What battery do you guys recommend? I live in socal so cold weather is not a problem. I am also not running a huge audio system that needs tons of power...Thanks!

 

i'm running the Deka ETX20L ( deka: is the maker of braille batteries )

Deka ETX20L = braille B2015

deka: $75 shipped
braille: $165 shipped

Very small battery with a lot of juice. I'm running alpine head unit, kappa perfect speaker x 4 + amp with no problems.

 

this is not a dry cell is it?

 

I have been very happy with my Optima

 

Not technically, but it behaves like one.

Eastern Penn uses AGM (absorbed glass mat) Google it.

Deka = Braille, but warranty length is not the same, but @ half the price I bought one, no brainer , got the ETX16, plenty of juice.

tested
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2353060&page=1

a good place to buy them from - cheap & fast delivery
http://www.tristatebattery.com/index...Path=36_96_235

Better to get the 16 or 18, better capacity and just 4 lbs heavier than the ultralight units. Take a dump and drain the lizzard, that should get you 4 lbs off.

One thing to keep in mind with these batts, including the Optimas and Odysseys is that you need a charger that is capable of supplying 14.5V or more to avoid premature death, research "sulfation" for deep-cycle batts.

I learned about it when my Odyssey died after using a standard charger. Luckily I got it warrantied by Odyssey new batt- no charge (un-pun unintended) I immediately bought a CTEK batt charger - pricey ~ $120 but keeps the PC925 in my Subaru and the ETX16 in the S2000 nicely charged and in top shape.
http://www.amazon.com/CTEK-US7000-Lead-Aci...r/dp/B000FRLO9Y

 

lol, thanks man!

 

No Prob - I added more info - see above

 

are u using this battery as well?

ha ha, i guess u are....does it need to be vented or anything since im planning to put it in the trunk. I'm assuming since its non-spillable i can also mount it on sideways right?

 

Yep- I got the ETX16
it can be mounted any which way you want

More info :
Regarding an ETX18 cranking power:

It should crank engine very well -this is my assessment based on my use of a ETX16, a smaller batt.
As long as you run good wire
You want to use 0-gauge wire and good ground to a couple of locations one to chassis and another 0-gauge wire to engine grounding point

the ETX18 shows at 330CCA @ 0*F
the ETX16 275CCA

my ETX16 cranks the engine just like a regular batt.

I have an Odyssey PC925 on my Subaru and it's rated @ 380 @ 32*F. It's mounted in the trunk.. cranks 2.5L engine with no problem

You just want to make sure your wiring is good
I would recommend 0gauge wire direct to starter- same location that the wire from the stock batt goes to the starter- just follow that wire.

Also the ETX16 is pretty small, you can mount it @ 90 degree rotation from stock orientation, right up against the firewall. You just take out the batt tray and make a couple of flanges from L-shape aluminum angles. Works very well. I'll try and take pics and post them here or maybe on one of my threads.

You can use Odyssey batt posts, also available @ Tristate or Summit.

video of engine crank/start
http://subaru-wrx-sti.com/web/S2000/Deka_Batt_Crank.wmv

here's some pics for comparison
stock batt + batt tray weight

Deka ETX16 weight, save 10 lbs!




I'm posting this on the thread for everyone's benefit.
hope that helps

 

anybody know of a maintenance free battery under 150 and better/lighter than oem? thanks