BruceA

Hi. I decided I need a new battery (current old one is not holding enough of a charge).. had some recent problems getting it started and today just not enough juice to start it... Don't have a clue when the battery was last replaced by previous owner (could be years..) so...I figure a new battery is a good and simple investment. What the hec, money's no object, I own a 928 now! Anyway I've read past topics (most recent last year) and figured things may have changed since then or maybe not. I'd really appreciate your thoughts, I've narrowed it to two (sort of). You probably need to know that I have a 1988 S4 Euro model and for weather purposes, I live in Vancouver, British Columbia, we do occassionally get snow (not where I live except maybe one day a year but where I work.. on top of Burnaby mountain). It can get a littly chilly but not likely lower than -15F. Oh, and I drive the car most days (why own it if you can't drive it, I say.) Your comments appreciated:

1. Interstate MTP-91
or
2. Diehard International

I'm leaning to the Diehard (not because its cheaper) as i think availability to buy or have warranty issues to deal with (I hope not!) would be better via Sears than an automotive shop that sells Interstate... Any thoughts?

One last question,... okay so the guy I bought the car from said it was a 1987.. but when I check the VIN number it tells me it's a 1988. I figure it's some creative import issue/scheme or he just didn't know. Anyway, to be safe I figured I'd check what battery was recommended for a 1988 vs. 1987. From reading (so much reading the archives my head spins.. I've only owned the car for 6 weeks! thanks to all those people who make comments including all the 'professionals') I believe battery specifications changed in 1986.5... so too me, whether it's a 1987 or 1988 is moot... ahhh... so I thought.. just to be on the safe side I checked both Interstate and Diehard-Sears websites and this is what I found they recommend:

1988:

1. Interstate MTP091 (Meg Tron Plus)

2. Diehard International Sears item#02831248000/Mfr. Model #31248

BUT for 1987:

1. Interstate MT-47 (Mega-Tron)

2. Diehard International (same as above 1988)


Got any suggestions: I'm thinking to be safe (and simple... my brain hurts..) choose the Diehard International from Sears.

Your help, assistance and comments greatly appreciated..

Bruce.




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Thom1

Hi Bruce,

If you need an inexpensive battery replacement, I have had excellent results with this one. This is not the factory specification. I am using it at my own risk. I could not quite bring myself to pay 3 times as much for the similar sized factory spec battery. However, I don’t have the upper tie down strap. The strap might still fit. I really don’t need the tie down strap. The battery fits really well down in its hole.

Battery 12 Volt

48/91-1: Part number
Brand: Autocraft Silver
Vendor: Advance Auto Parts
Cranking Amps: 870
Cold Cranking Amps: 700
Reserve Capacity: 120
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Drewster67

Autozone Battery

Duralast 49D
Cold Cranking Amps - 850
Cranking Amps @ 32F - 1000
Reserve Capacity - 155

Brett Matthews

With my experience with Sears batteries (granted, it has been a few years now) I'd advise to stay away from them. The last four Sears batteries I had, didn't last their warrantee period, and they "pro-rate" them, when they fail, and when mine failed, they were in their later pro-rated period, so I got taken to the cleaners each time.

I've been using Interstate batteries for at least the last 7 years, all of 'em have lasted well beyond their warrantee periods.

I have started to look at those new technology type of batteries, can't think of their name, but the cores are spiral wrapped....

BruceA

Battery Update: After further consideration I bought an Interstate MTP91... it was a little hard to find a seller as most auto places only would have it by special order; but I was in luck, the BC Ferrari dealer (thanks for help from the BC Interstate distributor in finding a close by supplier) had lots. The Ferrari dealer said they only use Interstate MTP91s; so off I went and bought one and installed it last night... works like a charm. Cost was $149 +tax (cdn$) which is about $100us give or take. Interesting what I pulled out of the car. A Delco made in France with only 500 CCA.... hopefully this new battery fixes my problem. Thanks for the input. Bruce. <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />

Thom1

Hi Bruce,

That sounds like a good deal to get it back to specs. I am interested in comparing specs. Can you provide the following data from hopefully the tag on your battery?:

Cranking Amps:
Cold Cranking Amps:
Reserve Capacity:

Does anyone know what electrical specifications, not shape or battery "post" type and location make a battery appropriate?
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BruceA

Hi Thom,

Interstate MTP91
Cranking Amps: 875
CCA: 700
Reserve Capacity: 120

Sounds the same as your Autocraft.