Ok, it's time for one of the entrepeneurs to make the mounting kits and brackets for these lightweight batteries.

 

They say in the next few years cars will have 42 volt batterys. I'm curious how those will be.

 

Doesn't the new BMW 7 use the 42V system already?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lucid
[B]I don't really care about weight savings.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lucid
[B]I don't really care about weight savings.

 

Hi Lucid,

do you run your stereo alot with the car off? Or did the battery just slowly drain because the alternator was not putting out enough juice to continually run everything?

To go on the radical path, I had the second problem in one of my previous cars...my fix was to install a second alternator (i know sounds wild and the car did not have air, so that is where the second alternator went). I never had to replace the battery again ever since the oem one failed. I had the car for over 13 years with a big stereo 4 amps, with 2 driving subs at 2 ohm load...lots of current needed . A friend of mine who designs large scale ups systems for large computer and telecommunications centres tipped me off on this.

This may be radical but it is guaranteed to remove your power problem, if you do not run the stereo often with the ignition off. Not sure if a bracket can be made to hold the second alt. in the S as I do not have mine yet. Just though I would throw this out there for you to consider.

My 2 cents

 

hey lucid, what kinda stereo upgrade are you running. how many amps do you have? i had a similar problem in my miata, and it was do to it being under batteried. our batteries in the s are motorcycle sized batteries. not really dsigned to run aftermarket stereo upgrades. i ended up going with a westco in my miata and it solved my problem. i was running two amps in my miata but i m only planning on using 1 in my s. thats why i m curious as to what set up you are using. and of course, where you ran your power wire from and yoru signal wire. some of these leads are constant and if you tap into it, even while the car is off, it will drain power.

 

The alternator is fine. Its not even an issue of drainage or using the amps (they're disconnected). I haven't been driving the car and a lot times I jump in, lower/raise the roof, test the harnesses or have the dome lights on. So a combination of those without starting/running the car will of course run down the battery. I planned on changing it anyway so its not a big deal at all. Just wanted to see whos running what.

 

Hi All

I recently replaced the OEM with an Optima yellow top. 750CCA and more then enough reserve power to meet my needs. The stereo sounded heaps better post fitment and the car definitley turns over a lot quicker when being started. I was sceptical to begin with.

As an example you can now start the car with the headlights on and they dont dip in the slightest. My flatemate claims he can also start his car just by parking beside the stook

mike.

 

Are the optima batteries lighter?