Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
small battery options #2760129
04/04/20 07:36 PM
04/04/20 07:36 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,385
Pikes Peak Country
T
TC@HP2 Offline OP
master
TC@HP2  Offline OP
master
T

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,385
Pikes Peak Country
Trying to get my project fired up and driveable for summer. I'm real close , if I leave the battery in the nose. I was originally going to relocate it, but that is a lot of optional work to disconnect switches, auxiliary wiring, alternator wiring, etc. So I've decided to leave it in the engine bay. However, I've added a steering reservoir and cooler set up where the batter WAS because, well, it wasn't going to be there. However, if I use a small sized glass mat battery, I may be able to fit it back in its original location.

So what recommendations are out there for smallish automotive batteries. I'm talking about something in the range of 7" long, 5" wide, 6" tall, for a street going vehicle with an 11:1 small block.

Re: small battery options [Re: TC@HP2] #2760156
04/04/20 08:39 PM
04/04/20 08:39 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,658
A
Andrewh Offline
master
Andrewh  Offline
master
A

Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,658

Re: small battery options [Re: Andrewh] #2760345
04/05/20 11:54 AM
04/05/20 11:54 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,385
Pikes Peak Country
T
TC@HP2 Offline OP
master
TC@HP2  Offline OP
master
T

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,385
Pikes Peak Country
Uhh, yea.

Perhaps a rephrase is in order. After doing some browsing, what experiences does the membership have with Braille batteries?

Re: small battery options [Re: TC@HP2] #2760393
04/05/20 02:19 PM
04/05/20 02:19 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 30,945
Oregon
A
AndyF Offline
I Win
AndyF  Offline
I Win
A

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 30,945
Oregon
That was what I did on my Duster. I came to the conclusion that it was just a big hassle to put the battery in the trunk so I designed a half size battery tray and used a half size battery under the hood. I don't need a master cutoff switch and the wiring is much easier. I'm now thinking of moving the battery out of the trunk on my Coronet. I can get rid of a bunch of heavy welding cables and simplify the wiring for the alternator by moving the battery back under the hood.

DSC_3678 (Large).JPGDSC_3665 (Large).JPG
Re: small battery options [Re: AndyF] #2760400
04/05/20 02:44 PM
04/05/20 02:44 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 21,808
Kirkland, Washington
Pacnorthcuda Offline
Too Many Posts
Pacnorthcuda  Offline
Too Many Posts

Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 21,808
Kirkland, Washington
I just installed an Odyssey PC925 which is small, and weighs about 26 pounds. Cranks over my 10.2 440 just fine. In my case I gutted my Mopar resto battery and put the Odyssey inside.

Re: small battery options [Re: Pacnorthcuda] #2760541
04/05/20 09:26 PM
04/05/20 09:26 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,385
Pikes Peak Country
T
TC@HP2 Offline OP
master
TC@HP2  Offline OP
master
T

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,385
Pikes Peak Country
Andy, yours looks like a Braille unit. How do you like it for turning over the big block? I was looking at one of these that was small enough that a small plate on the frame rail with a fabbed top hold down would probably keep it all intact.

The Odyssey sounds like a decent alternative as well, but if I can go smaller, that's a bonus.

Re: small battery options [Re: TC@HP2] #2760960
04/07/20 12:27 AM
04/07/20 12:27 AM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,440
NW Chicago suburban area
Mopar Mitch Offline
pro stock
Mopar Mitch  Offline
pro stock

Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,440
NW Chicago suburban area
I'm also deciding on a battery now... will remain trunk mounted.. always looking at weight reduction... considering Braille... or Odyssey (PC925 has been recommended by a battery wholesaler). AGM type or Optima 34-1050 red top was my first choice ... but reconsidering for lighter weight.


Mopar Mitch "Road racers and autocrossers go in deeper and come out harder!"... and rain never stops us from having fun with our cars... in fact, it makes us better drivers! Check out MOPAR ACTION MAGAZINE, August 2006 issue for feature article and specs on my autocross T/A!
Re: small battery options [Re: Mopar Mitch] #2761027
04/07/20 09:49 AM
04/07/20 09:49 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,385
Pikes Peak Country
T
TC@HP2 Offline OP
master
TC@HP2  Offline OP
master
T

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,385
Pikes Peak Country
I may still pursue a trunk mounted option in the future, but right now I just want to get my junk moving under its own power. My biggest concern with a small battery would be lower cranking amps and/or reserve power since mine is a street car. I'm trying to look at it from the perspective that some of these new AGM batteries have more capability than older, large, wet cell batteries, but it is still new to me to go this route.

Re: small battery options [Re: TC@HP2] #2761047
04/07/20 10:31 AM
04/07/20 10:31 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,642
So Near, Yet So Far
topside Offline
Too Many Posts
topside  Offline
Too Many Posts

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,642
So Near, Yet So Far
Actually, a mini-battery doesn't even need to be in the engine compartment OR the trunk.
Depending on the car and its use, it could be inside the RF or LF apron, forward of the wheel/tire.
Bracket off frame rail or bumper bracket, splash shield if the car sees rain.
A master switch could be underhood if you like, as well as charging/jumper posts.

Re: small battery options [Re: TC@HP2] #2761055
04/07/20 10:54 AM
04/07/20 10:54 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 30,945
Oregon
A
AndyF Offline
I Win
AndyF  Offline
I Win
A

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 30,945
Oregon
The battery I have doesn't have any problems cranking over my engine. I keep the car in a heated shop so I'm sure that helps a bunch. I might not use a battery like this in a snow plow or a fire truck but it works fine for a street car that only gets fired up when the weather is nice.

Re: small battery options [Re: AndyF] #2761091
04/07/20 12:42 PM
04/07/20 12:42 PM
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,679
Florida
BDW Online content
master
BDW  Online Content
master

Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,679
Florida
Maybe it’s just me, but I’d figure out a way to use something that doesn’t cost $300.
Just bought a group 24 with 700 CCA for $50.

Re: small battery options [Re: BDW] #2761159
04/07/20 04:01 PM
04/07/20 04:01 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 21,808
Kirkland, Washington
Pacnorthcuda Offline
Too Many Posts
Pacnorthcuda  Offline
Too Many Posts

Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 21,808
Kirkland, Washington
Originally Posted by BDW
Maybe it’s just me, but I’d figure out a way to use something that doesn’t cost $300.
Just bought a group 24 with 700 CCA for $50.


That’s a great price, but the OP is asking about “small battery options” and my Odyssey was $175 delivered.

Re: small battery options [Re: BDW] #2761202
04/07/20 05:41 PM
04/07/20 05:41 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,385
Pikes Peak Country
T
TC@HP2 Offline OP
master
TC@HP2  Offline OP
master
T

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,385
Pikes Peak Country
Originally Posted by topside
Actually, a mini-battery doesn't even need to be in the engine compartment OR the trunk.
Depending on the car and its use, it could be inside the RF or LF apron, forward of the wheel/tire.
Bracket off frame rail or bumper bracket, splash shield if the car sees rain.
A master switch could be underhood if you like, as well as charging/jumper posts.


True, but even at 15-20#, I want to be very aware of weight placement. I also don't expect sanctioning bodies to be as hip to new stuff vs traditional safety requirements and cut me much slack on their requirements, regardless of where I place it.


Originally Posted by AndyF
The battery I have doesn't have any problems cranking over my engine. I keep the car in a heated shop so I'm sure that helps a bunch. I might not use a battery like this in a snow plow or a fire truck but it works fine for a street car that only gets fired up when the weather is nice.


This will be a fair weather driver so conditions will be similar.


Originally Posted by BDW
Maybe it’s just me, but I’d figure out a way to use something that doesn’t cost $300.
Just bought a group 24 with 700 CCA for $50.


That's a good price and I'm happy for you. I could probably find a refurbed group 24 locally for around $50-75. A new 700 amp unit from the local chain outlet is $150. Summit and Jegs have the 15-20# Braille units for $199, which is only $50 more than the 45#, big booty Judy version of a group 24, which isn't too bad, IMO. $50 to loose 25-30# off the nose of the car is a heck of lot better deal than other approaches. Not even fiberglass body panels are cheaper per pound. Fortunately, there are a range of options out there for those of us who value different things.

Re: small battery options [Re: BDW] #2761204
04/07/20 05:44 PM
04/07/20 05:44 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 30,945
Oregon
A
AndyF Offline
I Win
AndyF  Offline
I Win
A

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 30,945
Oregon
Thread is about wanting a small battery and a group 24 is a full size battery. The Braille battery I used in my Duster wasn't very expensive and it saves a bunch of space and weight. The small battery combined with the half size battery tray is a feature in my Duster. Lots of people stop and look at it and ask questions about the battery and the fab work.

Re: small battery options [Re: TC@HP2] #2761446
04/08/20 11:45 AM
04/08/20 11:45 AM
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 797
WA
P
pro451bee Offline
super stock
pro451bee  Offline
super stock
P

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 797
WA
17 lb unit for 4 years

IMG_0222.JPG
Re: small battery options [Re: pro451bee] #2761478
04/08/20 12:43 PM
04/08/20 12:43 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,009
Howell, Michigan
H
Hemidavey Offline
super stock
Hemidavey  Offline
super stock
H

Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,009
Howell, Michigan
I run a resto-mod shop and we see regular batteries failing at an alarming rate in regular cars and Hotrods. I've been using a Braille for 4 years, works great, saves weight and like the peace of mind even at higher cost. I'm going to order another for my new Dart build soon.

Re: small battery options [Re: TC@HP2] #2761803
04/09/20 08:42 AM
04/09/20 08:42 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 338
Montreal Quebec
STROKIE Offline
enthusiast
STROKIE  Offline
enthusiast

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 338
Montreal Quebec
I use Odyssey Extreme PC925 on 451C.I. 11 to 1 compression ratio.
The battery is in the car since ten years, only summer use...
I already order a new one just in case.
I recommend it up

https://www.cjoint.com/c/JDjmHSn8K6F







Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.1