What is the largest battery from Costco that will fit in the carrier of my 86 spyder? Best cranking and reserve power? OI have had 2 Interstate, and am not happy with them. a 5 year warante gives me only about 2 years..even with a Battery Tender. Any ideas? Thx, Don:cursing:
I don't think a larger battery is going to help. Either the Interstate batteries have been defective or there is a problem with your charging system or there is a battery drain that is killing your batteries. I'd suggest you rule out the latter two issues before getting another battery.
Florida heat isn't good for batteries, but that does seem pretty bad. Like Eric said, I don't think a bigger battery is going to make much of a difference so maybe time to do some troubleshooting.
Is your battery tender a modern electronic one? Make sure you have a electronic smart charger that shuts off when the battery is full. A discharged battery isn't good, but the old style trickle chargers can overcharge a battery which isn't good for battery life either.
I get four to five years on a 34/78 series. I do keep my car in a garage and run it at less once a month. I replaced the alternator once and replaced the wire from alternator to junction box. Also added an extra ground to motor.
I added a larger wire from alternator to junction box, cleaned all ground locations, and unfortunately had to remove the lights under the hood, interior of car, and cig lighter cause I couldnt find the drain. All is well, no more draining. going on 4 years with cheap battery from autozone
The stock battery size for a 1986 Spider is a Group Number 34, which is specified to have maximum dimensions of 10-1/4" long, 6-13/16" wide, and 7-7/8" high, cold cranking performance amps anywhere between 375 and 800, and a reserve capacity of 100-115 minutes @80 degrees F.
I suggest you buy a Group 34 battery with the highest CCA rating and best warranty that you can afford.
Since I purchased my car (in 2013), I have had to replace my battery once, the internal voltage regulator in the alternator once, and troubleshoot numerous battery drains (which were determined to be mis-toggled courtesy light switches, missing courtesy light pushbutton bumper in door jamb, sun visor vanity mirror switched on, and audio system power switch settings). I now trust that my car will start every time, even if I haven't run it in 2 or 3 weeks. I do however, disconnect the battery and use a "battery minder" in the winter months.
When I replaced my battery a year ago I got a Sears Die Hard Gold (with 795 CCA and a 3 year warranty) for a little over $100.
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