I need a new battery for my '87 911 and would like to hear some suggestions re: the replacement.

I looked through the archives but didnt find any info re; an Optima for an '87 model year that doesnt need any modifications (longer ground wire and / or modification to the hold-down.

Can anyone tell me if they know of a specific Optima battery that will work w/o mods?

I'd also like to hear any suggestions for non-Optima batteries.

TIA,

Dan

 

Regular batteries have always worked find in all Porsches unless the regulator fails.

 

All the Porsche mechanics I've ever known have recommended Interstate batteries. Go for a high-end one.

-Sean

 

The Interstate will cost you about $100.

 

Realtime, if you go for the Interstate Battery, get the MB66. It will do all you need in a 911. The MB66 is the shorter version and will not interfere with the Front Condenser Blower located in front of the gas tank. There is even a mounting hole for the hold-down bracket. The longer battery fits so tight you have a hell of a time getting it in and out, plus you will crack the fan housing. Those housings can cost up to $150 depending on condition. I know because I went to the shorter battery recently . All fits well and 88 Carrera runs like a top. Starts even better in my opinion.

 

If you want to cut wait, consider <a href="http://www.elephantracing.com/battery/batterymain.htm" target="_blank">these</a>.

 

Thanks for the info folks.

Spider911- I appreciate your suggestion re: the shorter battery and agree its a PIA to put the standard (long) size one in and out even if its only 2x a year. Will I need to change the ground wire for the Interstate MB66? - probably not a big deal but I'd like to know ahead of time when I do the exchange.

I find it interesting that no one suggested or commented on the Optima - they were recommended frequently in the archived posts.

Thanks again,

Dan

 

Realtime, your comment on the ground wire caught me by surprise. Your 87 Cab electrical system is almost identical to my 88 Coupe except it is a Cab and may have an extra electical requirement if you have motors for the top. The battery hook-up should be a pull and plug like mine was. There was no ground wire change or modification of anything....just put it in hook it up and start it.

The Optima is a very good battery, but you have to find a bracket or build one to secure the unit to the car. I didn't want to viloate the integrity of the vehicle as it is noe, so I went with the MB66.

 

I run Optima in our Detroit Iron, use twin German gel cells in my dual battery early 911. I will NEVER return to the liquid acid battery. The optima in my old Dodge pickup was purchased in '96, still going strong, gives nearly 13V at rest, drops to 10.75 under starting load, then 14.3 when engine running...new battery multitester results from a 7 year old battery? Pretty good, I'd say..

 

On my 81SC, I used an Autozone Duralast battery. Had the right web feet to cinch right in, long warranty (something like 8 years, first 2 free replacement), good consumers report test, fresh date, around $60.

 

Check out the Optima orange top. It has the flanged bottom all around the battery so it can easily be clamped down. Since it's shorter than the monster Interstate that it replaced, I swapped my ground cable for a longer one. Took about 3 minutes...no big deal. The benefits of a battery that simply will not leak makes it well worth it in my book. Heck, it's even lighter!

 

Even the batteries you can get at the dealer with Porsche stamped on them for rediculously high prices (~$150!!) are ordinary batteries made by the Douglas company. I've used them for years without trouble.

 

Here is my experience with optima batteries. I put one in my car back in 1993. It's still in there. I don't care for warranties. All I care about are batteries that last long enough to make warranties obsolete. Especially in Arizona heat. The only problem with an optima is the requirement of an adapter plate to be placed on the bottom of the battery. But these don't affect the car in any way and are bolted to the bottom of the battery.

 

I picked up an Optima a few weeks back ($110 on Battteryweb.com). Needed a longer ground cable ($7 from PepBoys) & an adapter plate (~$30 from AJUSA). Not much more I can say except that it works. The adapter plate would be easy enough to fabricate out of sheet aluminum- its very basic. The cost is really not much more than a standard battery, its life is claimed to be longer & its never going to leak- you might as well go for it.

Andrew

 

I can vouch for the tight fit of the 'monster' interstate battery [which I have]. It is extremely tight and does interfere with the AC condensor blower assembly [i.e., it's always in contact with it]. Removing and replacing the blower is made difficult due to the large battery. I will definitely get the short version when this one goes out.

todd
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86 Coupe