996 AERO

My battery is failing in my 1999 996. Is this normal for only 4 years? I have read in other posts about the Optima batteries as a replacement for the OEM battery. Anyone who has replaced a battery....have you replaced it with a OEM Porsche or an Optima or any other for that matter. If the Optima is a good choice is there a good website for ordering one?

Thank you

ltc

Optimas are more expensive than standars batteries, but are great for track (no sloshing of acid) and last for years.

However, they are slightly odd shaped (due to internal construction) compared to standard batteries. There are also different models (red top, yellow top) and terminal configurations

Nord Stern region, March 2003, pages 39-40 had an excellent article:
"Boxster/996 Optima Battery Replacement, by Steve Grosekemper, Windblown Witness (San Diego Region).
Gives every detail, mounting plate adapter, cables, etc.

You can buy Optima batteries on line (although shipping is expensive due to weight) or you can buy them at your local Autozone.

Good Luck

Kevin M.

Here is my info....
Installed the Red Optima Battery after the stock one died...The installer had to do a little work
The red bracket that you see had to be filed down so that the screw was able to go in place... also the existing cable wasn't long enough, a 17" or longer cable is needed. I believe the stock was around 14". He weighed the Porsche battery it was 51 pounds.. The optima is 38 pounds. Also the Optima batteries have a 7 year warranty, in the first 3 years if it dies that replace it at no charge, and then its prorated after for the remaining 4 years.... Also they are sealed!
<img src="http://a8.cpimg.com/image/BA/71/18764218-fd9f-01800200-.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://a1.cpimg.com/image/B3/71/18764211-069a-02000180-R.jpg" alt=" - " />

Sloth

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by 996 AERO:
<strong>My battery is failing in my 1999 996. Is this normal for only 4 years? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Seems to be normal. I am on my third battery in my early 99. The stock battery does require periodic topping of fluids.

Karl S

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by ltc:
<strong>Nord Stern region, March 2003, pages 39-40 had an excellent article:
"Boxster/996 Optima Battery Replacement, by Steve Grosekemper, Windblown Witness (San Diego Region).
Gives every detail, mounting plate adapter, cables, etc. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Lewis, can you scan and post the article? I checked both San Diego and Nord Stern websites and they don't have it posted.

Karl

redhatcab

Great price...good reputation...easy do it yourself install...

<a href="http://www.ibsa.com/estore/browse_category.asp?category%5Fid=423462&mscssid=THL66F5VN2B59JV9F9JBMUH 9P2V80CF4&js=1" target="_blank">http://www.ibsa.com/estore/browse_category.asp?category%5Fid=423462&mscssid=THL66F5VN2B59JV9F9JBMUH 9P2V80CF4&js=1</a>

JimB

Karl, Go to:

<a href="http://nordstern.org/Newsletters" target="_blank">http://nordstern.org/Newsletters</a>

and click on March 2003. It starts on page 39.

Another approach is to remove the base that the battery sits on (4 bolts) and bolt the battery directly to it. I added an alunimum strap across the top for good measure. I used the smaller red top (75/35 I think) and did not need to extend the battery cable.

boca996

Sloth,
You indicate in your post that the OEM battery requires topping off the fluids periodically. How often should this be done?

Karl S

Thanks, Jim. Looks like a good project for the upcoming rainy Memorial Day weekend.

Karl

Kevin M.

I was just at Costco they have the Red Optima for $99...