whiz944

Timely topic!

I have been doing the 'sideways Optima' trick in my 944 for many years. Never really happy with how I had it strapped in. But I lived with it because I don't like flooded batteries. They leak. AGM batteries don't leak.

So recently two things happened: First, Deka now offers a Group 48 AGM battery (model #9AGM48) - which supposedly fits in our cars. Second, the Optima in my Suburban was getting weak and needed replacing. So today I purchased the Group 48 Deka for the 944 and moved its Optima to the truck.

The Deka fits - barely. I still have the original battery cover, and with the cover on, the hood will not shut. Take the cover off and it will. It is that close. The Deka has a height of 7.5" (190 mm). A Group 91 battery has the same length and width of a Group 48, but is 6-7/8" (175 mm) high. A Group 41 is a bit wider than either 48 or 91, and has the same height as the 91.

So I think a Group 91 would fit best - especially if you care to use the original battery cover. OTOH, I am sticking with the Group 48 to stay with the AGM technology.

ZR8ED

+1

PS they weigh much less than a standard battery. I did not weigh mine, but for example, I CAN hold it on the palm of my hand. I can't do that with any other standard battery. (not including the little dinky one in my wifes car)

whiz944

According to their respective web sites, the Optima 75/25 battery weighs 33 lbs, vs the Deka 9AGM48 at 45 lbs. Flooded batteries are also in the 40 lb range. So there is some weight savings with the Optima. It is surprising that after all these years, no one makes a nice mounting kit for Optimas in 944s. At this point I am happy that the Deka mounts, more or less, using stock hardware. (Sans cover.)

OptimaJim

Significant differences in weight between batteries can often be attributed to the differences in the physical size of different battery groups. Batteries of like group sizes tend to be more comparable in weight. Physically smaller batteries can offer some weight savings, but usually at the expense of cranking amps, reserve capacity and/or resilience in extreme temperatures (both hot and cold). We have a Group D51 YellowTop that weighs only 26 lbs, but it may not be appropriate for a given application, if it doesn't fit physically or doesn't provide the cranking amps or reserve capacity needed. I'm glad to hear so many of you are pleased with our batteries. If I can be of assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Jim McIlvaine
eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries, Inc.
www.facebook.com/optimabatteries

whiz944

It is also surprising that after all these years, Optima has not offered additional conventional group sizes. (Like 48 and 91.) I will probably continue to buy Optimas for my other vehicles. But there is now at least one AGM alternative which can be used in the 944 without fitment issues.

FRporscheman

Do you work for Sears? Do you know why this model was discontinued and if it was Sears' choice or their suppliers'?


Tom, I have interstate batteries in all my cars because that's what we carry at work, except I have an autozone Duralast in my Benz diesel. That autozone battery is awesome. My benz takes a lot of work to start it in cold weather, and the battery never lets me down. I'm sure most batteries are similar/same but given a choice I'd go with Duralast. Oh yeah, and autozone's warranty is great, free replacements and such.

pkt1213

I put a Duralast in everything.....but I also work part time at AutoZone. But the regular and the golds are great batteries.