Best battery replacement for an NB

[cometboy]

What's considered the best option theses days for a replacement battery for my 2002 NB?

Have two on the short list so far:

1 - Federal 8AMU1R AGM Mazda MX5 Special Fit (Non-vent) - $250 to 300

2 - HC35 MAZDA MX5 FULLRIVER AGM BATTERY SEALED HIGH PERFORMANCE HIGH CRANK HC35 - $240

Anyone views???

Cheers
Bruce

[bruce]

Hey, 'they call me Bruce'!

[cometboy]

Wow a blast from the OZ 70's!

"Bruce meet Bruce"

[Lokiel]

[ManiacLachy]

Hey, 'they call me Bruce'!

You're lowercase "bruce", he's the much more important, proper and formal "Bruce".

[Code4]

OP if you cant get an answer here try over on FB.

[bruce]

Stuff FB, all the answers are here;

viewtopic.php?f=55&t=75150

[cometboy]

Apparently the other MX5 dudes in Adelaide are putting in HC35 FULLRIVER AGM BATTERY.....

Sold here for $180 at R and J Batteries (Ridley St, Hindmarsh SA)

No problem with the dimensions and don't need to vent

Cheers

ps.... I lived in Woolloomooloo when all this "Bruce" stuff was happening! Good party material back then....

[NitroDann]

I always fit the biggest battery Repco sells, which physically fits, it's $220 and is over double the OEM CCA.

Dann

[bruce]

That's a great price for a Fullriver. I got one when I purchased my car - make sure it has the correct brass terminals. Mine died after 8 years (looking at the previous owners receipts).

[hks_kansei]

I've got whatever Century recommend in their book for an NB (NS60LS I think?)

It has provisions for vent barbs, although it doesnt actually come with the barbs (you'll need to sort your own)


It works, but it's not ideal.

issues are:
- A bit too broad to fit in the factory battery tray (easily fixed by just removing the tray)
- A bit too tall to use the factory tie down bolt (I just used a longer bolt until I can be bothered modifying the strap)
- No vents attached (however, has the ports for you to easily add the fittings) (Currently I havent bothered, but i'd got all the boot drains removed until I can trace a leak I have)


In saying all that, it is cheap, I think it's only $130 or so, and it's easily available. So an option if you dont mind the above issues.

[bruce]

I got the same from Autobarn and I asked about the venting. They gave me a barb and a bit of tubing - I plugged up the second vent.

[cometboy]

I ended up installing the HC35 FULLRIVER sealed AGM battery.

Its specs are:
Capacity (Ah) 35
CCA: 438A
Weight (Kgs) 12.10

And the old Federal 8AMU1R AGM battery it replaced had the following specs:
Capacity (Ah) 32
CCA: 320A
Weight (Kgs) 11.4

Size wise it a perfect fit with no modifications required.

Charge 10g.jpg

Charge 10f.jpg

Given the MX is not dríven daily, I’ve included below some pictures of the system(s) I use to manage its battery for best life. I use similar setups for other various vehicles.

I use small good quality outdoor rated solar panels in conjunction with BlueSolar PWM SCC010005000 charge controllers made by Victron Energy. I only use the charge controller part and not the lighting/timer feature. These are in my view a well-designed product and perfectly safe to leave connect given their Charge voltage 'float' feature. Also, the price is good at under $30.

Charge 10d.jpg

One of the small solar panels

Charge 10c.jpg

Weather proof box (I just use a quality figure 8 flex cable (UV rated) that does not interfere with the boot seal - it is stored inside this enclosure when not being used - the charge controller and solar panel switch also live in here....)

Charge 10e.JPG

One of the controllers

NOTE: If you use these controllers the only thing to remember is that a switch should be used in series with the solar panel (no drama here). Because the battery should be connected before the solar panel as the BlueSolar senses the input voltage from the battery upon connection – then the solar panel can be switched on…. Likewise, it is recommended to disconnect the solar panel before disconnecting the battery.

I use standard Anderson connectors…… as shown

[bruce]

I use similar - the cheap $30 solar panel thingo they sell at Supercheap. Supposedly does everything yours does but a lot simpler.

[KevGoat]

For the MX I just "quick connect" a CTek 0.8amp battery tender ...

On our Rodeo campervan though I've fitted solar plus DC-DC CTek that keeps both starter and house batteries charged. Works great.

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