Battery for R33 GTST

[mikel]

My R33GTST has an alarm system, so there's always some residual current draw even with the car off - my car doesn't get driven much, so it lives on a battery charger getting trickle charged most of the time unless I know I'm driving it again the next day.

Sometimes it won't get driven for months, so the battery charger is a necessity!

I never seem to get more than 3-4 years from a battery - I just put my 4th battery in today across 12 years of ownership of my R33.

On a search here on SAU I found an (old) thread recommending the NS40ZLS, and the same recommendation on the Century Battery website for an R33.

The Century NS40ZLS has a Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) of 330, the Repco NS40ZLS has a CCA of 270 (Extra Heavy Duty) - IMHO neither has a high enough CCA for reliable starting, especially for an R33 which has the battery in the boot - don't get me wrong - I love the fact that the R33 has its battery in the boot from factory - but you will get some some additional voltage drop between the battery and the starter motor with a boot mounted battery.

I'm not bagging out Century or Repco - but I recall the the first battery I used for a replacement back in 2007 was an Odyssey with over 400 CCA.

Fast forward several batteries, and discovering my current battery dead this morning (installed in 2015 so it did OK) I went looking for a new battery.

After the usual web search and a few phone calls, I ordered an NS60 Powercrank with 465 CCA through one of the Brisbane mobile guys.

Did a re-measure and determined the length on the earth cable was too short for the height of the NS60 battery form factor...I remember similar issues back in the 2007 Odyssey install and moving the bracket up on the chassis (so 1 bolt not 2), but moved back on later batteries that were shorter... I never got around to getting a longer cable made ☹️

The mobile battery guy suggested a lower form factor (DIN55), which also had higher CCA (555 amps) and it fit nicely - it cost me an extra $20 for the extra CCA - and got the Skyline back on the road in the same day (today), as opposed to getting a longer cable made by an auto elec sometime next week - although I really should just go and get a slightly longer cable made.

The battery is a Platinum DIN55CMF with a 3 year warranty - I'll see how it goes.

Mike

[Ben C34]

They don't make en like they used to

[Rusty Nuts]

1 hour ago, Ben C34 said:

They don't make en like they used to

You are not kidding brother, my mate has a taxi, he changes the battery every two years, compared to 20 years ago ALL LA batteries are shit, full of recycled lead.

[Rusty Nuts]

1 hour ago, mikel said:

DIN55CMF with a 3 year warranty

Pro rata warranty which is also shit.

[tridentt150v]

I have the Odyessy PC925LMJT in mine [boot mount std].  I have it hooked up to a Braille remote control that isolates the battery for all except the alarm - so I have to reset the clock and climate control when I use the car.  The alarm has its own power source.

I also wired in a small 2 pin plug above the number plate.  I use this to plug in a solar panel lead when the Skyline is not being used.  The solar panel is mounted on the carport roof and runs through a Sunergy PR1210L solar regulator.  My battery is over 4 years old and still going strong.  I think this is not so important in the summer cos warmer temperatures help with the chemical reaction.  But in the winter it is essential.

BTW, I fabbed up my own battery holder and brackets for this.  I also had to change my live lead and the lead from the Braille switch [one in, one out] to the harness etc.

[mikel]

On 2/2/2019 at 6:32 PM, mikel said:

Platinum DIN55CMF with a 3 year warranty

 

On 2/2/2019 at 7:48 PM, Rusty Nuts said:

Pro rata warranty which is also shit.

mmmm - I shoulda read the fine print - interestingly the guy that installed the battery reckons he's never had a warranty claim on the Platinum batteries...we'll see how it goes...receipt photographed and stored.

I'll be happy if it lasts 3 years - if it fails before that there will be a discussion with the installer - but I get the pro-rata thing - batteries have a "service life" and wear out. Same with tyres/oil/brake fluid/brake pads etc etc.

If a battery failed 1 day before the 3 year warranty expired I wouldn't expect the manufacturer to provide me a new battery for free.

If it fails within 6 months that's a different discussion...

cheers,

Mike

[Dose Pipe Sutututu]

Get a deep cycle Optima, they're back to normal again.

There was a period a few years ago, when they were made in Mexico they were horrible and swelled OR died within a year.

[Rusty Nuts]

10 hours ago, mikel said:

the guy that installed the battery reckons he's never had a warranty claim on the Platinum batteries...

This statement reminds me of......" I promise I will pull out before I come"

The guy who installed the battery likes his job and his wage, he's not on your side buddy.

[mikel]

11 hours ago, Dose Pipe Sutututu said:

Get a deep cycle Optima, they're back to normal again.

next one - hopefully in 3 years

10 hours ago, Rusty Nuts said:

The guy who installed the battery likes his job and his wage, he's not on your side buddy.

He was self employed and chooses to sell that brand of battery because he regards them as reliable so he doesn't get issues...

...I get what you're saying - but I don't expect him to be "on my side" - he provided a good service, and Australian Consumer Law is "on my side" if it fails < 3 years

cheers

Mke