How do you install the battery strap?

[David T]

What AGM manufacture and model did you choose? I also have an old Interstate battery that's still working at 7 years but thinking about AGM.
Ron

The alternator is not designed for AGM type batteries. The charging profile is not proper and will kill an AGM battery prematurely. If you consider the added expense of an AGM there are no benefits to using one. A good, nationally branded lead-acid battery will easily last 5-7 years depending on how you take care of it. Interstate is a good brand. Never let a battery go completely dead. Never let it freeze. Keep it charged when not in use. Use a Battery Tender (or other smart trickle charger) for 1 day a month if you aren't actively using the car.

[DMC-81]

What AGM manufacture and model did you choose? I also have an old Interstate battery that's still working at 7 years but thinking about AGM.
Ron

I chose Champion AGM Battery, Group Size 78

Champion_AGM_78-740CHAGM_3-4_Right.jpg

[DMC-81]

The alternator is not designed for AGM type batteries. The charging profile is not proper and will kill an AGM battery prematurely. If you consider the added expense of an AGM there are no benefits to using one.

The research I did disagrees with this statement. An AGM battery is a drop in replacement for a non-AGM battery. However, you can't use a non-AGM battery in a car designed for an AGM battery.

[David T]

The research I did disagrees with this statement. An AGM battery is a drop in replacement for a non-AGM battery. However, you can't use a non-AGM battery in a car designed for an AGM battery.

Based on anecdotal stories and personal experience, the AGM type batteries like Optima do not seem to last. Not just in Deloreans either. They are not worth the additional expense. It is like the iridium or platinum spark plugs. For the premium cost they provide no benefits and in most cases fail prematurely. Same goes for the "better" ignition coils, K & N filters, and DOT 5 silicone brake fluid. Trying to put the latest technology into an old car doesn't always work. Don't let me discourage you but this is my experience.

[DMC-81]

Based on anecdotal stories and personal experience, the AGM type batteries like Optima do not seem to last. Not just in Deloreans either. They are not worth the additional expense. It is like the iridium or platinum spark plugs. For the premium cost they provide no benefits and in most cases fail prematurely. Same goes for the "better" ignition coils, K & N filters, and DOT 5 silicone brake fluid. Trying to put the latest technology into an old car doesn't always work. Don't let me discourage you but this is my experience.

David, this Champion battery was the same price as for example, a Gold, Die Hard flooded lead acid battery. Better Cranking Amps, and same 4 year warranty. It is made by Clarios, who also make Optima. Yes, there were batteries sold at a lower quality and price tier.

For me; here was a key advantage of AGM:
"AGM batteries are maintenance-free and can be placed in more enclosed areas as there?s no off-gassing except for the occasional venting. It?s required for use in vehicles with batteries in trunks and under seats or in locations where maintenance can be hard to do."

Source: https://batteryworldonline.com/pages...s-what-to-know

Regardless, a battery is a wear item. They all have to be replaced. In Florida, it is 4 to 5 years.

As for K&N air filters, I have them in all my cars. The fact that you only have to buy one is a key advantage when you keep your cars for a long time. Maintenance at 50K miles is a breeze. They work for me.

Back on topic, I was relieved to figure out the DeLorean battery strap again.

[todd1561]

That old broken link to the dmcnews.com site about the battery strap routing was an excerpt from my own site from ages ago. Here?s an active link to the page in case it helps anyone else down the road. https://1561project.com/?page=batt-strap