OEM small(er) battery tray - Installed

[akyp]

While researching replacement for my OEM battery I came across this: http://panasonic.jp/car/battery/teki...a&cnm=%82W%82U

The JDM 86 came from the factory with a smaller 34B19R (thus lighter) battery, except 'cold climate' cars which get 55D23R. For whatever reason, the rest of the world get 'cold climate' cars with 55D23R (RHD) or 55D23L (LHD) batteries.

I asked around and turns out it was a very easy conversion to use the smaller size battery. Source (Japanese): http://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid/...7169/note.aspx

You need to order 3 parts (the 3 parts below the purple battery in the photo above):
SU003-02412 Battery pan
SU003-02414 Rod
SU003-02418 Holder

You also need these to convert the smaller terminals on the smaller battery to be compatible with the connectors: http://www.zoomerroo.co.uk/small-pos...is-to-sae.html

OR you could order more OEM parts to convert the car connectors to smaller ones, but you need to figure out the exact parts needed as I was not resourceful enough to do so (the diagrams confused the hell out of me ).

Result below. It was as easy as swapping in another OEM battery. Actually it's easier as the smaller battery means the Radium catch can I have no longer gets in the way.


Compared to the OEM battery, this saves anywhere from 2.5kg / 5.5lb to 6kg / 13.2lb depending on the particular battery you can buy. In where I live people are crazy about 'blue' (Panasonic CAOS) and 'purple' (GS Yuasa ECO.R) batteries so those are the only ones available. Unfortunately those are actually heavier than the OEM Panasonic. To make things worse nobody imports them at B19R size as no other car uses that size, so I had to settle for the heavier B20R size. Still I think the conversion is a no-brainer as the price difference between B20R and D23R sizes alone is more than enough to pay for the parts.

Compared to existing lightweight battery solutions, this is nowhere as light (11kg / 24.2lb) but at just a fraction of the cost. Apparently there are 4.5kg batteries available for the size (see Japanese link above) so there is more weight savings to be had. This conversion is also 100% OEM for those who care.

Battery weights:
OEM Panasonic 55D23R: 13.5kg / 29.7lb
Panasonic CAOS Pro: http://panasonic.jp/car/battery/caospro/cp01.html
Panasonic CAOS: http://panasonic.jp/car/battery/caos/ca09.html
GS Yuasa ECO.R: https://gyb.gs-yuasa.com/product/carbattery/ecor_ll/

[drift86]

SU003-02412 Battery pan
SU003-02414 Rod
SU003-02418 Holder

Are these Toyota or Subaru part numbers?

[akyp]

Originally Posted by drift86

SU003-02412 Battery pan
SU003-02414 Rod
SU003-02418 Holder

Are these Toyota or Subaru part numbers?

Toyota. I got the parts from a Toyota/Lexus parts supplier.

[chaoskaze]

Thank you for a great find like this. 😀 Now I know where to get a cheap battery tray when I get a smaller battery.


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[turtlefeeder]

Any other pro and cons besides weight reduction?

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[akyp]

Originally Posted by turtlefeeder

Any other pro and cons besides weight reduction?

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If you live in a cold climate it might be wise to stick to the bigger battery.

With the bigger battery I have jump started my dad's car with a V8. Now I would think twice about that.

Other than that I can't think of any drawbacks with the smaller battery.

[JazzleSAURUS]

Originally Posted by drift86

SU003-02412 Battery pan
SU003-02414 Rod
SU003-02418 Holder

Are these Toyota or Subaru part numbers?

Can someone help us out with Subaru part numbers?

[celek]

Originally Posted by turtlefeeder

Any other pro and cons besides weight reduction?

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Cold cranking amps as mentioned in another quote colder climates where freezing temps occur the oil is like sludge and to get the car started the smaller battery may not be able to do it. Temp effects amperage just like commonly when cold out batteries are weaker.

[JazzleSAURUS]

Pros: Weight reduction, most likely able to handle an AGM LW in an OEM like fashion. (I intend on doing this with an Odyssey PC680.)

Cons: Can't listen to your stereo for hours with the ignition off....

A lot of the pros/cons will vary depending on which battery you pick. A lot of lightweights are finnicky with how long they sit, and how you charge them, and cold weather, others are more stable than a typical lead acid at temp, and can sit longer as long as there is minimal drain on the battery.

[continuecrushing]

so what is the cost?

[wulfstan]

This thread helped me get all the parts/pieces to make an Optima Yellow Battery install. Thought this might be helpful as well, it's a link to the Optima Battery install I did... has pictures toward the end.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117178

BTW the D51R Optima Yellow top was $214.19 +13.54 tax = $227.73 ($12 core deposit, so actually $215.73, with 10% discount) military.

[churchx]

IIRC most in EU had 48Ah Panasonic battery fitted stock. But for many it went flat even in first year and in most cases Toyota replaced for free with 65Ah one. So far i hadn't have replacement go flat, so unless it's for track day only, i'd never think of less capacity for daily driven all year round. And if weight at track is reason for temporary switch, then imho even much smaller/lighter batteries make better choice, as compromise of something in between will be jack of all trades/master of none. Not as light at track, and not with capacity for carefree daily driving.