Battery rec for max power/reliability, not weight, & that fit in stock battery tray?

[NorCal]

So my alarm on my 05 Elise has been randomly going off. Seems to always start up fine, but I believe the cause might be that its time for a new battery. (unless someone else knows why this might be happening)

I don't use my car for the track, so I don't care about weight on the new battery.

But I do care about:

* max power/reliability for the battery
* that it fits in the stock battery tray
* reasonable price

Given these parameters, any recommendations?

TheViper - I know you've done some amazing research on this - can you take a peak at this and give me your thoughts?

[TheViper]

There is only one, the Optima Red Top, either 35 or 75/25. Battery Choices & Information
Cheers,
Michael

[NorCal]

Right now I have a Optima Blue Top D34M...

...could the fact that I'm using a Blue Top instead of a Red Top be what's causing the alarm troubles?

[Dead Duck]

Rob the owner of Dietsch Werkes is putting in an Interstate and a metal bracket for me later this week. It's a no fuss battery that fits in the stock tray and doesn't doesn't lose it in two weeks. It's the same battery that Rob, has in his Elise.

[TheViper]

The "Blue Top", is a duel purpose, starting and deep cycle battery and should have no effect on the alarm issues you are having.
The 75/25 has additional side terminals which remain unused, I have this one. Sometime it it also called the 35/75, but it is the same battery. It is a little more difficult to get the battery cover on, but it still works fine after you shave a little plastic off. It would be a great idea to get some "industrial velcro" from Home Depot to put underneath.
Michael

Originally Posted by NorCal

Right now I have a Optima Blue Top D34M...
...could the fact that I'm using a Blue Top instead of a Red Top be what's causing the alarm troubles?

The Interstate is a "wet cell" battery which could spill, leak and emits flammable gases. Because the battery location is in the trunk it is advisable to replace the OEM with an AGM battery which does not do any of the above.
Michael

Originally Posted by Dead Duck

Rob the owner of Dietsch Werkes is putting in an Interstate and a metal bracket for me later this week. It's a no fuss battery that fits in the stock tray and doesn't doesn't lose it in two weeks. It's the same battery that Rob, has in his Elise.

[nickl]

Is the interior light not in the down position? That'll cause the alarm to sound randomly.

[NorCal]

Is the interior light not in the down position? That'll cause the alarm to sound randomly.

Why is that??

[Lancia]

The optima is a wet cell and an agm.

It will emit gases unless it has a filter or processor mounted.
It doesn't run on moonbeams.

Good batteries though, for the price.

[TheViper]

Because the alarm needs to detect the resistance of the bulb.

Originally Posted by NorCal

Why is that??

Th Optima is an AGM that will not leak or emit hydrogen gas.

Originally Posted by Lancia

The optima is a wet cell and an agm.
It will emit gases unless it has a filter or processor mounted.
It doesn't run on moonbeams.
Good batteries though, for the price.

Battery Choices & Information

Cheers,
Michael

[ZAMMY1]

i use a deep cycle optima.
it's heavy but there's little chance of a dead battery. the hold-down clamp has a doubler plate on the other side of the bulkhead to spread the forces.
sam

[TheViper]

The Optima Yellow Top is a great choice if you can't keep a maintainer connected.
Michael

Originally Posted by ZAMMY1

i use a deep cycle optima.
it's heavy but there's little chance of a dead battery. the hold-down clamp has a doubler plate on the other side of the bulkhead to spread the forces.
sam

[ZAMMY1]

i forgot to mention, if the cables look funny, i have the hinge kit installed.
sam

[Lancia]

I checked with optima again.

It is a wet lead acid battery in an absorbed glass mat.
It produces the same gas as any lead acid battery.
It has the common tight valve that only out gases under pressure.
No magic.

I have seen the filter/catalyst valves as a screw on accessory, but they are pricey.
And you must have the threads to attach to.
That is supposed to stop gas from venting.

One of mine leaked, but it was very limited by the mat and only leaked after much track use.
I wasn't unhappy with it.
In theory, they should work after being drilled to defeat an alarm.


If you use dual batteries on something, use the deep cycle type and match them as closely as possible- same lot, same box, etc.
There is a weight penalty to the deep cycle battery.
Worth it in my opinion.

[TheViper]

Although, technically an AGM is a wet cell, it won't leak because the acid is absorbed into the glass mats, hence "absorbed glass mat", and it can be orientated in any position. An AGM under normal circumstances will not emit hydrogen gas, however, under abnormal conditions there is a pressure release valve. This applies to any make of AGM, Braille, Odyssey, etc. the difference in the Optima is that the plates are spiral wound.
Michael

[NorCal]

Because the alarm needs to detect the resistance of the bulb.

So there is current running through the bulb, even when it is emitting no light?

My cabin light actually has to be in the up position to get the light to come on when the door is opened. Maybe it was installed up side down. I saw one other Lotus Talk user who had this phenomina. Is what your saying that cabin light position needs to be set such that the light comes on when doors are opened?

[TheViper]

[quote=NorCal;1365527]So there is current running through the bulb, even when it is emitting no light? Actually the alarm is detecting the resistance of the bulb

My cabin light actually has to be in the up position to get the light to come on when the door is opened. Maybe it was installed up side down. I saw one other Lotus Talk user who had this phenomina. Is what your saying that cabin light position needs to be set such that the light comes on when doors are opened?Yes, because only in that position is it in circuit with the alarm module