Looking for new battery

[jhagan1980]

What brand would you recommend. Don't want to spend over $200. I heard optimas take a special charger and don't fit very well in my year of car. Its a 95 cobra.

[Trojan Horse]

Originally Posted by jhagan1980

What brand would you recommend. Don't want to spend over $200. I heard optimas take a special charger and don't fit very well in my year of car. Its a 95 cobra.

I'd recommend the Optima.
I never heard about them needing a special charger, I always use a regular battery charger on mine.
You should be able to get one that pretty much matches the footprint of your normal battery.
They may not "fit well" because of how the battery is fastened into your car, so you may have to adapt one to fit.


If your car is not listed on the Optima battery website, just use the "Group" number to find the one you need. Mine is a group 34.


Other than an Optima, I prefer Interstate batteries.
I have one in a tractor that is over 10 years old now and it still works perfectly.

[Trojan Horse]

Charging information:

Originally Posted by Optima

OPTIMA RedTop Charging Information
The following charging methods are recommended to insure a long battery life - always use a voltage-regulated charger, with voltage limits set as described below.


RedTop Type: 34 & 34R - 34/78 - 78 - 25 & 35 - 75/25
These batteries are designed for engine starting applications. They are NOT recommended or warranted for use in deep cycle applications.


Recommended charging information:
Alternator:
13.3 to 15.0 volts, no amperage limit.


Battery Charger:
13.8 to 15.0 volts, 10 amps maximum, 6-12 hours approximate.


Rapid Recharge:
Maximum voltage 15.6 volts (regulated), no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). Charge until current drops below 1 amp.


Float Charge:
13.2 to 13.8 volts, 1 amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).


All limits must be strictly adhered to.
Safety Information:
Always wear safety glasses when working with batteries.
Always use a voltage regulated battery charger with limits set to the above ratings. Overcharging can cause the safety valves to open and battery gasses to escape, resulting in premature failure. These gasses are flammable! You cannot replace water in sealed batteries that have been overcharged. Any battery that becomes very hot or makes a hissing sound while recharging should be disconnected immediately.
Failure to fully charge a battery can result in poor performance and a reduction in capacity.

I don't see any special charging needs.
These instructions look to be pretty much standard for any auto battery.