Optima Battery

[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.

[ddb]

Originally Posted by ekam

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

I ordered the longer cable (just in case) along with the plastic adaptor during the summer. I wanted to have them so I could install an Optima whenever I need a new battery. So far, I haven't needed a new battery.

My car had a new Interstate battery when I bought it over 6 years ago and it is still going strong. This is without never using a charger or maintainer. Also my car has sat for 12 weeks untouched at least twice during the 6 years and regularly sits for 2 to 3 weeks untouched. The Interstate has been a great battery but I want a sealed, maintenance free battery next go round.

[ekam]

Well guess what, I needed the longer positive cable after all!!! Yellow Dog told me I don't need it and I have a 04 base, manual.

The aluminum adapter plate is good quality(for an extra $20 over the plastic version, it's worth it IMO), and won't hurt to get the thumb screw set as well, makes it so much easier to remove the cowl vent to replace the cabin filter, etc.

Install is pretty much a breeze. It came with 4-5 pages of instructions but the install is straight forward on its own. Don't have to be a qualified mechanic to do the job. The Redtop (34R) is smaller, lighter than the factory battery - just perfect.

It was easy to deal with Yellow Dog over the phone, they processed & shipped the items to me very quickly.