Lightweight Battery Install (Pics)
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Just remember that a battery that size has limited reserve capacity, so don't leave much on when the car isn't running.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,816
Likes: 2
From: Austin, TX
Here's a place that still sells them for $95:
http://www.batterymart.com/p-Big-Cra...L-Battery.html
I had one in my '96 for 4 years before I sold it. It worked great as long as I left the battery tender on it if I left it sit for more than a week or so.
http://www.batterymart.com/p-Big-Cra...L-Battery.html
I had one in my '96 for 4 years before I sold it. It worked great as long as I left the battery tender on it if I left it sit for more than a week or so.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 170
Likes: 8
From: So. Cali. CA
very interesting, "Battery Tender" sells Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries as AGM equivilents. as usual not advertiesed for automotive use but, wow this is a great option.
http://www.batterytender.com/Batteries/
$215 / 3.75 lbs. / 3 year warranty
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Deltran-Ba...ttery/32833009
the downside seems to be that the battery is not designed to work in freezing conditions. see below:
"A lithium battery’s cranking performance decreases as its temperature
approaches freezing. Most vehicles will start normally on the first try in
temperatures down to 40°F. If the engine fails to start on the first try in cold
weather, a load such as the headlights can be used to warm the battery.
The length of time it takes to warm the battery depends on its temperature.
The colder the weather, the longer it will take to warm the battery
sufficiently. Five minutes is a good rule of thumb when the temperature is
below freez"
http://www.batterytender.com/Batteries/
$215 / 3.75 lbs. / 3 year warranty
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Deltran-Ba...ttery/32833009
the downside seems to be that the battery is not designed to work in freezing conditions. see below:
"A lithium battery’s cranking performance decreases as its temperature
approaches freezing. Most vehicles will start normally on the first try in
temperatures down to 40°F. If the engine fails to start on the first try in cold
weather, a load such as the headlights can be used to warm the battery.
The length of time it takes to warm the battery depends on its temperature.
The colder the weather, the longer it will take to warm the battery
sufficiently. Five minutes is a good rule of thumb when the temperature is
below freez"
Last edited by artinist; Jun 7, 2016 at 04:32 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 261
From: Miami Florida
Wow Art those batteries are light and warranty is great just the one to have on race day.
i use a Braille 17 lbs. 24 month prorated 1 year free replacement warranty $180. but not nearly as sensitive to extreme temps and still saves 27 lbs. over yellow top optima and about half the size.
http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/...160105044335:s
i use a Braille 17 lbs. 24 month prorated 1 year free replacement warranty $180. but not nearly as sensitive to extreme temps and still saves 27 lbs. over yellow top optima and about half the size.
http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/...160105044335:s
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 170
Likes: 8
From: So. Cali. CA
ok guys, so I have been running the Battery Tender BTL35A480C for a few weeks now and its awesome. It is not sluggish at all even in hot weather. Nothing noticeable at all different from a factory battery. This is on a weekend/daily driver, no issues sitting a week.
I can't do cold weather testing but, its not an issue out here. I will do a quick write up soon on mounting instructions, etc.
I definitely recommend it. Its so light it feels like you are holding an iPhone 6S in the palm of your hand.
I can't do cold weather testing but, its not an issue out here. I will do a quick write up soon on mounting instructions, etc.
I definitely recommend it. Its so light it feels like you are holding an iPhone 6S in the palm of your hand.
Last edited by artinist; Jun 7, 2016 at 04:10 PM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 262
Likes: 3
From: Tempe AZ
ok guys, so I have been running the Battery Tender BTL35A480C for a few weeks now and its awesome. It is not sluggish at all even in hot weather. Nothing noticeable at all different from a factory battery. This is on a weekend/daily driver, no issues sitting a week.
Amazon.com: Battery Tender BTL35A480C Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery: Automotive
I can't do cold weather testing but, its not an issue out here. I will do a quick write up soon on mounting instructions, etc.
I definitely recommend it. Its so light it feels like you are holding an iPhone 6S in the palm of your hand.
Amazon.com: Battery Tender BTL35A480C Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery: Automotive
I can't do cold weather testing but, its not an issue out here. I will do a quick write up soon on mounting instructions, etc.
I definitely recommend it. Its so light it feels like you are holding an iPhone 6S in the palm of your hand.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 170
Likes: 8
From: So. Cali. CA
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 745
Likes: 192
From: Olympia WA
St. Jude Donor '16-'17, '19
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
very interesting, "Battery Tender" sells Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries as AGM equivilents. as usual not advertiesed for automotive use but, wow this is a great option.
http://www.batterytender.com/Batteries/
$215 / 3.75 lbs. / 3 year warranty
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Deltran-Ba...ttery/32833009
the downside seems to be that the battery is not designed to work in freezing conditions. see below:
"A lithium battery’s cranking performance decreases as its temperature
approaches freezing. Most vehicles will start normally on the first try in
temperatures down to 40°F. If the engine fails to start on the first try in cold
weather, a load such as the headlights can be used to warm the battery.
The length of time it takes to warm the battery depends on its temperature.
The colder the weather, the longer it will take to warm the battery
sufficiently. Five minutes is a good rule of thumb when the temperature is
below freez"
http://www.batterytender.com/Batteries/
$215 / 3.75 lbs. / 3 year warranty
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Deltran-Ba...ttery/32833009
the downside seems to be that the battery is not designed to work in freezing conditions. see below:
"A lithium battery’s cranking performance decreases as its temperature
approaches freezing. Most vehicles will start normally on the first try in
temperatures down to 40°F. If the engine fails to start on the first try in cold
weather, a load such as the headlights can be used to warm the battery.
The length of time it takes to warm the battery depends on its temperature.
The colder the weather, the longer it will take to warm the battery
sufficiently. Five minutes is a good rule of thumb when the temperature is
below freez"
Warranty Periods:
0-12 months: Replace free of charge with original receipt
13-24 months: 50% off MSRP with original receipt
25-36 months: 35% off MSRP with original receipt
--------------------------------
Thanks for the post and update artinist! I ordered mine off eBay for $200 with free shipping.
I paid $180 after applying a $20 coupon that will expire today:
http://slickdeals.net/f/8857323-ebay...src=SiteSearch
I will be using it in my daily driven Trans Am or my project c5.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 26,430
Likes: 493
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,475
Likes: 332
From: Port Arthur, Texas 77642
ok guys, so I have been running the Battery Tender BTL35A480C for a few weeks now and its awesome. It is not sluggish at all even in hot weather. Nothing noticeable at all different from a factory battery. This is on a weekend/daily driver, no issues sitting a week.
Amazon.com: Battery Tender BTL35A480C Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery: Automotive
I can't do cold weather testing but, its not an issue out here. I will do a quick write up soon on mounting instructions, etc.
I definitely recommend it. Its so light it feels like you are holding an iPhone 6S in the palm of your hand.
Amazon.com: Battery Tender BTL35A480C Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery: Automotive
I can't do cold weather testing but, its not an issue out here. I will do a quick write up soon on mounting instructions, etc.
I definitely recommend it. Its so light it feels like you are holding an iPhone 6S in the palm of your hand.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,656
Likes: 112
From: ocean springs mississippi
After doing some research, I found that a highly priced lightweight battery is just a rebadged Deka, also known as Big Crank. Given that the Deka is well under half the price, I opted for the Deka ETX18L. Cost was $82 shipped to my home. Bear in mind I added the Odyssey SAE terminals (ODY-3217-0006) to allow me to lay the battery on it's back (lower center of gravity). I already had these terminals from a previous battery.
Anyway, I wrapped the battery in adhesive-backed heat protection and made a battery tie-down plate out of some aluminum stock. I drilled two holes in the battery holder and ran short j-hooks to cinch the battery down. Finally, I put some Loctite in the female battery threads (wipe any off of the top as it acts as a resistor).
I opted for the stock location to maximize the weight savings. I've had this battery in for a week and so far so good. I showed a weight savings of 16.6 pounds over the stock battery.
San
Anyway, I wrapped the battery in adhesive-backed heat protection and made a battery tie-down plate out of some aluminum stock. I drilled two holes in the battery holder and ran short j-hooks to cinch the battery down. Finally, I put some Loctite in the female battery threads (wipe any off of the top as it acts as a resistor).
I opted for the stock location to maximize the weight savings. I've had this battery in for a week and so far so good. I showed a weight savings of 16.6 pounds over the stock battery.
San
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,656
Likes: 112
From: ocean springs mississippi
very interesting, "Battery Tender" sells Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries as AGM equivilents. as usual not advertiesed for automotive use but, wow this is a great option.
http://www.batterytender.com/Batteries/
$215 / 3.75 lbs. / 3 year warranty
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Deltran-Ba...ttery/32833009
the downside seems to be that the battery is not designed to work in freezing conditions. see below:
"A lithium battery’s cranking performance decreases as its temperature
approaches freezing. Most vehicles will start normally on the first try in
temperatures down to 40°F. If the engine fails to start on the first try in cold
weather, a load such as the headlights can be used to warm the battery.
The length of time it takes to warm the battery depends on its temperature.
The colder the weather, the longer it will take to warm the battery
sufficiently. Five minutes is a good rule of thumb when the temperature is
below freez"
http://www.batterytender.com/Batteries/
$215 / 3.75 lbs. / 3 year warranty
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Deltran-Ba...ttery/32833009
the downside seems to be that the battery is not designed to work in freezing conditions. see below:
"A lithium battery’s cranking performance decreases as its temperature
approaches freezing. Most vehicles will start normally on the first try in
temperatures down to 40°F. If the engine fails to start on the first try in cold
weather, a load such as the headlights can be used to warm the battery.
The length of time it takes to warm the battery depends on its temperature.
The colder the weather, the longer it will take to warm the battery
sufficiently. Five minutes is a good rule of thumb when the temperature is
below freez"
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 170
Likes: 8
From: So. Cali. CA
here is how I mounted mine. I used a thin sheet of aluminum and cut strips out of it similar to a water heater brace and used some rivets to make a 3 sided sleeve. Its probably overkill but I wanted to make sure the folks at tech inspections don't question anything if I visit a track.
Last edited by artinist; Jul 11, 2016 at 12:15 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,475
Likes: 332
From: Port Arthur, Texas 77642
I saw these on the shelf at Autozone under their house branded Duralast Gold/Powersport AGM, same part number ETX18L. They were listed at $101.99 but offer a $10 mail in rebate plus you'll have to pay local tax. Costs more but if you're in need quickly they offer the entire Deka AGM line under their Duralast Gold/Powersport AGM battery line.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,475
Likes: 332
From: Port Arthur, Texas 77642
here is how I mounted mine. I used a thin sheet of aluminum and cut strips out of it similar to a water heater brace and used some rivets to make a 3 sided sleeve. Its probably overkill but I wanted to make sure the folks at tech inspections don't question anything if I visit a track.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 26,430
Likes: 493
After doing some research, I found that a highly priced lightweight battery is just a rebadged Deka, also known as Big Crank. Given that the Deka is well under half the price, I opted for the Deka ETX18L. Cost was $82 shipped to my home. Bear in mind I added the Odyssey SAE terminals (ODY-3217-0006) to allow me to lay the battery on it's back (lower center of gravity). I already had these terminals from a previous battery.
Anyway, I wrapped the battery in adhesive-backed heat protection and made a battery tie-down plate out of some aluminum stock. I drilled two holes in the battery holder and ran short j-hooks to cinch the battery down. Finally, I put some Loctite in the female battery threads (wipe any off of the top as it acts as a resistor).
I opted for the stock location to maximize the weight savings. I've had this battery in for a week and so far so good. I showed a weight savings of 16.6 pounds over the stock battery.
San
Anyway, I wrapped the battery in adhesive-backed heat protection and made a battery tie-down plate out of some aluminum stock. I drilled two holes in the battery holder and ran short j-hooks to cinch the battery down. Finally, I put some Loctite in the female battery threads (wipe any off of the top as it acts as a resistor).
I opted for the stock location to maximize the weight savings. I've had this battery in for a week and so far so good. I showed a weight savings of 16.6 pounds over the stock battery.
San
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 170
Likes: 8
From: So. Cali. CA
I belive they are 5mm. I got some universal lead ones from autozone but here a couple of other options:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...-SK-SAE20.html
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...Power-580.html
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...-SK-SAE20.html
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...Power-580.html
Last edited by artinist; Jul 12, 2016 at 01:05 AM.