depami

That's a Group 49 and won't fit in an 86.5. The battery box got smaller in 86.5 due to exaust differences.

https://rennlist.com/forums/10751963-post15.html

Chalkboss

Ron, I do have an International group 48. Must have got one of the last ones.

Ron_H

Well hand onto it, because it seems to be a vanishing species. I spent much time today at Pep Boys measuring the Bosch batteries. I found one that will fit but it has only 650 cca. I think that is insufficient for 998. Or I can get an Optima and remove the battery box cover (too tall), for only $200.
Think I'll hit Walmart next. Or I'll call Sears national and try to find another International. That will buy me another 3-5 years.

Jim Devine

Pretty sure you have O'Rreilly Auto Parts stores in your area. You want a group 48- look up one for an '87 . I think the first 2 choices are made by East Penn / Deka - fit like O.E. Deka's are well made.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/se...928&vi=1376209

Ron_H

Thanks. I do have an O'Reilly Parts store nearby my house in San Jose. I'll visit them tomorrow. And thanks for the model year info. My car is an 86.5 but it will probably accept the later year size.

Jim Devine

I think the battery size changed in 86.5 & on-
that's why I looked up an '87 - parts store catalogs
most of the time don't know the difference between an 86 & an 86.5.

Ron_H

Thanks Jim. I have been carrying around a tape to get accurate measurements.
The new Die Hard Gold positive pole was 3/16" farther to the inside of the battery edge than the International and it made a difference. Strange. The Bosch group 48 and the DH Gold were both considerably higher than my old International Group 48. Even more strange.

dr bob

Ron--

For grins, look at how the battery is fitted into the well. The 48 has a lip on the ends at the bottom. In the battery well there's a tab that holds the front lip on the battery. If the installer isn't aware, the tab gets pushed down and the battery ends up half an inch too far to the rear.

Ron_H

Thanks Bob. I know about the rear clamp but hadn't noticed the front one. I'll be out there to check mine today in case it has been bent. Ironically, I might have been the one who bent it sometime. I've been known to do something like that in the past. Maybe the Die Hard Gold will fit after all.