Battery recommendation please: 1972 280SE 4.5

[ramonajim]

Time to put a new battery in Gustav (1972 280SE 4.5).

He's an occasional driver, especially in winter now that we're in MD. Not unusual for him to sit for 2,3,4 weeks at a pop.

I've not yet checked for any dark current, not sure what level of "everything is off" draw is to be expected. Anybody know the spec, or have a good rule of thumb (again, Miata experience: anything over 20 mA is bad news). Toying with the idea of a battery quick disconnect on Gustav if I see any kind of significant dark current.

In our less often used Miata's, we've had great luck with Optima yellow top batteries (deep cycle marine batteries), but those little 4 bangers don't need a whole lot of cranking power to get going, even in the cold. Anybody use Optima's or similar technology in a car like Gustav?

Anyway - suggestions? Best place (local (Frederick, MD) or internet) to go? Not seeing batteries listed in Fastlane..... Best type/brand?

[Mike D]

For convenience, I'd suggest Interstate Battery. Might not be the absolute "best" but plenty of locations and they do give good service.

[JMela]

You'll want a size 49 battery to fill the 108's battery tray. I've got a Douglas that is a few years old, hasn't died yet and has sat plenty. I believe they supply MB and BMW w their 'factory' batteries.

[pchbreeze]

I recommend a battery tender with the new battery. If you dont want to spend much, you can find a cheapy at harbor freight. all cars 'trickle' (drain) when sitting, and this will prolong the life of your battery.

[Tom Drew]

Have had an Interstate Group 93 in my '72 280 SE 4.5 for 9 years and still going strong. I drive the car sparingly in the winter - only when the roads are dry - and have a trickle charger going on it if sits more than about 2 weeks without driving. Pretty good life from a standard type battery!

Tom

[mak]

Originally Posted by Tom Drew

Have had an Interstate Group 93 in my '72 280 SE 4.5 for 9 years and still going strong. I drive the car sparingly in the winter - only when the roads are dry - and have a trickle charger going on it if sits more than about 2 weeks without driving. Pretty good life from a standard type battery!

Tom

9 years and still operating ,Most impressive!
I thought 5 years was max for a car battery.

mak

[Tomguy]

I also suggest a 49-series. The 4.5 can use the CCA power of the big battery. Fastlane does not sell batteries as they cannot ship via UPS or Fedex or USPS due to shipping regulations. I have an Exide in my 4.5 but it was one of the older-style Exides (I think it was made in Reading PA if I'm not mistaken?) Newer ones are mucho garbageo. I dont think Optima makes a 49 series (I didnt see it on their site).

[Tom Drew]

FYI - the Interstate #93 is the same physical size as the #49 but has a higher 850 CCA rating.

[Skippy]

I currently have a Werker in my 250. It came with the car in 2008, and I've managed to abuse it by draining it dead at least once, as well as letting the car sit with the battery still connected for many weeks at a time. So far, so good.

The battery in my 240D is the one that came with my 300D in 2005. I can't think of the brand name right now, but I think it's black with a red top. Definately NOT an Optima. I swapped it into the 240 when the 240's battery fried from a failing (overcharge) voltage regulator. Kragen pro-rated the replacement battery, which went into the 300, since it gets the best of everything and the 240 gets the dregs. It still works just fine, and I can check the brand tomorrow if you're interested.

The 300 currently has about a year old battery of whatever manufacture Kragen sells as their standard. They retail for about 106 bucks in group 49 size. No complaints as of yet.

I would disconnect the battery before letting the car sit for extended periods, or if you do it a lot, go ahead and put in that battery disconnect switch.

[Skippy]

I had one in a Suzuki Samurai that lasted 9 years. It should have-the battery was almost as big as the engine.

[Pooka]

A friend of mine has a 1966 Chevy truck at his ranch that he only uses during deer season. He keeps the battery up with a solar cell that trickels in power through the cigar lighter.

I don't know if this would work for you or not. His truck sits outside and has for about 30 years, so it works for him.

His truck also looks like it has been outside for 30 years, but his battery is always charged!

[ramonajim]

Thanks for the pointers folks - heading for Guadalajara at this point, will likely get back on this when I return.