Light Weight Batteries
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 595
Likes: 90
From: Mid Atlantic
I have replaced the OEM battery with a Deka for Harley Davidson in the engine bay (-10kg).
No problems with engine bay temps or cranking (I don't live in Texas, NA engine with OEM runners).
The only thing to avoid is the battery fully discharge (i.e. in winter time) by using a battery charger/maintainer (like any gel battery) : if not you are ready for a battery replacement.
My car is not a daily driving one.
Presently there is not AC, nor alarm system but this modification has been made when the car were not that "extreme".
MTBF 2y without charger-mainainer, 3+(since the last replacement is the same) with.
This mod is not intended for cars exposed to cold winter temps for long times (i.e. parking the car outside at -10°C for hours).
Best regards
No problems with engine bay temps or cranking (I don't live in Texas, NA engine with OEM runners).
The only thing to avoid is the battery fully discharge (i.e. in winter time) by using a battery charger/maintainer (like any gel battery) : if not you are ready for a battery replacement.
My car is not a daily driving one.
Presently there is not AC, nor alarm system but this modification has been made when the car were not that "extreme".
MTBF 2y without charger-mainainer, 3+(since the last replacement is the same) with.
This mod is not intended for cars exposed to cold winter temps for long times (i.e. parking the car outside at -10°C for hours).
Best regards
What am I doing here?
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,606
Likes: 652
From: 2017 Miata RF Launch Edition
I'm using a 480 CCA version of this LiFePO4 battery from Bioenno Power (~4.4 lbs) mounted in my trunk. It works perfectly above 45-ish°F but struggles below that temp. Honestly, I think they may have mixed up "CA" with "CCA". I swap it for a cheap lead-acid battery in the winter and bring the LiFePO4 in the house (never charge a lithium battery below 32°F).
If you go with them, I'd recommend one of their 625 CCA or greater batteries. I think Mr. Pockets has their 1250 CCA battery and loves it.
If you go with them, I'd recommend one of their 625 CCA or greater batteries. I think Mr. Pockets has their 1250 CCA battery and loves it.
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 673
Likes: 33
From: Here
need to remember this when its time for my next battery
Last edited by Nadrealista; Apr 2, 2019 at 02:14 PM.
Downside with the U1R is it's still a flooded-cell battery. It can leak battery acid on the track and wreak havoc on the metal around the tray. Not as big a deal on the '8 as it was on the FD or SA22C, but I'd rather not have to think about it.
USA-made Deka ETX-30L AGM can be had for $95 delivered. It will easily last 7-8 years with proper use of a maintainer. Not as light as a U1R (+5 lb), but lasts longer, full starting power, and I never have to think about it.
I do use a U1R in my Honda Insight. Literally $20 at Wallyworld versus $120 for even the cheapest "correct" battery.
$95 Deka link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Deka-ETX30L...nd!21224!US!-1
USA-made Deka ETX-30L AGM can be had for $95 delivered. It will easily last 7-8 years with proper use of a maintainer. Not as light as a U1R (+5 lb), but lasts longer, full starting power, and I never have to think about it.
I do use a U1R in my Honda Insight. Literally $20 at Wallyworld versus $120 for even the cheapest "correct" battery.
$95 Deka link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Deka-ETX30L...nd!21224!US!-1
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Joined: May 2019
Posts: 356
Likes: 48
From: Taiwan& USA
This show up along with my other part from japan at first I thought is Pc680
I Never like PC680 used many of it back in the day , just barely enought to use on production track car.........
But this look like a Jdm version of PC680
Call LB680 with higher CCA too !!!!
Since is free I decide give it a try on recondion it
After recondion with. Normal slow charge it 8hr for 3 days then charge again use AGM charger , discharge it with junk fuel pump at shop pumping ATF at bckcket to 11.5V. Charge back with digital high volt and variable amp cgarger , with CA 405amp
look like I might try it on my 8 to test it
I will relocate it to firewall to.avoid heat
Japanese link
http://www.projection.co.jp/od02.html
I Never like PC680 used many of it back in the day , just barely enought to use on production track car.........
But this look like a Jdm version of PC680
Call LB680 with higher CCA too !!!!
Since is free I decide give it a try on recondion it
After recondion with. Normal slow charge it 8hr for 3 days then charge again use AGM charger , discharge it with junk fuel pump at shop pumping ATF at bckcket to 11.5V. Charge back with digital high volt and variable amp cgarger , with CA 405amp
look like I might try it on my 8 to test it
I will relocate it to firewall to.avoid heat
Japanese link
http://www.projection.co.jp/od02.html
Last edited by Diyman25; Jun 18, 2019 at 08:43 AM.
Better you than me, one of my least favorite batteries. I paid 10x more for a 9 pound battery with 1000CCA and never had to think about it again; still going strong 8 or 9 years later and has an internal auto shutoff to avoid drainage. Some things are worth the hassle-free factor.
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 115
Likes: 24
From: Los Angeles
I never could get one to last more than a year at best with the engine bay heat because they’re only rated for 140*F max without a metal jacket and 176*F max with one; Braille, Odyssey, etc all have that general limit. Mounting it on the firewall is no help when everything in the engine bay heat soaking well over 200*F. Even back in the trunk I still had issues with them being weak, especially on a cold morning. That was 10+ years ago so maybe they’re better now. I’d still recommend the 925 over the 680 for general rotary engine use. Quickest way to flood a rotary is slow startup from dead cold. Maybe not so much of an issue in SoCal.
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Last edited by TeamRX8; Jun 18, 2019 at 05:33 PM.
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Joined: May 2019
Posts: 356
Likes: 48
From: Taiwan& USA
Originally Posted by TeamRX8
I never could get one to last more than a year at best with the engine bay heat because they’re only rated for 140*F max without a metal jacket and 176*F max with one; Braille, Odyssey, etc all have that general limit. Mounting it on the firewall is no help when everything in the engine bay heat soaking well over 200*F. Even back in the trunk I still had issues with them being weak, especially on a cold morning. That was 10+ years ago so maybe they’re better now. I’d still recommend the 925 over the 680 for general rotary engine use. Quickest way to flood a rotary is slow startup from dead cold. Maybe not so much of an issue in SoCal.
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Back to odyssey, plus sides on mounting firewall
Can reduce length of battery cable, this will be plus on some thing like 680, infact 90% of battery relocation kit sell in Japan mount it on firewall, but I think with RHD side set up , mounting on right side of firewall is pretty far from heat source
Unlike LHD, I think I will build heat shield under it
Water Foul
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,521
Likes: 266
From: Republic of Texas
My new track toy was delivered today. PC680 in the trunk. 6 months old. Always on a tender or unplugged. It started to put it on the trailer; would not start to take it off the trailer. The owner said he was replacing it at least yearly, but he was puzzled, because they usually swell before they fail. :o
If the post orientation is correct, I'll probably just replace it with a Miata AGM battery and call it good.
If the post orientation is correct, I'll probably just replace it with a Miata AGM battery and call it good.
Deka AGM still $95 (though now they charge for delivery): https://www.ebay.com/itm/112443224168
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 81
Likes: 3
From: Lackawanna NY
Deka AGM still $95 (though now they charge for delivery): https://www.ebay.com/itm/112443224168
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 17
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I’ve run the same Ballistic 16 cell for many years. Doesn’t need an enclosure mounted in the interior since it’s dry cell, weight 3.5 lb, never once needed to be on a charger, starts the LS1 at any reasonable temp I’ve tried (freezing and above), and even survived the roll-over when the battery mount (the passenger frame rail) was ripped out of the car (yes it was as scary as that sounds) and the battery ended up hanging by the cables. Couple hundred bucks and couldn’t have asked more from the battery.
Cameron
Cameron
For some reason I was thinking otherwise; probably because of the temp rating, but thanks for pointing out my foot is in my mouth ...
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 673
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From: Here
my 8 is mainly track toy so I just need it to start spring to fall and to/on/from the track.
From what is listed here I have these options:
- STZ14S $40 230 CCA 11.2AH and 7.62lbs
- Deka ETX20L $95 310 CCA 18AH and 14.3lbs
- Odyssey PC680 $110 170 CCA 16AH and 15.4lbs
- DieHard UR1 $55 340 CCA 30AH and 18.2lbs
- Deka ETX-30L $105 400 CCA 26AH and 23lbs
- Diehard stock size $169 640 CCA and 39lbs
I think I will give STZ14S a try, not much to loose if it does not work out. Deka seems like a decent plan B.
https://www.batterysharks.com/Produc...0%2DK&CartID=1
From what is listed here I have these options:
- STZ14S $40 230 CCA 11.2AH and 7.62lbs
- Deka ETX20L $95 310 CCA 18AH and 14.3lbs
- Odyssey PC680 $110 170 CCA 16AH and 15.4lbs
- DieHard UR1 $55 340 CCA 30AH and 18.2lbs
- Deka ETX-30L $105 400 CCA 26AH and 23lbs
- Diehard stock size $169 640 CCA and 39lbs
I think I will give STZ14S a try, not much to loose if it does not work out. Deka seems like a decent plan B.
https://www.batterysharks.com/Produc...0%2DK&CartID=1
Last edited by Nadrealista; Feb 5, 2021 at 08:43 AM.
Just to chime in, I am using the Deka ETX30L relocated to my trunk. I daily my car and have it turbocharged (quite a few extra electronics wired in to support the system) and so I needed a dependable battery but one that didn't break the bank. Starts just fine even in below freezing temps (still above 0 F mind you). Added a resettable fuse 6 inches off the positive terminal in the trunk so I can easily disconnect the battery if the car is going to sit for several day while I am out of town or something. I'm quite happy with it overall
I'm using a Deka ETX20L in the stock location. Works well. It needs to be charged approx once per week if left connected to maintain it. Seems to last me about 2-3 years. More if maintained well, or less if it is repeatedly run flat.