Vomit

Thanks SilvaC32 for the Optima battery tip (see thread "C32 Weight Reduction" below. OEM battery tipped the scales at 63 lbs.! Optima Red Top (model 35-get the one with the poles reversed. . . most batteries have neg. on right and pos. on left. C32 is opposite). Battery specs exceed OEM (except maybe on Reserve Capacity): 910 Cranking Amps/720 Cold; 90 Reserve. Optima weighs 31 lbs. and is $94.00 at Batteries Plus with their $5.00 coupon which you can print online at their website. Optima is roughly same height and width as the OEM, but is about 3" shorter. I was just going to cut some foam to fill the void, so the battery does not slide around. Anyone with a better-engineered solution to securing the smaller Optima in the C32? Anyways, a cool way to slim your C32 down without spending big$ and without turning your baby into a rolling shell.

Mach430

Yep, good move! We've been putting Odessey Batteries in many of the cars that come through our shop for this exact reason. Saving 30lbs is like adding 3hp in acceleration.

speedybenz

Also look at the Odessey Batteries from Batterymart. I think it's $105 but is only 26lbs. I have had one in my C43 for about 1 year now and know problems. Plus it is tiny in size. I have the PC980 something.

Jeff

Mach430

PC925?

SiLvaC32

will those batteries work well if i have a big stereo system. that was the main concern for me and why i haven't changed yet.

how does everything look vomit? take a pix and share it with us! =)

Jerry

Vomit

How do you attach photos? The "attach file" option below says "maximum size 1 byte," and I got a (paraphrase) "file too large" message when I attached my photo file and tried to send the reply.

SiLvaC32

mbworld doesn't allow attachments anymore. you can probably use imagestation or other websites to host your pictures then link it on to mbworld.

Jerry

Renn 208

They'll work perfectly fine for an ICE system...although, 't would be better to forego the ice in the first place if you're really looking to reduce weight.:p

Vomit

Hey Jerry: I am not specifically familiar with the Odyssey batteries, but basically the rule in high-performance batteries is (which includes both Optima and Odyssey and probably a bunch of other brands) is: More power=more weight. Your sound system should be fine with any battery which produces the same power or more as the OEM battery. I have the Model 35 Optima, which has more cranking amps, but maybe less reserve than the OEM batter. Optima also makes the model 34, which exceeds the OEM battery in all respects and would leave room for upgrading, when you decide that two-foot diameter subs in your stereo are lame compared to the "yardsters."
As for the individual who mentioned the Odyssey battery as being a suitable C32 replacement at 26lbs.: Do you have any specs on cold cranking amps, cranking amps, and reserve capacity for the 26 lb. model cited? I suspect that the 26 lb. Odyssey battery does not match the Optima model 35 (31 lbs.) power specs, but I could be wrong (and I am sure that you will tell me if I am.)

lap

optima "YELLOW" .... ok ok 2 words:p

Prasith32

The Specs on the Odyssey PC925

Cranking Amps - 925
Cold Cranking Amps - 470
CA @32F - 590
HCA - 700
Reserve - 53 mins


Length 6 5/8 in.
Width 7 1/16 in.
Height 5 13/16 in.


Weight - 24 lbs


Can somebody post the OEM specs? I am also looking at upgrading. Will this power level work? The reserve does seem low. I plan to keep my car stock electronically. The only extra electrical drain is Escort and Laser Jammer. On occasion I do forget to turn off the interior lights but will I be ok with that reserve?

Prasith

Prasith32

can you also post the specs for the optima

height?
width?
lenght?

Vomit

The model 35 optima is roughly 7" tall, 9" long and 7" wide.

Vomit

Jerry: Lap is correct. Deep cycle batteries are better when you will be placing heavy current loads on the battery (i.e., major stereo equipment), as the deep cycles can handle repeated discharge and recharge. Optima's deep cycle batteries have yellow tops. The disadvantage of the deep cycle batteries is that they are heavier for the same capacity (roughly 10-20%) and are slightly more expensive. You would probably benefit from the deep cycle in your application. Since the cheap bass-turd who ordered my car new did not spring for any (power hungry) options, I do not have to worry about this.

SiLvaC32

I see, thanks for your explainations!

Jerry

N.M.M.

Anyone have the specks of the stock battery?

Bux

looking around on the net don't see one thats says reversed poles...can't you just set the battery the other way around?

anyone else answer this..

Vomit

Optima uses an "R" designation after the model number to indicate that the positive is on the right side. I suppose that you could turn the battery around and use a model with a non-reversed pole, as long as your cables will reach.

Mach430

Prasith,

The Odessey PC925 provides enough power for virtually any normal car. The only reason to go bigger would be if the car had SIGNIFICANT power issues.

Thanks,

Ben

rrf

OEM battery specs:

OEM A004 541 45 01
VARTA 600 044 076 (Battery says 600 048 076typo)
63lbs
13.89 L x 6.88 W x 7.48 H
100AH
450A DIN
760A EN

I like this mod idea.

Looks like a good way to mount the smaller battery is by attaching it to a tough flat plastic plate that is the same footprint as the original.

Also seems that reverse polarity issue can be overcome by rotating the battery in the box. The OEM cables probably are long enough for the models discussed.

What is lacking here is a few more real-world reviews such as Mach's saying the thing will work in your situation. Maybe try the other forums here, Std W203 and CLK for a few more user experiences with similar ICE setups etc.

lap

in my "occasionally" driven 1989 speedster which I am very happy with.

I have had it drain completely (the disadvantage of having a mechnical clock) but it was re-charged & has been holding up well.

One supposed advantage of these "marine" type batteries is that they do not accumulate "memory" from constant discharge/recharge. This may not seem so important on a daily driver, but it can mean a cost savings to those who "occasionally" drive their c32.