DCS33 battery

[thofmann]

Based on an old article by Steve G. I wanted to by a DCS33 battery. Interstate in Mira Mesa told me that they had changed manufacturers and the DCS33 is now replaced by the DCM0035, which is bigger (35Ah vs 33Ah)and cheaper. $75 incl. tax certainly sounded like a good price, so I bought one.
Now the problem: the spec sheets on their website http://www.interstatebatteries.com list the DCS33 with a maximum current of 600A, but the DCM0035 only at 175A, barely enough to start a small motorcycle.
I went back to return the battery, but the guy insisted that the DCM works great. He is using it in his dune buggy and all the guys in Santee use it. "Trust me!"
I did get the impression, though, that he didn't quite comprehend the difference between amps and amp-hours, which makes me question his judgement.
Has anyone had experience with the DCM0035?

TIA, Thomas

[Steve Grosekemper]

Thomas,

I still have one DCS33 which I will trade for your DCM0035 if you like.

I have used both and they work fine starting high compression 3.2 and 3.6 motors.

The connectors are a bit different as well.

There weren't a lot of options for small batteries when I wrote that article and that battery is attractively priced.

There are now better options; albeit more costly and not as readily available.

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/battery/pc680mjt.htm

[thofmann]

Thank you, Steve!

I will keep the DCM0035 then.
The battery is meant for a daily driver, not a race car. I'd rather have the larger capacity of the Interstate, even if it is heavier. I was mostly interested in having a spill-proof battery.

Thomas