Buying new battery , what do you guys recommend?

[mikefocke]

Batteries known to fit list here

[CA_Boxster]

Autozone Duralast 48-DL group size 48 was $85 today. Exact fit replacement with the vent tube and everything.

Autozone also had one of those memory things to keep all your settings while the battery is disconnected for $5. You just attach a 9v battery to it and plug the other end into your cigarette lighter. That way you don't have to reprogram the radio, clock and whatever else you may have. I don't know if these things prevent the radio from needing the radio code when you're done (I don't have the stock radio) but I bet it works for that as well.

[sparker]

Optima's should be charged at 15v, most alternators do not put this voltage out without a modification.

I am looking at running a custom lithium pack that weighs 2kg's (4.4lb for my American friends!) which should do the trick nicely

Sam

[clickman]

Originally Posted by sparker

Optima's should be charged at 15v, most alternators do not put this voltage out without a modification.

This is first I've seen in my research that the Optimas may be a problem in the Boxster. Those in the know please chime in.

[sparker]

They need 15v to charge effectively, most alternators will not produce this without changing the diode.

They will still work without 15v from the alternator, but a fair way below the quoted stats of the unit.

Sam

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by sparker

Optima's should be charged at 15v, most alternators do not put this voltage out without a modification.

Optima's preferred charge rates (time to reach full charge from a given level of discharge) is 14.4 volts at temps above 41 F, and 14.7V below 41F. The are not a problem on any decently performing charging system; we have never encountered a problem with Porsche's keeping them fully charged. Some maintainers (such as Ctek) have an Optima "optimized" charge cycle, but all that does is get the battery to a full charge quicker. In reality, just about any decent maintainer will keep the Optima happy; they just may take a little longer doing it.....

[sparker]

Dont get me wrong guys, not saying an optima wont work - of course it will. Just not at its peak (or to the specs on the label)

Sam

[JFP in PA]

You must have difficulty reading, so let me restate it more clearly; the Optima will be fine, the only difference the slight voltage change makes is in the time it takes to reach full charge; but it definitely reaches full (per the label) charge..................

[Mark_T]

"Vehicles like jeeps with a wench on the front used for mudding would also benifit from the Yellow top."

My wench usually sits in the passenger seat!