VehiGAZ

You may be on to something there...

AO

It's my understanding that there are really only about 2 major manufacturers of car batteries in the US market- there may be a few new Chinese mfgs, but that's not the point.

Johnson Controls (JCI) and Exide

In 2009 JCI's Power solutions division had revenue of $5.8B and Exide had about $3.3B. I'm sure BigDave can add more here. He works for JCI, and I believe he just got transferred to the battery division.

morganabowen

My story is similar to Dr. Bob's. I have had Duralast from AutoZone in both my 928s. The one in the 1982 was in there for two years before I sold the car. I bought the '91 about 6 years ago, and replaced the original battery within a year. I replaced it with a Duralast which lasted about two and a half years. I replaced it with another Duralast which lasted less then a year. The last one I purchased was about six months ago which I replaced last month and then two weeks later I replaced it again with the one that is in the car now If this one goes soon, I'll be looking for a different brand battery

shawscove928s

When I bought my 928 in 1999 the previous owner had just replaced the basttery with a Budget Battery. Come to find out it was a "second". He said there was no reason to spend allot of money on a battery that sits disconnected a majority of the time. The battery only lasted 10 years....... I took it back to the budget batterey store near me where I have purchased many budget batteries in the past and asked Doug the manager (As a joke) if it was still covered by warranty? He laughed and said since I have so many other cars and equipment with budget batteries that this one was on him.
No, I do not have any affiliation with Budget Battery. But he does get allot of good advertising because of his great customer service.

Mrmerlin

I have a Bosch in the 1988 it was good for about 3 years then went back to Pboys for another then that one lasted 2 years now on the 3rd new Bosch

S4ordie

So what is the "best" battery for our cars interms of longevity and cranking amps? Is there a Consumer Reports type study on batteries? I'd liketo pu t the best one into my car when it is finished. Willing to spend more $ for better performance and life.

dprantl

If the battery lasts 1.5 years, then the replacement is free. Since it's really fast and easy to change a battery, I would think that would be the best battery to buy

Dan
'91 928GT S/C 475hp/460lb.ft

polecat702

I've got an Optima red top 24F in my Pantera. It sits for months disconected. When I hook up the positive cable it always spins like new. BTW, its got a high torque gear reduction starter to turn over a stroked 427 Windsor. Bought one for the "Shark" in March and zero problems so far, car sits for 3 to 4 weeks at a time. The Pantera battery is over 5 years old. I like them cause they'er sealed, no acid leaks. Pantera has battery in front trunk inside the car too. These batterys cost more but the fact that the battery is sealed is the big selling point for me.

Tom928

I purchased a Duralast 49D in Oct 2006 for my 84. Since then I have moved the Duralast into my 81 (DD) and it is still going strong.
I plan on buying another 49D for the 84 as soon as the tranny R&R is done.

Cheers,

H2

But....is there an Optima red top that is the right size/strength for the 928?

H2

SeanR

Been running Optima Reds in my car since I got it. Fits just fine. And no, don't remember what the number is.

blown 87

The Pantera is one of the few cars i would trade my 928 for.

karl ruiter

When I have my cars in L.A. I used a battery rebuilder on colorado street in East Pasadena. Wesco, or Husco, or something like that. Just a small counter top in front and the rebuilding in the back. I had great luck, 5 years or so on each one and it was like $19 exchange.

dr bob

Karl, that place is just a few miles from the hilltop hacienda here in Glendale. I kinda wonder what is involved in 'rebuilding' a battery but if it works I'm interested.

I'm detecting a pattern in responses that's less than ideal. Starting off with the idea that about $20/yr is an OK battery rental rate, I'd be happy with a true five years of life from the $100 Duralast. What I don't want is to get somewhere and find out the car won't start. No matter how cheap that $&:;/$!!! battery was, it's less than worthless when I'm stuck. Like Dan I'm more than willing to pay for better and more reliable service. Maybe there's a Red-Top in my futureif the Duralasts don't live up to their name.

Thanks for all the input!

polecat702

Optima make it in red or yellow top group 34D will fit perfectly, nice and snug. FWIW, There are a lot of Pantera's out there for sale. If you want one the biggest issue is " RUST"!! Driving one is like driving a 700 HP Go-Kart, and nothing sounds like a Pantera on the prowel. Mine sets off car alarms when it goes buy, and always draws a crowd when its parked, most people don't know what it is.