grp 27 vs grp 65 battery

[knucklehead0202]

People hate on 'em but I've been running Optima red/yellow tops for years in stuff. Red top in my old Ranger went for 5-6 years before my brother sold it so lost track of it. Ashley's TC and my TC are going on year two with yellow tops. Red top in Firebird went dead after it sat for 2 months. Have charger with boost feature, used that for 5 minutes, cranked over and holds charge still. That battery is about 4 or 5 years old now too, if not older...

This. Put a red-top in my '98 p71 probably better than 6 years ago and it's still in there. Sold it to a buddy over a year ago and the battery had been in it 5 years or so by that point. At the time they were priced similarly to "normal" batteries and the warranty was better too. Free replacement vs. that pro-rated bullshit is a no-brainer.

[sly]

The nEverstart in my 93 is from 2010. So there's that. It hasn't had any issues. I think the Duralast in my 88 is from the same time period... maybe as recent as 2012... can't remember off the top of my head. I'm using a #24 in the beater cause I had to use on of those universal battery trays and J hooks to get it strapped down. That corner of the car is all kids of sad (rust, missing bits, etc).

[Tiggie]

I have never gotten less than seven years from a battery. The Everstart in the 74 is from 04. I adopted it from my dad who got scared of the age.
I buy Motorcraft batteries when I need new ones. There is a Motorcraft distributor locally that sells everything Motorcraft at jobber prices. Basham Oil in Roanoke.

[DerekTheGreat]

Don't both of you guys live in warmer climates? That's the real thing, at least as far as my limited experience is concerned. Seems batteries are just fine in things that don't have a parasite somewhere and that are started & driven around say once a week. When temps go below freezing and stay there for awhile is when you've got a test on your hands.

[sly]

yup. we typically have to deal with summer killing the batteries instead of winter. Boil-off is real and it really screws up metal when it does. I'm guessing that's what happened to the beater before it got to me. Looks like massive corrosion where the inner fender meets the rad support. It's not pretty in that spot, but it's still holding together... so meh.

[knucklehead0202]

yup. we typically have to deal with summer killing the batteries instead of winter. Boil-off is real and it really screws up metal when it does. I'm guessing that's what happened to the beater before it got to me. Looks like massive corrosion where the inner fender meets the rad support. It's not pretty in that spot, but it's still holding together... so meh.

Yes, that. Also constantly have to maintain water levels. Also noteworthy with my optima, was that it didn't shitty up the terminals like "normal" batteries have always done to me in Fords.

[DerekTheGreat]

Not that I'm an expert, but I'd wager an optima isn't going to have those problems compared to a regulo flooded battery. Whats been your experience with you optima, Mr. Khead?

[turbo2256b]

No matter which series battery the big thing is its weight say a 65 series that is lighter than another 65 series. The lighter version of a series the lead is more porous making it lighter than the same series without the porous lead which is much heaver and a longer lasting battery.

I use a battery tender trickle charger while stored originally purchased for my motorcycle and would switch it between my boat , motorcycle , and other stored batteries.

[OilBurner]

did anybody figure out if a group 31 will fit in a box panther? i could just borrow one from either my solar panel setup in the house or my truck but id prefer to not have to disassemble something else just to test fit a battery in the TC..

[Kodachrome Wolf]

did anybody figure out if a group 31 will fit in a box panther? i could just borrow one from either my solar panel setup in the house or my truck but id prefer to not have to disassemble something else just to test fit a battery in the TC..

I could check the dimensions of one while I'm at work.

I know Group 65 batteries fit just fine in Boxes, but the OE size according to my parts database is a Group 56 battery, but the Group 26 battery could be used as a substitute.

[over2tonsofFun]

Wal Mart batteries get you 3 years. I just finally broke the free replacement period on mine, and this is probably battery #4 or 5 since that original purchase. Its 3.5 years old and it doesn't seem to want to hold a charge anymore. The good batteries from Advance or Autozone have gotten me 5 or more the last few I've used.

Walmart batteries and the auto parts stores batteries are made by the same company. No difference, There are only 2-3 battery manufacturers in the country as it is. I have seen batteries last 2 weeks to 10+ years. I had a walmart battery last through 4 vehicles. The Wally batery in my 71 wagon has been frozen a couple times, all I do is bring it in thaw it first then charge it. No problems, Never charge or jump start a frozen battery it will destroy it internally.
When I get a battery I get the highest cold cranking amps I can get while still fitting in the vehicle. A 27 and a 31 group size is too long for a panther plus the height may cause problems. Of course any battery can be made to fit. A 27 is mostly used on Dodge trucks has been for years. and a 31 is an industrial battery. When the time comes I need a battery. I am going to put in a Orielly super start platinum AGM. Identical to the Optima just doesn't have the 6 pack case design. plus cheaper as you are not paying for the name.

Tim

[Kodachrome Wolf]

Here's my findings based on measurements available from work.

[RobertB]

I am going to put in a Orielly super start platinum AGM.

I use Sears Platinum AGM's in my 90 Crown Vic, 88 Colony Park, and 72 Ranchero. They have a long life. (Sears now carry the Gold AGM's which have replaced the Platinum AGM's.)

[Salty Dog]

Just picked up a Duralast Gold - 5 yr warranty $130