power and more reserve for operating more accessories including high power stereos.

Battery measures 6.66" wide x 7.87" long x 6.80" tall and weighs 38.2 pounds.



* 91 minute reserve on a 25amp draw.

* With a constant draw of 5 amps, the PC1200 will last for 7 1/2 hours before needing a charge.

* Also available in a left post positive format as found in BCI group sizes 34, 46, and 65 among others.

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[BigL2U]

968cab,



Cool battery.. Deep cycle, military grade, and 325 more CA..

I never heard of Odyssey Batteries before but that seems like it will workout fine.



One thing I did notice though is that the height on the first link says 6.8" but the link specific for that battery says 7.55".. Is that because of the terminal post?



I hope it works out because we need more battery options without having to retro-fit something..



Big L

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[Cloud9...68]

Just wondering, but for those of us who live in warm climates, do we really need the extra cranking power of the Odyssey PC1200MJT, or even of the stock battery? Odyssey also sells one with 925 CA, though they don't state the CCA. This smaller battery is 15 lb lighter than the stock 968 battery. Now that I've performed Dave Greimann's Gummy Starter Syndrome fix, my current battery seems to have more cranking power than I need, even on a "cold" (for Austin) morning.

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[flash]

i really need to look into this - i am pretty sure i want to move my battery to the right side of the trunk to balance things out a bit



also, with the power pulleys installed, reserve capacity is of new interest and concern



this is very interesting

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[Greimann]

Cold really sucks the power out of a battery. A standard battery in a temperate climate is more than adequate. Here is a chart how cold affects battery power.

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[flash]

where does he get those toys?

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[968cab]

...height on the first link says 6.8" but the link specific for that battery says 7.55".. Is that because of the terminal post? ...





damn, you're probably right. I missed that. Instead of mail ordering, I think I'm going to have to go for hands-on try before I buy approach. Not sure how it can be secured in our battery hold-down clamp either.

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[flash]

as long as we are on the subject of batteries, has anyone else put it in the trunk yet? i know the RHD cars have it in the left side - i want to put it in the right side

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[KensCab]

flash,



...not in the 968, but, I did it to a '65 K-code 2+2 Mustang.



I used welding cable, so to be sure of not having a watt/amp problem.

also put the Battery in an enclosed poly box and ran a vent tube out !

Did it to get as much weight over the rear as I could.

Been in there for about five years with no problem.

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[josephsc]

Just my two cents -- this is all based on a 968-powered 944, so some things may differ. And the starter on this car is, well, crap.

* I used an Interstate battery most of the time -- the one for the 944 is smaller and has maybe abour 100CCAs less. Worked fine most of the time except when it hit less than 10degrees Fahrenheit last winter -- and the car was always parked outdoors.

* Since moving back to California, I've played around with the Odyssey battery, PC680 -- zero problems, except if you forget to turn off one little bulb, you're asking for trouble in the morning. There's space, but you need to fabricate something to keep the battery from moving around. I was being too lazy, so I just used some packing materials. Super light -- weighs in at 15lbs. I switched it out when I went skiing.

* I've also used an Optima Red Top (34R) in a 951. This is the battery that used to be the Orange Top -- the difference is that the positive/negative terminal posts are mounted on different sides. Straight down in for the 944 -- except you have to extend the negative ground wire slightly, and it's really nerve-racking to have the posts so close to the hood (the battery just barely clears). I placed a rubber mat on the hood as insulation.

When I got my Optima, I got it from TNA Sports which had the cheapest shipping (about $0.00)

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[jimr]

I run an Optima red top in my '93 coupe. Purchased for $100 at Costco. I had to make a custom bracket to hold it down and also had to extend the negative cable slightly. I used the vertical posts, and mounted the battery so its posts were closest to the center of the car.



Pros: Cranks very well, spill-proof.

Cons: 1) Vertical terminals may be a bit close to the hood, esp considering that 2) My mounting bracket needs to be improved, as battery moves slightly.



jim

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[SILVY968]

In the market for a new battery. I would rather get an OPTIMA if I could.

Here is what the OPTIMA web site shows:



"Please enter the following information about your car,

and find which OPTIMA is right for you.



PORSCHE

All Models

1995-1992 968

There are no matches available for this vehicle."





I have to info from BigL2U on the BOSCH 48-B, The Interstate Megatron Plus 91 and the Die Hard International 33348. Do these units mount and clear and hook up exactly as OEM? Has anyone had good or bad experience with these 3 options?



Anyone bought the OPTIMA 34R, or any other OPTIMA that fits and mounts exactly?

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[Larry Currie]

several of us have an Optima. The Red Top reversed terminal fits great. I love the battery.

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