Larger Battery
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I have often thought that the standard 37 amp hour battery fitted to baby Elans is a bit marginal on cranking power particularly if the engine is tight after a rebuild. Having done some research I think a physically larger battery with a higher amp hour rating would still fit in the available space. It would be possible to stick some 1/4" thick foam rubber sheet on the grp base area so that a slightly wider battery could be fitted. I think a battery of at least 48 AH would fit, having the same length and height as the original. Also I don't want to spend a lot of money on a hybrid battery. Has anyone done the above?
- William2
- Fourth Gear
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- Joined: 20 Jan 2013
Recently bought a new Exide Excell Type 063 (standard size for Elan). It is a 44 Ahr 440 CCA battery and is excellent for my car. Not too dear either.
Mechanical Engineer, happily retired!
'67 S3 SE FHC
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'67 S3 SE FHC
See Facebook page: W J Barry Photography
Put your money where your mouse is, click on "Support LotusElan.net" below.
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Galwaylotus - Coveted Fifth Gear
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I realize you don't want to spend a lot of money, but you now have a a car worth more than 20k. An Odyssey battery 925 is like$149. Small and gives you all the cranking you will need.
Tony Vaccaro
LOONY (Lotus Owners of New York)
http://www.lotusowners.com
Drive Fast Take Chances
ElanGTS, 93 Caterham, 05 Elise,
99 Elise190, 05 Elise, 2005 MiataSpeed Turbo
LOONY (Lotus Owners of New York)
http://www.lotusowners.com
Drive Fast Take Chances
ElanGTS, 93 Caterham, 05 Elise,
99 Elise190, 05 Elise, 2005 MiataSpeed Turbo
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tvacc - Coveted Fifth Gear
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I have spoken to the Odyssey engineers. Unless you are using a CTEK charger you are probably doing more harm than good with a conditioner. It is best to leave it fully charged, disconnected. And the colder the better. Should last for years that way.
Tony Vaccaro
LOONY (Lotus Owners of New York)
http://www.lotusowners.com
Drive Fast Take Chances
ElanGTS, 93 Caterham, 05 Elise,
99 Elise190, 05 Elise, 2005 MiataSpeed Turbo
LOONY (Lotus Owners of New York)
http://www.lotusowners.com
Drive Fast Take Chances
ElanGTS, 93 Caterham, 05 Elise,
99 Elise190, 05 Elise, 2005 MiataSpeed Turbo
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tvacc - Coveted Fifth Gear
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- Joined: 24 Dec 2003
I've been using a little Odyssey 680 with no problems. I did get a smart charger with it and occasionally top it off as the voltage from my alternator is marginal when running with the lights on. The 680 works great for me.
- webbslinger
- Second Gear
- Posts: 208
- Joined: 23 Jun 2012
Yes, the 680 will probably work fine. I have a 71 Elan and the 925 fits in there so that is what I used.
Tony Vaccaro
LOONY (Lotus Owners of New York)
http://www.lotusowners.com
Drive Fast Take Chances
ElanGTS, 93 Caterham, 05 Elise,
99 Elise190, 05 Elise, 2005 MiataSpeed Turbo
LOONY (Lotus Owners of New York)
http://www.lotusowners.com
Drive Fast Take Chances
ElanGTS, 93 Caterham, 05 Elise,
99 Elise190, 05 Elise, 2005 MiataSpeed Turbo
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tvacc - Coveted Fifth Gear
- Posts: 1161
- Joined: 24 Dec 2003
I have an Odyssey battery fitted, went straight in. Just disconnect after a good run and it holds its charge.
Magic piece of kit.
Cheers
Mark
Magic piece of kit.
Cheers
Mark
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mark030358 - Coveted Fifth Gear
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- Joined: 29 May 2004
Oops! Probably right. There was a type 063 in my car when I bought it and I didn't check to see if it was standard. It works just fine anyway.
Mechanical Engineer, happily retired!
'67 S3 SE FHC
See Facebook page: W J Barry Photography
Put your money where your mouse is, click on "Support LotusElan.net" below.
'67 S3 SE FHC
See Facebook page: W J Barry Photography
Put your money where your mouse is, click on "Support LotusElan.net" below.
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Galwaylotus - Coveted Fifth Gear
- Posts: 1348
- Joined: 01 May 2006
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