cytopath

What would happen if one decided to mount a group 51 battery which is identical to the 51R except the position of the terminals are reversed?

The Kirkland Signature (Costco) Group 51 battery is $34.49 and looks to use the same external components (case, lids for adding water) and same engraved markings on the case, as the Genuine Honda battery for the S2000, which is a 51R and sells for $74.xx at the dealer.

The Costco battery has a 3-yr full replacement (as opposed to 2-yr for the Honda) and 100 month pro-rated warranty instead of 60 months. It is also quite superior in most specs, such as cold cranking amps.

Although I've already installed the Honda battery this week, I'm wondering if it's feasible to place the Costco battery (or other Group 51) in the s2000... I figure if the cables don't reach due to the terminal reversal, one could simply place the battery the other way.

Any downsides to doing this?

Spankee

Why dont you just get the 51R that they sell? They do make it.

Kwando

51 and 51R are the same batteries the terminals are just reversed.

yetanotherbrian

The s2000 battery is pretty thin. I was able to flip a group 51 battery instead of using a 51R battery. The negative ground wires curves bit but not to much and it works like a champ.
So my Interstate Costco battery works just fine.

Car Analogy

Costco does not sell the Interstate battery that fits our cars. They used to sell a 51R, but no longer do.

Hfreak

What a thread revival, almost 13 years!

cosmomiller

The 51 is for cars south of the equator due to the Coriolis Effect. We in the northern hemisphere use the 51R due to the reversed cyclonic direction.

Dan_ML

As of August 15, 2020, Costco does have the 51R battery in stock. I needed a 51 for our 2001 Inisght and while they don't carry the 51, they did have the 51R in stock and it looks like there should be no problem mounting the battery backwards so the clamp wires will reach the correct terminals.

cosmomiller

Is the Costco you saw this, is it located in an agricultural area? I have seen some items (barrels of hydraulic fluid, huge can fans, etc) that are in Boise/Northern California/Oregon that are not in my neck of the woods on the western slope of the Sierras.

Filthy Beast

https://www.duracell-automotive.com/...f-construction

I have this one......