Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

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?

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.

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.

I run a rally spec Odyssey and have never had a problem.

I use a conditioner on it when not in use to keep it up to scratch.

Gavin

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.

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.

Yes, the 680 will probably work fine. I have a 71 Elan and the 925 fits in there so that is what I used.

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

I thought the OEM was an 037/8 battery ?

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.