FletchDM

Cyrus,
Then chalk this one up as another example of the crooks at Sears Automotive and never go there. I guess I paid $118 for the service of them telling me I had a dead battery (which I knew when I went in).

-David

Matt H

Fletch go get it back. They probably have a vendor who picks up all their cores on a certain day. If you get it back and take it to any Interstate dealer (which Firestone stores are) they can adjust it out for you. Then take the Sears battery back.
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theedge

I wanted a Redtop, but got a Diehard for half the price. Not like I have a stereo in my car, so a Redtop is somewhat pointless.

And the Diahard uses the stock battery holddown, which the Redtop cant, letting the Redtop jump when you go over bumps and short on the hood.

Bii

In the U.S. Interstate car batteries are equivalent to what duracell or energizer alkaline batteries are in terms of quality and popularity.

Interstate model# MTP-91 has always worked best in my 944's. Same model also used in BMW's and MBenz's. It bolts exaclty to the tray with no room left over. It makes those Kmart batteries look like AAA alkaline's.

Best of all it's rated for 72-months with the first 18 months free replacement.

I think it cost me around $95. Spend that extra money. Don't let a drug store battery take out your alternator or starter. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Matt H

Edge, you can place the Optima on its side, upside down, in the trunk, it doesnt matter. I would say that for most people it is not necessary. For a track car it is almost a must have item. If you are looking at Optima you should also look at Hawker (they make small but powerful gel cells).
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Bii

Edge your right. The Optimas don't mount up to factory tray. Some mods are required to accept Optima. Optima is really overkill for a street application unless you running a sound system. Interstate has a battery that puts out more than enough juice for street app.

Interstate also sells all the Optima models.

Operator

I have a BOSCH that I got at autozone.. they're in the back. woot

theedge

Yes I knew that, but I also didnt want something that big, heavy, important, and expensive bouncing everytime I hit a hump in the road or something. IIRC for me a Redtop was gonna be $250 for a used store model, used as their doostop Diehard, $120 new with extended warrenty.

Matt H

JEEZ 250!!! Holy Crap....they are expensive from the dist. but retail is only about $169.
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Cyrus951

Edge,

Wow! Redtops sell for less than $120 here.
Btw- Those suckers weigh 40 something pounds, I doubt it'll bounce when you hit a bump.

Bii

Cyprus you hit the nail right on the head. Even coming around a bend full speed with over 1G. You know that sucker aint going nowhere!

theedge

Canadian money, a while back when the exchange rate was bad, at a known somewhat expensive place (MOPAC).

Yes they can bounce, happened to Rich S.

Chase72

Hey, you guys have any advice on trickle chargers for the winter? Actually saw a solar trickle charger on-line, but was not sure if they are a gimmick or really work. Obviously, the sun has to be shining...

Reason I ask is that I'll be parking the Porsche outside (not my choice--no garage), and winters are harsh here in New England... would like to help the battery out as much as possible for those cold starts...

Thanks... Chase

Hans

Hey guys: Luis is in Barcelona, that is Europe.
Thus Intertstate - Optima - Douglass are difficult or unobtainable over here!!

Luis: With the frequency of storage / operation you have on this car, the service life of 4 to 5 years is not bad at all. Your best bet for replacement might be a 63 AH / 300 Amp battery also produced for VW (Passat). Easily (and reasonably cheap) available from the local car parts / tire shops.
Will last about the same time as the more expensive Varta with the frequency you use the car.
TakeCare

Luis de Prat

Thanks Hans. I bit the bullet and ordered a new OE Moll Kamina at the Porsche dealer. Price was around the same as the Varta I put in the S2. Should have it tomorrow. Wonder if they have Optima gel cell distributors in Europe?