manny_g

noticed that on the last couple of start-ups, the engine stuggled to turn over. this morning car would not start. had a new oem battery installed when i purchased the car approximately three years ago. did a search and based on comments made by others decided not to go back to oem. therfore need recommendations for alternate batteries. read good things about interstate batteries.

please advice on other alternates....thanks.

Macster

Got nearly 7 years trouble free service from my 02 Boxster's OEM battery. When it came time to replace it I went with OEM. Dropped right in and done.

My 03 Turbo (bought used) came with an Interstate battery. As soon as this battery shows signs of weakness I'll replace it with an OEM battery.

Even if you don't buy an OEM check with Porsche dealer parts department and get the latest info on what battery is recommended for your car. For my 02 Boxster Porsche upped the battery's capacity both in AH and CCA. Battery was in fact a bit longer than original but battery box accomodated larger battery just fine. I just moved the hold down out to the next hole and the hold down fit the new larger battery just fine.

Be sure you have the parts department look up recommended battery using your car's VIN.

Sincerely,

Macster.

Dock

Interstate.

OCNYPORSCHE

The OEM Moll batteries are not that good IMO. Take a look on renntech. There is a whole battery thread. Walmart sells a battery that fits in perfectly for about $75-80. There are only a few companies that manufacture batteries, and most companies stick their label on them. The Walmart, Autozone, and I believe Interstate are made by the same manufacturer.

jimq

I have had good luck with the Autozone battery in both Porsches and its about $65.

wross996tt

What ever you do don't buy OEM...even my Porsche dealer told me not to...LOL

medtech

IMO....Optima Red Top!

ltc

FWIW, I replaced my 7 year old OEM with another OEM battery.

manny_g

luis did you have it connected to a battery trickle charger/maintainer?

thanks to all for your input.

Michael-Dallas

AutoZone DuraLast, they come in 2 flavors, small and big. I opted for the big one for $90.

///Michael

Macster

Think the OEM batteries get a bad rap cause so many owners fail to drive their cars often enough and the OEM battery dies prematurely from being discharged/run down too much.

(At local Porsche dealer last summer and noticed nice looking 968 Cab. Service manager at this dealer asked me to buy this car cause the owner didn't drive the car very much and had to bring the car in every year for a new battery.)

I'm sticking with OEM batteries until I have bad experience with one.

Sincerely,

Macster.

ltc

Yes, Porsche Tequipment Charge O Mat (goes in cigarette lighter).
http://www.e-partssales.com/miva/mer...de=98061198100

It's a 2001 garage queen, 5566 miles.
If I get another 7 years from the OEM battery, I'll be quite happy.

FWIW, I also have the same charger on my wife's 97 993 Targa, 23K miles.

manny_g

did the durolast have the small vent tube on the side like oem??

thanks

Michael-Dallas

Yup, it even came w/ a baggie w/ the actual plastic tube to connect from battery to vent tube on chassis. I just reused the old one.

If memory serves me correct, the big and small batteries will fit later model 996 (I think from 2003+), while only the smaller battery will fit years prior to that. I would consult their battery fitment catalog prior to buying one.

///Michael

manny_g

guys good info here...thanks to all for your help...