What type of battery should I be using in my 89' Carrera? I need to update my
car's battery this week. Are any of the newer designs tried and proven (like the Optima stuff) Currently it has a huge battery in it by Diehard.

Thanks
Raj

 

Raj,

I've used the Optima Red Top in several cars. One of them is now roughly 6 years old, with no issues. Proven enough for me.

Tim

 

I am sold on Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries like the Optima. Great durtability, able to charge/discharge at high rates w/o damage, and sealed so it doesn't eat your battery tray or worse. definately worth the premium.

My 0.02

 

Raj,

Recently, I've used Autozone Duralast batteries for my past couple of batteries. They come with the right feet to lock down to the chassis, a 7 year warranty with 2 year free replacement. About $60.

 

Optima red top - under $100 at Curly-Larry&Moe's (or whoever the Pep Boys are) lighter weight, always ready to crank. I have them in both cars. The Q cranked right up after sitting outside (hey, the Porsche has dibs on the garage) for 4 weeks at or below freezing. For an 83SC, it did require different mounting hardware and a longer ground cable.
john

 

Manny, Moe & Jack

Red Tops are good stuff - used them in a 4WD that sees a lot of winching and other heavy electric draws. Only draw back I can see is that they seem harder to warranty than the more off the shelf chain store brands. Not a problem if the thing fails at home but it might be harder to replace if it dies in the middle of nowhere.

 

Optima is coming out with the proper style battery for the 911's too. They should be shipping them now.

 

Eric--
If you've got more details, please post them. I'd love to know more.

 

I called Optima today. They said the 911 calls for a size group 49, which they don't make. They said you can use the red top size group 34 which is smaller and lighter than a 49. You will have to put an adapter on the battery tray for it to be held in place.

 

OPTIMA red top in my 88, to mount it all I had to do was drill an additional hole in the stock clamp so it was adjustabe enough to catch the battery.

 

thanks for the replies.

Raj