So, I am going to replace my tired 6 year old Optima with a battery that fits and was wondering if I can get away with a BCI Group 41 battery or should I have someone order a 40R. They should both fit, so does it really matter?

 

Bump

I can't believe nobody has an opinion on this.

 

OK, I'll bite.
I replaced my 40R with a 41 in my 968.
The extra length of the 41 makes it a very tight fit, but it does fit.
I used to have a 88 924S myself and I only used a 40R in that. It seems
that the 968 is a tighter fit in the battery box and the 924S had lots more room, but I could be wrong there.
Either a BCI 40R or a 41 are a better fit than an Optima anyway.
regards
Jon

 

Thanks Jon. I'll pick up a battery this weekend.

 

Manning,

I will check on this when I get home.

Seems that one of them is shorter, if I remember correctly.

 

Yeah, 40R is a little under an inch shorter length than 41. Other than that the dimensions are the same.

I got the Optima to fit OK, but just OK. Only had it arc-weld once the whole time I have had it.

 

That makes me think I got a 40R. I have used Interstate and Exide batteries in my car since I've had it.

The interstate battery was great - unfortunately, they are very hard to find.

 

Either one will fit fine with the 40R being 0.7 inches less in length. So the 41 is only 0.35 " longer on each end - no problemo. Get which ever is easiest to find.

 

OK, I installed a 41 this morning. For the record, it fits but is kind of a close fit. AND, if you are using Dan's battery cable upgrade kit it is an almost uncomfortably tight fit. I had to trim down the negative side bolt to keep it from possibly touching the firewall. It does fit, but close.