Battery options - LotusTalk

Harbir · 06-16-2009, 07:41 AM

Hey guys, the original battery on my Lotus is on the blink so I need a new battery. The service writer at the local lotus dealer said she'd call me back with a price, but off the top of her head, she expected it was about $360.

I think thats crap. So I called the dealer in Virginia (euroclassics), and talked to the Cory in parts who has always been very helpful to me and he said the battery was 96 bucks. He couldn't ship it but he said if I find anybody who carries Interstate batteries, I should ask for "26R50".

Except the Interstate website doesn't carry any battery by that name.

So, presuming i don't want a braille and would like an OE or OE substitute, what are my options.

Maybe the Braille with the quick disconnect switch is the way to go. I don't drive the car very often and if the braille can hold its charge for many weeks at a time if disconnected (and not connected to a trickle charger), that might be worth it.

RichS · 06-16-2009, 07:51 AM

You should just get the Volkphreaks... It's only money and their customer service is excellent!

fpitas · 06-16-2009, 07:53 AM

Battery Choices & Information

There are lots of choices depending on weight etc. I have the Odyssey PC925. It has been abused by being discharged flat a couple times by accident, but still holds a good charge.

RichS · 06-16-2009, 07:54 AM

Also, depending on the date of the battery, Interstate may replace it (or at least give you a credit). I've had a number of the batteries replaced either for free (go to one of their Platinum Dealers if you can, look them up on the web site) or for a reduced cost.

RichS · 06-16-2009, 07:57 AM

Hell, even Charlie over at Lotus of Austin (when he was running the service department) just called Interstate on the phone and got them to replace one of my batteries.

(I went through a few batteries because one of the service guys at a Lotus dealership managed to connect the battery ground to the transmission... with a rubber gasket between them. Took a LONG time to figure out what was going wrong.)

TheViper · 06-16-2009, 09:45 AM

Check this out Battery Choices & Information
I strongly recommend replacing with an AGM battery that cannot leak. Being in the trunk, a leak can cause very serious problems.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harbir

Hey guys, the original battery on my Lotus is on the blink so I need a new battery. The service writer at the local lotus dealer said she'd call me back with a price, but off the top of her head, she expected it was about $360.
I think thats crap. So I called the dealer in Virginia (euroclassics), and talked to the Cory in parts who has always been very helpful to me and he said the battery was 96 bucks. He couldn't ship it but he said if I find anybody who carries Interstate batteries, I should ask for "26R50".
Except the Interstate website doesn't carry any battery by that name.
So, presuming i don't want a braille and would like an OE or OE substitute, what are my options.
Maybe the Braille with the quick disconnect switch is the way to go. I don't drive the car very often and if the braille can hold its charge for many weeks at a time if disconnected (and not connected to a trickle charger), that might be worth it.

That's because Odyssey is a semi-deep cycle battery, but I would run it though a few "conditioning" (de-sulfation) cycles.
Cheers,
Michael

Quote:

Originally Posted by fpitas

but still holds a good charge.

fpitas · 06-16-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheViper

That's because Odyssey is a semi-deep cycle battery, but I would run it though a few "conditioning" (de-sulfation) cycles.
Cheers,
Michael

How do you do that?

TheViper · 06-16-2009, 10:09 AM

You need a "maintainer" which has this function such as Automotive Battery Chargers*::*Battery Chargers by BatteryMINDers.com
or a "battery charger" with a conditioning mode, I have a Black & Decker.
Michael

Quote:

Originally Posted by fpitas

How do you do that?

Harbir · 06-16-2009, 10:20 AM

I don't have the option of a battery minder. THe garage I park in has no electrical outlets I can use. So I need a battery that I can either easily disconnect, or one that will hold charge for a few weeks at a time.

TheViper · 06-16-2009, 10:31 AM

I am in the same situation therefore I chose a battery with a high AH (amp hour) rating. Remember, disconnecting the battery means no alarm.
Michael

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harbir

I don't have the option of a battery minder. THe garage I park in has no electrical outlets I can use. So I need a battery that I can either easily disconnect, or one that will hold charge for a few weeks at a time.

fpitas · 06-16-2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheViper

You need a "maintainer" which has this function such as Automotive Battery Chargers*::*Battery Chargers by BatteryMINDers.com
or a "battery charger" with a conditioning mode, I have a Black & Decker.
Michael

OK, thanks for the info.

Harbir · 06-16-2009, 11:16 AM

So looking at your chart, maybe I need an Optima Red Top group 35. Will I need a bracket or will it drop straight in?

TheViper · 06-16-2009, 11:25 AM

That's what I have, and it is the only one that will fit without modification, although the cover is a bit tighter. BTW the 35 and the 75/25 are virtually identical, with the 75/35 having additional GM side connectors.
Michael

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harbir

So looking at your chart, maybe I need an Optima Red Top group 35. Will I need a bracket or will it drop straight in?

Harbir · 06-16-2009, 11:49 AM

Thank you!

I've never mail ordered a battery. Do optima red tops ship charged up? I don't have a battery charger. If they need charging prior to installation, I'll need to find a local retailer.

ChrisB · 06-16-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harbir

Thank you!

I've never mail ordered a battery. Do optima red tops ship charged up? I don't have a battery charger. If they need charging prior to installation, I'll need to find a local retailer.

I don't know where you are located, but around here, Costco carries the Optima 75/35 for around $115 IIRC.

ChrisB · 06-16-2009, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheViper

That's what I have, and it is the only one that will fit without modification, although the cover is a bit tighter. BTW the 35 and the 75/25 are virtually identical, with the 75/35 having additional GM side connectors.
Michael

Michael, the 75/25 and the 75/35 both have the side connectors (the 75 part of the nomenclature). The difference between the 25 and 35 (or the 75/25 & 75/35) are the relative positioning of the + & - posts...left/right versus right/left. I haven't checked it out, but it looks like the cables in the Elise would work with either orientation.

TheViper · 06-17-2009, 05:42 AM

Chris, that reference of mine to a 75/35 was a typo, I meant 75/25. Although the reference to a 75/35 is found in many places it does not exist in the Optima range. The 35 has top posts only, and the 75/25 has additional GM side threaded bolt connections, I have one. The polarity of the posts (connections) are reversed between the 35 and the 75/25 however both work on the Elise due to the slack in the cables.
Cheers,
Michael

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisB

Michael, the 75/25 and the 75/35 both have the side connectors (the 75 part of the nomenclature). The difference between the 25 and 35 (or the 75/25 & 75/35) are the relative positioning of the + & - posts...left/right versus right/left. I haven't checked it out, but it looks like the cables in the Elise would work with either orientation.

Harbir · 06-17-2009, 06:47 PM

Well, the lotus dealer called and said he wanted $330 for the new battery.

I said no thanks and went to costco and picked up a 75/35 for $135 including core charge and sales tax.

I'll put it in when I get the car back on Friday, but I gotta admit it looks huge and I am skeptical that it will fit in the OE space, though I will find out in a couple of days.

TheViper · 06-17-2009, 06:56 PM

I have one and it fits, although the cover is tighter. One recommendation is to install industrial velcro underneath.
Michael

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harbir

Well, the lotus dealer called and said he wanted $330 for the new battery.

I said no thanks and went to costco and picked up a 75/35 for $135 including core charge and sales tax.

I'll put it in when I get the car back on Friday, but I gotta admit it looks huge and I am skeptical that it will fit in the OE space, though I will find out in a couple of days.

BatmobileS240 · 06-17-2009, 06:58 PM

How are you guys securing your Optima 75/25 or 35?

06-16-2009, 07:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
Harbir Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 180	Battery options Hey guys, the original battery on my Lotus is on the blink so I need a new battery. The service writer at the local lotus dealer said she'd call me back with a price, but off the top of her head, she expected it was about $360. I think thats crap. So I called the dealer in Virginia (euroclassics), and talked to the Cory in parts who has always been very helpful to me and he said the battery was 96 bucks. He couldn't ship it but he said if I find anybody who carries Interstate batteries, I should ask for "26R50". Except the Interstate website doesn't carry any battery by that name. So, presuming i don't want a braille and would like an OE or OE substitute, what are my options. Maybe the Braille with the quick disconnect switch is the way to go. I don't drive the car very often and if the braille can hold its charge for many weeks at a time if disconnected (and not connected to a trickle charger), that might be worth it.

06-16-2009, 07:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
RichS No, it's only an N/A Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,285	You should just get the Volkphreaks... It's only money and their customer service is excellent! __________________ Useful links to vendors removed at Nadeem's request. "Nice avatar by the way, I doubt Colin Chapman would have followed the herd as I have seen many here do. --Nadeem"

06-16-2009, 07:53 AM	#3 (permalink)
fpitas User, Registered Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 1,826	Battery Choices & Information There are lots of choices depending on weight etc. I have the Odyssey PC925. It has been abused by being discharged flat a couple times by accident, but still holds a good charge. __________________ Francis 2006 Chrome Orange Elise: LSD/TC, Nitron SAs with 425/650 springs, BWR 7/8" Front Bar, Eliseparts bumpsteer kit, VF Stage 2, 2bular Header + Sport Cat + 8x24 GT3 Muffler, ECU Tune by Jermaine, Smaay's fuel rail, ACT XT clutch, Saikou Michi dual catch can, Moroso pan, Manly's mount inserts & FF Engine Damper 2000 Black Integra Type R: - 213,000 miles & needs rebuilding...

06-16-2009, 07:54 AM	#4 (permalink)
RichS No, it's only an N/A Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,285	Also, depending on the date of the battery, Interstate may replace it (or at least give you a credit). I've had a number of the batteries replaced either for free (go to one of their Platinum Dealers if you can, look them up on the web site) or for a reduced cost. __________________ Useful links to vendors removed at Nadeem's request. "Nice avatar by the way, I doubt Colin Chapman would have followed the herd as I have seen many here do. --Nadeem"

06-16-2009, 07:57 AM	#5 (permalink)
RichS No, it's only an N/A Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,285	Hell, even Charlie over at Lotus of Austin (when he was running the service department) just called Interstate on the phone and got them to replace one of my batteries. (I went through a few batteries because one of the service guys at a Lotus dealership managed to connect the battery ground to the transmission... with a rubber gasket between them. Took a LONG time to figure out what was going wrong.) __________________ Useful links to vendors removed at Nadeem's request. "Nice avatar by the way, I doubt Colin Chapman would have followed the herd as I have seen many here do. --Nadeem"

06-16-2009, 10:20 AM	#9 (permalink)
Harbir Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 180	I don't have the option of a battery minder. THe garage I park in has no electrical outlets I can use. So I need a battery that I can either easily disconnect, or one that will hold charge for a few weeks at a time.

06-16-2009, 11:16 AM	#12 (permalink)
Harbir Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 180	So looking at your chart, maybe I need an Optima Red Top group 35. Will I need a bracket or will it drop straight in?

06-16-2009, 11:49 AM	#14 (permalink)
Harbir Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 180	Thank you! I've never mail ordered a battery. Do optima red tops ship charged up? I don't have a battery charger. If they need charging prior to installation, I'll need to find a local retailer.

06-17-2009, 06:47 PM	#18 (permalink)
Harbir Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 180	Well, the lotus dealer called and said he wanted $330 for the new battery. I said no thanks and went to costco and picked up a 75/35 for $135 including core charge and sales tax. I'll put it in when I get the car back on Friday, but I gotta admit it looks huge and I am skeptical that it will fit in the OE space, though I will find out in a couple of days.

06-17-2009, 06:58 PM	#20 (permalink)
BatmobileS240 Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 553	How are you guys securing your Optima 75/25 or 35?

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