Lets Talk Batteries

[DonTX]

What do you fellas use for starting power? I am contemplating using one group 31, 1100 cold cranking amps or so for starting. I have room back at the engine for that installation if it will do the job. I make it a habit to NEVER go to anyplace that turns water into ice, so we are speaking warm weather only, besides I got coupling for many more batteries if I need them for a cold start. Will one group 31 do it OK?

 

[bgilbert]

Yes one group 31 is all that is needed. www.dekabatteries.com. Find a distributor nearby. Biggest baddest CCA group 31 out there for less than $100. I have a Group 31 1260cca Deka.

 

[TSuter]

I have a group 31 from NAPA that's been doing fine by me. Haven't had any problems starting down to 9* and the hottest I think is around 95*



Tom

 

[elandon1201]

I know alot of people here do no like them, but I use the Optima red tops. I have been for over two years and many below zero days without any problems

 

[16919]

do you have a part # on those optimas? I haven't found any that were the right size.

 

[elandon1201]

The part number on the top says 34/78-OR

 

[Philip]

James if you read Elandon's sig you will see he has one of those hard starting 2nd gens that need 2 batterys. :-laf :-laf



I don't think Optima makes a group 31 size.



My group 31 has started me with no problems at -20 without heaters pluged in. I think mine is a 900 CCA.

 

[tugboatphil]

Ditto, Deka. I got my 1100 CCA at a NAPA (not all of them carry it) for $82.

 

[Paychk]

Third endorsement of the Deka!

 

[DValentine]

With a slight modificaion to the bases of the Optima and modification to the battery hold down I have 2 red tops in the stock battery box. They sit sideways and spin the starter a little faster.

I am sold on the gel batteries... . and will replace all my other ones as they go down with the red tops.



No leaks, no problem.





Dave

 

[DBF]

I got a group 31, 1075 CCA from CarQuest (I was on the road and had to buy something, no Interstate dealer around). Darned if the thing hasn't held up for four years now. DBF

 

[Nate]

Yeah Red Top is what I'd go with.



Hard starting 2nd Gen? I fire mine up fine with 1 battery. It's not -30* though.

 

[OKish]

im using a duralast marine starting battery from autozone, it as about 65 dollars and the thing started my truck at -8 degrees and -30 windchill.



#ad




cant beat it for 65 bucks.

 

[tugboatphil]

With a slight modificaion to the bases of the Optima and modification to the battery hold down I have 2 red tops in the stock battery box.

Dave,



Did you change alternators? Any problems with keeping them charged? Pics??

 

[DValentine]

Tug,

So far no charging problems..... it might be good to put in a charge isolator in line.

740 cca

910 ca

times 2





I hooked the batteries in parallel using welding lead, notched the bases of the batteries for the vertical tie down pieces, lengthened the top brace and hooked her up.



I have picts on my camera but not sure how to get them on the computer and into a post. Might have to wait until the wife gets home to help me.



Dave

 

[Greenleaf]

My favorite is the little square nine volt. Silver in color with a red light'n bolt and a leaping black cat.



Hope this helps

 

[Grizzly]

What do you fellas use for starting power? I am contemplating using one group 31, 1100 cold cranking amps or so for starting. I have room back at the engine for that installation if it will do the job. I make it a habit to NEVER go to anyplace that turns water into ice, so we are speaking warm weather only, besides I got coupling for many more batteries if I need them for a cold start. Will one group 31 do it OK?

Whatever battery or batteries you get, consider purchasing at Costco. They are as good as any and you can't beat the warranty. They also have the Optima.

 

[DonTX]

After spending most of the day battery shopping, I can report that the supply has changed! I came home empty handed!

I could only find one Gp 31 with over 1000 CCA, that was 1050 at NAPA. The "red Tops" are attractive, but somehow the low CCA scares me, gotta look back at those that indorsed them on this list. Sure like the idea of mounting it on its end for space saving! NAPA also has a "Optima type" battery for sale now too, might be made by Optima even, not real sure. For the Dodge owners, does your manual state a needed capacity for the battery in the pickups?

 

[Paychk]

Don



FSM specs; 1075 CCA @ 0° F, reserve cap. 170 minutes (time battery can deliver 25 amps and maintain a minimum terminal voltage of 10. 5 volts at 80° F. )



The starter is rated @ cranking amp draw of 450-550 amps, this is with the engine at operating tempature.



So you see why they went to 2 batterys on the 2nd. Gens. Deka is the only battery Mfg. that still makes a 1100 CCA batery (that I could find)

 

[JSchlachta]

http://www.odysseyfactory.com/ they also make a great group 31 battery but costs more around $250.