i'm going to fix a lightweight racing battery in my '77, i'd need to know what would have to be the 'cranking current', it's voltage and capacity...i've found some with cranking current at 685A, voltage 12 and capacity 26 A/H weight: 19 lbs, some others CC 400A, volt 12 and capacity 14 A/H weighting only 11 lbs..where should i go here?, would be CC and capacity of the lightest of the two enough to start my 406ci? are these batteries good only to start the engine or would also keep powered the car like a normal battery? i have no power windows/not A/C, not up/down lights but i DO have electric fans though...
thanks/Giu

 

probably the #1 cheapest way to save weight. As long as its good for a few starts you are good.

The alt supplies your accessories when running. I'm thinking about one to swap in quick for race days but i wouldn't run it on the street.

 

19 lbs is a good weight savings. 685 cranking combined with a modern
high torque starter should be ok for a street car. A new car will have
a little more cranking power, but they fiqure on the car may be used
for 40 degree california winters or it may be trying to crank it in kansas
at five degrees. A heavy super duper optima battary only has around
800 cranking. 400 cranking I would not go that low. who makes the 19
lb battary ??

 

this is the battery...



it's sold in uk at 270 usd equivaletnt by
www.demon-tweeks.co.uk

 

I use a "Offensive Power" 11.5 lbs battery.. Those are actually Braille batteries sold under another name.. The Braille 11.5 lbs batteries are about $160 and the "Offensive Power" 11.5 lbs batteries are $120 and they are identical except for the label..

My 406 has 12.8 : 1 compression and the little battery cranks the engine without a problem.. However, if you have problems starting the car, it will run empty quicker than a regular battery but without any starting issues that require long and repeated cranking, the 11.5 lbs battery will work just as good as a regular battery.

http://www.brailleauto.com/ProductCa...=2&idproduct=1

This page has it for $179 but after shopping around, it can be found for about $159 or less...

Ebay caugh caugh....

 

do you know the tecnical specs? cranking amperage, voltage and capacity A/H? of course i could not buy it in usa but i could buy the 11 lbs in EU with a reduced transport cost anyway...thanks

 

My VW buddies on the R32 forum love the Braille battery. I tried a Oddessy PC680 in my LT-1 and found it had a few hot re-start issues, looking at this site, it looks like the Braille would be just enough to overcome these problems but price on this site seems a little high. Here is the link: http://shop.edoperformance.com/tech_braille_battery.php

 

www.odysseybatteries.com
I use the PC1200mjt dry cell with full metal jacket

 

here are the specs of 2 of the best choices:



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The DMS range of Varley Red Top Race Batteries employ pure lead technology. Originally used to start fighter aircraft engines and to withstand the shock and vibration experienced in combat aircraft, these batteries have proved ideal for use in competition applications.

Small, lightweight, maintenance free and with exceptionally high discharge capability (Up to 2000 Amps instantaneous current) these batteries are flame retardant, can be fitted upright or on their side and will not leak even when damaged.

Red Top 30 Features include:

Voltage=12
Capacity=26Ah
Weight=9.0kgs
Dimensions=250x97x156mm
Terminals=M6 male
Cranking current (20?C for 5secs)=685A.

price: the equivalent 270 usd...

OR

The DMS range of Varley Red Top Race Batteries employ pure lead technology. Originally used to start fighter aircraft engines and to withstand the shock and vibration experienced in combat aircraft, these batteries have proved ideal for use in competition applications.

Small, lightweight, maintenance free and with exceptionally high discharge capability (Up to 2000 Amps instantaneous current) these batteries are flame retardant, can be fitted upright or on their side and will not leak even when damaged.

Red Top 25 Features include:

Voltage=12
Capacity=16Ah
Weight=6.1kgs
Dimensions=182x77x168mm
Terminals=M6 female
Cranking current (20?C for 5secs)=625A.

price: the equivalent of 160 usd....

 

Braille Lightweight Battery, model B14115. Designed for daily and race use in most vehicle applications. With over 900 Pulse Cranking Amps and weighing under 11.5 pounds this battery will provide the power needed for most production vehicles and save between 20 - 50 pounds over a stock battery.

I don't know how pulse cranking amps compare to cold carnking amps but I know that it easily cranks my 12.8:1 compression engine.. That's all I'm concerned about!!

 

the braille B14115 seems to have very good numbers to show...5 kgs (11lbs) weight spec is pretty good for a battery that cranks a 12.8 compression engine as you claimed...

 

My old battery was 31.5 lbs and the "Offensive Power" battery that I use (same as Braille) weights 11.5 lbs. I do have a mini gear reduction starter so I don't know if a regular starter would also get the job done with that battery.. I had no problem at all with the battery except for once when the car didn't want to start and after 3 minutes trying to crank the car, the battery finally ran empty.. After recharging, it was as good as new again and would crank the car without a problem..
I paid $119 which isn't bad for a 20 lbs weight saving...