What size battery should I get?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 877
Likes: 59
From: Minneapolis, MN USA
What size battery should I get?
Hi,
I have a current leak somewhere that I have to find...my battery is always dying on me. So I need to buy a new one (again). what size do you all recommend (cold crank amps)? Considering I'm in MN and only drive it during warm months...I wouldn't think I would need a ton of CCAs? I just have a small block engine.
Also - aside from the obvious (fix the current leak), do you have any suggestions about how to get the battery to keep its charge? I remove the cable when it's not in use...but it still seems to die. Would it help if I bring the battery in the house during the cold months? Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
I have a current leak somewhere that I have to find...my battery is always dying on me. So I need to buy a new one (again). what size do you all recommend (cold crank amps)? Considering I'm in MN and only drive it during warm months...I wouldn't think I would need a ton of CCAs? I just have a small block engine.
Also - aside from the obvious (fix the current leak), do you have any suggestions about how to get the battery to keep its charge? I remove the cable when it's not in use...but it still seems to die. Would it help if I bring the battery in the house during the cold months? Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
Leaving the "fix the current leak" aside, your car uses either a size 24 (top post terminals) or 74 (side post terminal). My '69 has top post mounts. While we all have our preferences in battery make (I won't open that can of worms), look for a battery with the highest cold cranking amps and largest reserve capacity. You won't always find the most cold cranking amps with the biggest reserve capacity in the same battery. In your case, maybe reserve capacity is the more important factor...that's your call.
You can buy and install a cable attachment where you can turn the current on and off without having to remove and reinstall the cable. They're inexpensive and most auto supply stores carry them.
What I do in the off-season is leave the battery connected and have a Battery Tender Plus attached the entire Winter. You can remove the battery if you like and store it in a room temperature environment.
You can buy and install a cable attachment where you can turn the current on and off without having to remove and reinstall the cable. They're inexpensive and most auto supply stores carry them.
What I do in the off-season is leave the battery connected and have a Battery Tender Plus attached the entire Winter. You can remove the battery if you like and store it in a room temperature environment.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,126
Likes: 15
I use the AC Delco ACD78-60. Plenty of power for my stock L82. Also has a handle which helps getting it in and out. I keep a Black and Decker tender on it 24/7. They are $20.00 from Lowes. mike...
Last edited by mds3013; Jul 4, 2010 at 12:02 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,639
Likes: 1,866
From: LONG ISLAND
2025 C3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
NOT FACTORY...............
BUT...........the OPTIMA yellow top has worked amazing for me.........never needs a charge, never dies, even in the garage all winter ...........AWESOME !!!
BUT...........the OPTIMA yellow top has worked amazing for me.........never needs a charge, never dies, even in the garage all winter ...........AWESOME !!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 1
From: SOUTH ELGIN IL
i use one with 795 CCA's, no problems. i just unplug the + terminal when I'm not using the car for extended periods. I also use a a bettery tender at times, but until i find my slow drain, which I think I may have, i'll stick with unplugging the cable.
