Optima Battery

[Dougs986]

I've seen multiple comments about Optima installation in a Boxster. Many saying that a longer positive cable is required with the Optima 34R. I just installed a 34R in my 2003 Boxster today. Most instructions say to mount the battery to the aftermarket plate then slide the plate to the right (driver side - you're standing in the front storage compartment) so that it slips under the lip on that end. Now tighten the left end down and connect the cables. The positive cable WON'T connect if you take this approach. Try connecting the positive cable BEFORE sliding the battery to the right. After sliding it, connect the negative cable then bolt the left end of the plate down. The positive cable is tight but it does fit!

Doug
2003 Boxster
1962 356B T6

[JFP in PA]

It would seem that some cars have a slightly longer + cable than others; about half the Optima swaps we have done required putting in a slightly longer (~2 inch) + cable to eliminate any problems; other 986's the 34R drops right in with the factory cable. To date, I have not figured out any way to determine when the longer cable is going to be needed.............

[Dougs986]

My Boxster is a 2003 model. The positive cable was relatively tight on the Moll (OEM - I think that's the brand) battery. It's the same battery that was used on the 993's - I don't have the model number with me at the moment. I wonder if some Boxsters use a different (wider) model battery than the 2003's? I'll add the model number to this thread tonight when I get home.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by Dougs986

My Boxster is a 2003 model. The positive cable was relatively tight on the Moll (OEM - I think that's the brand) battery. It's the same battery that was used on the 993's - I don't have the model number with me at the moment. I wonder if some Boxsters use a different (wider) model battery than the 2003's? I'll add the model number to this thread tonight when I get home.

For the most part, 986/987 have all used the same size battery (group 48). The actual issue is the positive cable, which is sometimes shorter. The year and base/S model does not seem to matter; sometimes the cable is just shorter. Replacing the positive cable with a longer one is a 5 min. affair, and just about any auto parts store can supply you with a longer one for a few bucks; so it is no big thing.

Most likely, some kraut bean counter figured out a way to save five cents a car by shortening the cable two inches..........

[Dougs986]

My 2003 Boxster with Tip came with a Moll 570 69 battery (999.611.070.20).

[mikefocke]

may be between the TIP and a manual car. Few know that the battery is actually different (bigger as in more AH in the TIP).

I have an '01S TIP and had to visit my local auto dealer for a longer (and $6) cable when I installed my Optima. No way was I going to fit the original cable. A trivial 3 minute install once I got back from the store. Take your original and match the thickness and add length.

[ekam]

I just ordered the Optima Redtop (34R) locally and the aluminum adapter plate with a longer cable from Yellow Dog Motorsports. Going to be a DIY.

I ordered the longer cable, JUST IN CASE. The frustration to find out the cable is not long enough is not worth it.