I know it sounds silly but did any of you weigh the new battery and compare against the old battery? I'm curious if there are any mainstream solutions that are "lighter" and offer same performance without going to a lithium or specialty battery.

 

IIRC, OEM weighs 52 - 53 lbs while the Bosch and Interstate (and probably most others) weigh in at 46-47 lbs - so you save a few lbs. Optima Redtop 34 weights about 38 lbs but you need a special mounting place.

 

Lighter choice: Interstate MTP-48/H6 - 39 Lb.

 

Yes smaller and lighter than H7...but also less capacity and CCA.

 

Go for the H-8 it has the most cranking power.

 

The OEM Moll CCA is 640A. The MTP-48/H6 CCA is 730A, so even better...

Unless you live in the arctic, no issues.

 

Thanks for the responses, that is helpful.

I might go for the Optima, I've had very good luck with them in the past.

 

A problem I have with the Optima is that it lacks a venting tube. Yes, it is sealed but it may still vent and some do - they have a pressure controlled venting valve but no way to attach a correct venting tube (required by PAG).

 

That may be a problem with all AGM batteries (Bosch, Interstate, etc.). I don' think any of them have vent tube outlets. I've had many Optima batteries and even though they are not 100% sealed, I've never had an issue with venting.

 

If you decide on Optima, I've used this adaptor plate before. Make sure you buy the 34R not the 34.

http://www.yellowdogmotorsports.com/details.php?id=104

 

Sometimes i wonder, our weights are at the back and the fronts already feel light at speed. Does it make sense to make the front even lighter relative to the rear? I know lighter battery shaves weight off the whole car but...just thinking about the lighter battery cause i wanted to do this too but ... Maybe ill put a new post for this topic

 

The battery sits relatively high in the car, towards the middle and it's heavy so primary affect is on center of gravity.

Less weight will always improve handling and acceleration but weight distribution is also important.

 

Optima batteries are garbage.

 

Dealer generously offered to replace my weak battery with an interstate while I was in there getting warranty stuff fixed on the Targa (delaminated carbon fiber cup holder cover, leaking CV boot). Battery was priced at just $420. I thanked them for the generous offer, covered my wallet, and sped away.

 

Why?