PCA SDR

Where can I get one of those small light weight batteries like this?

Not sure why the image isn't working, so look here.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=REN-EL03-37-07-S&catalog_description=Rennline%20Battery%20Relocation%20Kit%20(Concealed%2C%20for%20Odyssey%20680-Switch%20Mount)%2C%20battery%20not%20included%2C%20Silver%2C%20each%2C%20911%2F911%20Turbo%20(1965-89)%20(with%20smugglers%20box%20empty)
How much weight is saved? Besides cost what is the down side of one of these?

Thanks,
Gordon

Tim Comeau got one for my 944 and he had a simple (much less money than Rennline) hold down bracket. I don't know if his bracket will work in your car.

Gordon-

The Odyssey batteries are available from a number of places in San Diego--AJUSA has them, as well as Powerstride and Batteries Plus down by the Sports Arena. You can save 20-30 lbs. using one as small as the PC680 like that, depending on what your stock battery setup is like. The only downside is less reserve power, but that isn't really a problem for a race car.

TT

Thanks. So what size should I get? The PC 680 has 220 CCA. The battery that just died in my '71 911 (I only use one) had 525 CCA and only wieghs about 23 lbs. How much lighter is the Odessey?

Gordon

Sheez, your battery is already pretty good. The Oddity 680 is 15-16 lbs

I bought one at Off Road Warehouse. They also sell pretty good hold down boxes for around $60. Wouldn't go too small though, that just creates more work for you. Because you will be constantly dealing with or concerned about the battery's condition. For my 944, I have to be careful how long the fans run after the motor is off, 10 minutes and I will be using a jump box to start-which is dangerous for 944 DME's.

gocart wrote:Thanks. So what size should I get? The PC 680 has 220 CCA. The battery that just died in my '71 911 (I only use one) had 525 CCA and only wieghs about 23 lbs. How much lighter is the Odessey?

If you already bailed on the two-battery setup on your '71, you will not save much weight with the PC680 (only 8 lbs., as Paul noted) and have less than half the cold cranking amps. There are some other advantages to the "Absorbed Glass Mat" dry cell design, like no acid spills or gassing to eat your sheetmetal up, you can install it on its side, and they claim a longer life with deeper discharge capability, but you'll have to decide if those features are worth the extra $$$. I used the PC925 in my 3.4L RS-clone, and have one in my Ultima. It only has 380 CCA and weighs 26 lbs., but it's enough to turn over a honking V8 all the time, even after sitting for a couple weeks. It's no lighter than what you had, not as powerful, and costs twice as much, though. Is it worth it? I don't know. If you use a plastic battery box (or at least a tray) with a traditional lead-acid battery, and monitor your regulated alternator output to prevent overcharging and the accompanying out-gassing, you can get decent performance for a lot less money without endangering your front pan.

YMMV,
TT

Thanks all. I went with the "if it aint broke, don't fix it" strategy and opted for a conventional replacement. Only problem was I couldn't find an Exide like my old one anywhere. I did manage to find a small enough battery at NAPA that I managed to shoehorn into the original box.
My last battery lasted eleven years without problems so hopefully this new one will be as reliable.

Gordon

Yes, I use the PC-680MJ Odyssey battery. The MJ in the part # is for the metal jacket option because we're interested in crash survival. We install this lightweight battery in all of our spec car builds. We have made our own aluminum hold down brackets, which surround this specific battery completely and only cost $25. I've seen even light crashes absolutely demolish some battery hold down systems. Our bracket can be used on any flat surface where the battery will fit and the battery lays flat for better total center of gravity.
We also sell the batteries.

I usually let the fans finish cycling on our 944's, then hit the kill switch to isolate the battery between run sessions. These little batteries have more than enough punch to start our engines, but don't park and listen to the radio for several hours on a date, and then expect it to start the car.

harnishclan wrote:I bought one at Off Road Warehouse. They also sell pretty good hold down boxes for around $60. Wouldn't go too small though, that just creates more work for you. Because you will be constantly dealing with or concerned about the battery's condition. For my 944, I have to be careful how long the fans run after the motor is off, 10 minutes and I will be using a jump box to start-which is dangerous for 944 DME's.

I found Porta-Jump which is a 30-volt battery designed to recharge your battery through a cigarette lighter enough to get it started, then it recharges the same way after you are started. Apparently it has some surge/charge electronics built in. It's the size of your fist, about a 1.5 lbs and $23 at Walmart. Can't say how well it works 'cause I never used it, but I'm optimistic.

http://www.porta-jump.com/

WALMART, YUCK!!!!!!!!

stevemckay wrote:WALMART, YUCK!!!!!!!!

I'm not about to defend, I do kinda hate that place but I did get a quiet 12v compressor too.

Not to hijack the thread... but Mobile 1 Synth 5 quarts for around $23

Then there is always the bargain priced at around $1800 Porsche Motorsport Lithium Battery

A couple of thoughts to add: 1. If you like "coolness" Rennline makes a beautiful set up : http://www.rennline.com/Battery-Relocat ... ducts/160/ and they sell the Odyssey batteries in several sizes for street and competition. 2. If you want to go vintage, then build your own. Back in the day they weren't pretty they were just practical. 3. Don't forget the other big advantage to moving your battery to the Smuggler's Box... Not just less weight, but you've also moved the weight closer to the middle of the car. Varrooommmm.