VMC Speedster Battery

I like my Odyssey PDC680.  To maintain it I use an Odyssey charger.

Thanks Michael.

x2 on the Odyssey PDC680

I was always an Optima Red Top fan over the years. I'm not sure if they have the same quality that they used to. The first one I had lasted for years. Then I had to buy two in half the amount of time but it could have been a fluke.

https://www.optimabatteries.com/products/redtop-34-78

Two of three Optimas replaced?  Sounds to me like the Odessey is a more reliable option.

@Robert M posted:

I was always an Optima Red Top fan over the years. I'm not sure if they have the same quality that they used to. The first one I had lasted for years. Then I had to buy two in half the amount of time but it could have been a fluke.

https://www.optimabatteries.com/products/redtop-34-78

It wasn't a fluke, Robert.  Optima's quality (and stellar reputation) went down the tubes when they moved their manufacturing facility to Mexico, some years ago.  Lots of people on the 4x4 forums report Optima's dying prematurely these days.

@Techdave- Odessy is the one if you're looking for an agm battery.  There are other companies that make agm batteries- if you go that way, check where they are made (you don't want something that was made by Optima's Mexico plant and re-branded).

PS- the thing about these batteries- for maximum life you have charge it at about ½ volt (14.7?) more than a regular battery.  This in the FJ world is accomplished by plugging in something (sorry guys, electrical stuff so isn't my thing! I'll get back to you with details) to the fuse panel to allow this to happen.

Thanks guys. Great info as usual.

Another vote for the Odyssey PC680.

One nice thing about the Odyssey is that you can mount it just about anywhere since it doesn't give off fumes, and it can even be mounted on its side.  If you mount it in the engine compartment (that's where Beck puts the battery) get the PC680-M (metal case) for heat resistance.

The first red top I put in my Alfa lasted 17 years. My son replaced with same in 2015 and it’s still going strong. I don’t know when they moved production so maybe the new one is still made in USA.

According to this article:

https://www.optimabatteries.co...eries-move-to-mexico

Optima moved production to Mexico in 2007. All production is in Monterrey, Mexico.

Technically, it's still in "The Americas", just not the USA LOL!

The Odyssey weighs 15.4 pounds, which is great. But, IMHO a Vintage Speedster could use a little front weight. I would tend to install something heavier myself IF I had a Speedster.

I've used lawn mower batteries forever in my Spyder, size U-1. They are cheap, readily available, and weigh less than 20 pounds. I always get the highest-powered one I can find, which is usually in the 350 CCA and up range. My battery is behind the engine and trans, the cables are about 2 feet long.

.

My take on batteries is about the same as Danny's, I think.

Keep it simple (and cheap).

Basically, compared to modern cars, our cars make very low demands on a battery. No computers, a bare minimum of electric or electronic gear, and relatively low current draw to turn over these tiny, low-compression engines.

If you're storing the car unused over the winter, you'll want to put a modern 'maintainer' tender (like the CTEK) on it, no matter what kind of battery you use. I'm lucky enough to be able to drive it at least every two weeks or so, so I haven't even been doing that the past few years.

I've been using a basic flooded lead acid battery from BatteriesPlus with no issues. My current one is now just five years old and starts the car like new. Still, I'll probably replace it soon, as the prudent motorist does.

Current price for a group 58 is about $185 (580 CCA). I could probably use a smaller one (this weighs 32 lbs.), but a few extra pounds over the beam is probably not a bad thing in a tail-heavy, plastic clown car.

Here's a link.

I'm probably an outlier, but I like the Odyssey PC925. Plenty of amps and it's been very reliable. I moved it to a mounting point in the nose.

I’m running an Odyssey PC 680 as well.  Love it.

Lotta' high-dollar lightweight batteries. Pretty fancy, gents.

I have the highest CCA rated lead-acid battery that fit in the holder (I want to say 710 CCA). It's overkill, but like @Sacto Mitch It's the one place on the car I'm not thinking about weight.

I had a spare lithium battery from another project and a year ago needed to replace my speedster battery. It wasn't planned, but that's what I had on hand at the time.
The cranking power has been great and I've had no issues, and no need for a trickle charger over winter. Added bonus it has a little push button on top of the battery to reserve jump start if it every discharges.

Antigravity 26 Lithium Car Battery - 20 Ah

My speedster has an Odyssey PC 925 also. It came with the car and is nice size for the front location.