New battery

[drdelorean]

So I need a new battery for my D as my old one is shot...

I've been googling for a while, but it feels like I'm sailing in really uncharted waters for my inexperienced eyes..

So can someone simplify what I need to look at in regards to type, size brand, recommendations etc.

Any help would be highly appreciated :)

[hmcelraft]

This is the battery I have used for nearly 10 years (2yrs on #2). The reason I like it is----- 1. newer technology against vibrations, etc. 2. The main reason - NO FUMES are emitted from the battery into the car. Sure keeps the fuses and connections cleaner. It is not an exact fit but it ties down very well. I've had no issues.

I have never really had to keep it charged or trickled. I do drive it some in the winter when the roads are fairly clear but I use a marine 1000 amp on-off switch to keep the battery disconnected when the car is not in use. Seems to work.

[URL="http://www.optimabatteries.com/en-us/shop/redtop/optima-batteries-8004-003-34-78-redtop-starting-battery/"]

[DMCMW Dave]

Interstate MT78 Side Terminal. Any good quality Size 78 Side Terminal. Avoid dual terminal as they are tall at the back of the compartment.

Optima gets varied reviews, biggest problem I've seen is that they are stale on the shelf. I found one a the local Pep Boys that was two years old and dead. Doesn't say much for their popularity.

If you want to go that route order it online.

[aotmfilms]

Interstate MT78 Side Terminal. Any good quality Size 78 Side Terminal. Avoid dual terminal as they are tall at the back of the compartment.

Optima gets varied reviews, biggest problem I've seen is that they are stale on the shelf. I found one a the local Pep Boys that was two years old and dead. Doesn't say much for their popularity.

If you want to go that route order it online.

That other battery is around $220 bucks. Why the cost if they could be stale? I just googled the battery type that you suggested and it is much more reasonable in price. $106.33 Everstart.

Here is one that I am looking at: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Everstart-Maxx-78N-Automotive-Battery/16782712.

I would like to have a 2nd battery.

Not to change the subject, I may be ringing you up in the next couple of months for a rear refurbished tire rim so I can have a rear spare tire. Have the front one 14" obviously but if one of the rears goes out 15" I'd like to have a spare that I can call up a friend and bring out.

--Doug

[DMCMW Dave]

Not to change the subject, I may be ringing you up in the next couple of months for a rear refurbished tire rim so I can have a rear spare tire. Have the front one 14" obviously but if one of the rears goes out 15" I'd like to have a spare that I can call up a friend and bring out.

--Doug

That should be fine, I don't know who makes Wally World batteries but their warranty is probably as good as anyone's, and the stores are pretty handy.

I probably won't be the best deal on an outright buy of a rim. If you can tolerate one that's slightly bent (i.e. too bent to fix but came off a driving car) we can be pretty friendly. I have a few bet wheels I've been planning to market as end table parts, just have not had time to sort them out.

[David T]

That other battery is around $220 bucks. Why the cost if they could be stale? I just googled the battery type that you suggested and it is much more reasonable in price. $106.33 Everstart.

Here is one that I am looking at: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Everstart-Maxx-78N-Automotive-Battery/16782712.

I would like to have a 2nd battery.

Not to change the subject, I may be ringing you up in the next couple of months for a rear refurbished tire rim so I can have a rear spare tire. Have the front one 14" obviously but if one of the rears goes out 15" I'd like to have a spare that I can call up a friend and bring out.

--Doug

IMHO the Interstate batteries are perhaps slightly better quality. Probably worth a few more bucks. Don't buy a 2nd battery to put on the shelf, batteries do not store well. If you take care of it and don't over or undercharge it, keep it from freezing and remove it from the car when not in use, it can last 7 years or more. I use a trickle charger once a month for 1 day on the battery if I don't use the car. I also have a battery master switch so I can shut the car off when I don't use it. I have gotten 10 years out of a battery this way. Too many anecdotal stories of people having problems with the Optima batteries. Especially when they cost a premium.

[aotmfilms]

That should be fine, I don't know who makes Wally World batteries but their warranty is probably as good as anyone's, and the stores are pretty handy.

I probably won't be the best deal on an outright buy of a rim. If you can tolerate one that's slightly bent (i.e. too bent to fix but came off a driving car) we can be pretty friendly. I have a few bet wheels I've been planning to market as end table parts, just have not had time to sort them out.

They have them in stock at DMCH, would it be better to call them: http://store.delorean.com/c-300-6-5-0-wheels.aspx $215 isnt bad (I only need one) compared to Corvette rims but WHY couldnt JZD make them with 5 lug pattern instead of 4? or is that what they were using in Europe along with the funky K-jet fuel injection?

Not to derail the original thread OP....:question:

[drdelorean]

Thanks for all the response!

Heres a few pics of the battery that I have right now( that came with the car when I bought it last year )
I dont know, is this a good battery or should I go for something else?

[Bitsyncmaster]

Have you checked the water level? Don't know why all batteries are not sealed now a days. My Malibu has a battery box covering the battery so it never got checked and that one was very low on water.

[David T]

Thanks for all the response!

Heres a few pics of the battery that I have right now( that came with the car when I bought it last year )
I dont know, is this a good battery or should I go for something else?

I would pull it out and wash it off. There should be a code on it that would indicate the date of manufacture. You can also take it to an auto store, most will test for free. Even if it tests good, if it is near 7 years old you are on borrowed time so check it regularly.

[Rich]

In case nobody noticed already your old battery was undersized.

As Dave says you want a Group 78 side terminal battery, the OE size for this car.

The one in your pictures is a Group 75 side terminal. You can thank the PO for giving you one that's about 15% lower in capacity than a Group 78.

[DMC5180]

In case nobody noticed already your old battery was undersized.

As Dave says you want a Group 78 side terminal battery, the OE size for this car.

The one in your pictures is a Group 75 side terminal. You can thank the PO for giving you one that's about 15% lower in capacity than a Group 78.

Fwiw: the original factory battery was a Delco Freedom Battery 75 amp/hr (Group 75). It's not undersized. It's factory spec.

That said, the group 78 fits and gives you a little extra capacity which why it's recommended nowadays.

I've been running a group 75 optima (not the same one) for over 15 years. It has plenty cranking capacity to do the Job.

[drdelorean]

I would pull it out and wash it off. There should be a code on it that would indicate the date of manufacture. You can also take it to an auto store, most will test for free. Even if it tests good, if it is near 7 years old you are on borrowed time so check it regularly.


Yeah the battery says May 2008, so 7 years is spot on. I also had it checked at a radio/electrical auto specialist, I was going to install a security tracking system on my and they told me what state my battery was in.

[drdelorean]

Thanks for the info on the GROUP 75 / 78, I had no idea what size the original delco was and that I should have a 78 instead of a 75.

[Bitsyncmaster]

I also run the smaller battery. Gives you a little more room in the battery cubby but you will have to shorten the battery strap if you want it to hold it down tightly.

[David T]

I also have a -75 and it is more than enough but the next one will probably be a -78 if it is only a few dollars more. Having a bigger battery translates into more capacity and that also means it will last longer. As a battery ages it loses capacity so the more you start with the more you have over it's lifetime. Since your battery is 7 years old you should consider replacing it or at least having a portable battery pack in the car as a back-up.
Now that you know how old your battery is check the date codes on your tires. If they are over 10 years old they should be replaced too.

[DMC5180]

I also run the smaller battery. Gives you a little more room in the battery cubby but you will have to shorten the battery strap if you want it to hold it down tightly.

I believe the original factory battery had one of those adapter trays under it. It raises the battery up then The strap works better.


Dennis

[aotmfilms]

I also have a -75 and it is more than enough but the next one will probably be a -78 if it is only a few dollars more. Having a bigger battery translates into more capacity and that also means it will last longer. As a battery ages it loses capacity so the more you start with the more you have over it's lifetime. Since your battery is 7 years old you should consider replacing it or at least having a portable battery pack in the car as a back-up.
Now that you know how old your battery is check the date codes on your tires. If they are over 10 years old they should be replaced too.

I'll have to check my paperwork from the PO as well, or look in mine to see if it was a 75 or 78. Good to know. Thanks!

[drdelorean]

I also have a -75 and it is more than enough but the next one will probably be a -78 if it is only a few dollars more. Having a bigger battery translates into more capacity and that also means it will last longer. As a battery ages it loses capacity so the more you start with the more you have over it's lifetime. Since your battery is 7 years old you should consider replacing it or at least having a portable battery pack in the car as a back-up.
Now that you know how old your battery is check the date codes on your tires. If they are over 10 years old they should be replaced too.

Good advice, Im definitely replacing my battery. I got brand new tires from DMCCA, my car had the original ones still on when I bought the car, looked brand new though :P

[Timebender]

I had a 75 in mine, and for some reason it just stopped keeping a charge, and was only a year old. So I went to Costco and got a 78 size, Interstate battery for $85 bucks. Took out the old one and popped in the new one, and she starts right up.

Plus it's nice having more cranking amps with a bigger engine.

[Rich]

Maybe I spoke too soon about OE battery group/size.

Like David T says, the manuals are silent on this subject. Dave at DMCMW notes that a 78 is good.

The Millenium Concours manual also does not mention size. Diehard and Interstate sites do not show fitments for D's.

Group 78 side term will fit, as will Group 75 side term, as shown in photo.

So if you like the way a 75 fits then go for it. Nobody will peek in there.


In case nobody noticed already your old battery was undersized.

As Dave says you want a Group 78 side terminal battery, the OE size for this car.

The one in your pictures is a Group 75 side terminal. You can thank the PO for giving you one that's about 15% lower in capacity than a Group 78.

[David T]

Maybe I spoke too soon about OE battery group/size.

Like David T says, the manuals are silent on this subject. Dave at DMCMW notes that a 78 is good.

The Millenium Concours manual also does not mention size. Diehard and Interstate sites do not show fitments for D's.

Group 78 side term will fit, as will Group 75 side term, as shown in photo.

So if you like the way a 75 fits then go for it. Nobody will peek in there.

Did I say that? If you go to A:01:02 it says a 12 V A C Delco Freedom II 75 AH maintenance free. That would be the -75 battery. As far as I know there was never anything under the battery except a piece of black rubber, no plastic adapter. All of the sealed batteries have vents. The gel type ones like the Optima are truly sealed but that causes it's own set of problems.

[Rich]

Sorry, no, you did not say that in this thread. Not recalling where I saw it or from whom.

So Group 75 it is. I stand corrected.


Did I say that? If you go to A:01:02 it says a 12 V A C Delco Freedom II 75 AH maintenance free. That would be the -75 battery.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Did I say that? If you go to A:01:02 it says a 12 V A C Delco Freedom II 75 AH maintenance free. That would be the -75 battery. As far as I know there was never anything under the battery except a piece of black rubber, no plastic adapter. All of the sealed batteries have vents. The gel type ones like the Optima are truly sealed but that causes it's own set of problems.

I have seen batteries where the plastic adapter locks onto the battery. So if the battery was changed the adapter would go with the old battery. So I guess Grady would be the one to know what was in the car when new.

[David T]

I have seen batteries where the plastic adapter locks onto the battery. So if the battery was changed the adapter would go with the old battery. So I guess Grady would be the one to know what was in the car when new.

I have seen some batteries where they are too small for the application so they have plastic pieces that attach to it so it will mount properly like the bigger one. I say put the biggest battery that will fit well. The -75 and the -78 are almost the same size so either will fit well. There were no plastic adapters that came with the Delorean, if they came, they came with the battery. Just throw it away.

[drdelorean]

So I got some help from my local auto electrician experts, apparently batteries for deloreans doesn't grow on trees here in Norway.
However he found me this battery, what do you guys think?

[drdelorean]

On closer inspection it seems like this battery is smaller than the one I have, so I will keep on searching..

[DMC5180]

On closer inspection it seems like this battery is smaller than the one I have, so I will keep on searching..

Yes it is. 60Ah vs 75-78Ah. Keep looking. It should not be that difficult to find one. But then again I don't live in Norway.

[drdelorean]

true that! That particular battery was in stock, thats why we looked at it, but now we have placed an order for a 78 ;)

[DMC5180]

true that! That particular battery was in stock, thats why we looked at it, but now we have placed an order for a 78 ;)

To fair, if you live in small town USA, the odds of a local auto parts place or auto dealer having the battery specified for any particular vehicle is a crap shoot at best. They only stock what has the most demand, but can usually get the one you need the next day from "the warehouse". Some places only get new stock once a week from a battery distribution route delivery.

[Bitsyncmaster]

The amp hour rating is just how much power the battery will provide when your alternator dies. So you would expect to get maybe one hour of running with 60 amp/hour (just a guess). So with a 78 amp hour battery you may get 1.25 hours.

The cold cranking amps may be important if you start the car in subzero temps.

The point I'm trying to make is if your alternator is good and you drive it enough to charge the battery, a smaller one will work just as good as the big one. Actually in all my years of driving, the cheaper batteries seem to last longer because they are not making the lead plates so thin to get higher ratings.

[DMCMW Dave]

To fair, if you live in small town USA, the odds of a local auto parts place or auto dealer having the battery .

That's why the 78 is such a nice pick - the crossover for that 78 side terminal battery is just about every Chevy pickup truck or Suburban made in the past 20 years. Which sort of defines small-town USA.

[DMC5180]

That's why the 78 is such a nice pick - the crossover for that 78 side terminal battery is just about every Chevy pickup truck or Suburban made in the past 20 years. Which sort of defines small-town USA.

Well isn't that the truth. lol.

[Morpheus]

Now that we have narrowed down the battery size issue, can we talk about battery straps?

I know that the NOS replacements are NLA, but has someone come up with a suitable replacement yet? My battery strap is pretty much done for and I'd like to secure the battery somehow so it doesn't flop around if I happen to take a tight corner or something.

Also, can someone post a picture of that small metal piece that holds the bottom of the battery cover on? My car doesn't have one, so I am going to have to add it.

Thx!

[David T]

A small bungee cord is all you need. If you search around and ask the vendors I am sure they can come up with something.

[Morpheus]

Nevermind, I found this on Josh's site:

http://www.deloreanindustries.com/11-battery-strap-kit-with-pad/

Problem solved!