Lightweight battery thread

[chaoskaze]

Originally Posted by Sapphireho

Since this came back up, I'll add my 2 cents.


My only experience with light weight batteries is with my Lotus. I installed a Braille AGM. The car has an alarm. If I don't drive for 4 or 5 days it is dead. Hooking it to the tinder is just part of the daily routine now.

can't just disconnect it? sorry i'm a total noob.... just started looking at light weight battery.

[Sapphireho]

Originally Posted by chaoskaze

can't just disconnect it? sorry i'm a total noob.... just started looking at light weight battery.

You could go that route, but way more work. If I was going to go that route I would install a battery cutoff switch to make it easy. Plus I like the idea of the Immobilizer (alarm system that prevents the car from being started) still on. I also get a warm fuzzy knowing my battery is at 100% every time I head out.



This is the tender I use. I have the lead circled installed on the battery side, so I simply open the trunk and plug it in, and I have an outlet within 3 feet of the trunk.

[justinco]

My Shorai LFX24L3-BS12 is still going strong after 3 years of DD/racing. It does need to go on the tender if the car is sitting for more than a few days. But, otherwise starts great in cold weather and haven't had any issues.

Shorai LFX24L3-BS12
Shorai battery charger

[cjd]

Originally Posted by justinco

My Shorai LFX24L3-BS12 is still going strong after 3 years of DD/racing. It does need to go on the tender if the car is sitting for more than a few days. But, otherwise starts great in cold weather and haven't had any issues.

Shorai LFX24L3-BS12
Shorai battery charger

Same battery, 2nd car, and this was its 4th season. And I do NOT daily the car, so it's on the tender every time I park it. I do, however, road trip and haven't had a problem.



I do often find that it's unhappy plugging it in right after returning from a drive - especially a shorter drive (the charger does it's flashing alternating colors thing). Letting it sit for an hour or two (on the tender) and it's usually back to registering "ok". Haven't yet tested whether it does the same letting it cool down off the charger. Sometimes wonder if the newer cars are pushing voltage high, or being stupid and draining hard, on shorter trips. Rarely happens like this after a day of racing or a road trip.


C

[Lantanafrs2]

If feasible, a battery tender will extend the life of any battery especially when the car isn't driven for periods of time or is used for short hops.

[e_lunatic]

in southern california and thus it doesn't reach much below 40*F here. thinking of running the 11lb braille in my non D/D NA twin. cannot hook up a tender. only really use the car on weekends. would this be an issue? I wouldn't be bothered by starting the car during that stretch but if it was to sit for 4 days untendered would it be an issue long term?

[86TOYO2k17]

Originally Posted by e_lunatic

in southern california and thus it doesn't reach much below 40*F here. thinking of running the 11lb braille in my non D/D NA twin. cannot hook up a tender. only really use the car on weekends. would this be an issue? I wouldn't be bothered by starting the car during that stretch but if it was to sit for 4 days untendered would it be an issue long term?

Do you have remote start and/or a security system/alarm, or anything else that may have a trickle draw even when car is off?
If so might be an issue. If not should be fine.

[Jdmjunkie]

Originally Posted by T-Steve

Whelp, it probably isn't the greatest way to go, but I emulated an old thread from this forum to install a group 51R battery using JDM parts.

I used this stuff:

Tray-Battery, 82122CA010
Rod-Battery Fix, 82161AG001
Holder-Battery Fix, 82182AG010

And a group 51R battery, which weighs about 5 pounds less than stock. Mine has worked well for three years now.

Is a Group 51R the stock summer battery? I found a different size somewhere on the TRD japan website. Will this fit the TRD battery tie down?

[Lakitu]

If you are just replacing the battery only and not doing a full strip-down, is there really an actual benefit to lightening the weight of the front of the car by 10-15 lbs?

[RFB]

Originally Posted by Lakitu

If you are just replacing the battery only and not doing a full strip-down, is there really an actual benefit to lightening the weight of the front of the car by 10-15 lbs?

Yes, I noticed more compliant suspension and steering, flatter cornering with so much weight removed up high.
Benefits from lower center of gravity as well as weight.

[new2subaru]

Originally Posted by Lakitu

If you are just replacing the battery only and not doing a full strip-down, is there really an actual benefit to lightening the weight of the front of the car by 10-15 lbs?

No, it needs to be part of a larger weight reduction plan. Think 100lbs+

[86TOYO2k17]

Originally Posted by Lakitu

If you are just replacing the battery only and not doing a full strip-down, is there really an actual benefit to lightening the weight of the front of the car by 10-15 lbs?

A benefit, Yes. A noticeable benefit by itself, no. but every LBS adds up.
Also taking some weight off the front end can help balance or re-balance the car, especially since most people already shift the balance forward by removing trunk jump, new lightweight exhaust, and possibly rear seat delete.

[why?]

I don't have a place to plug in the battery tender, I keep waiting for solar powered tenders for car batteries to become a thing, but either I have been looking in the wrong places or it sadly does not exist yet. Anyone see one?

Originally Posted by Lakitu

If you are just replacing the battery only and not doing a full strip-down, is there really an actual benefit to lightening the weight of the front of the car by 10-15 lbs?

yes, every pound less will help.

[smg1138]

Originally Posted by justinco

My Shorai LFX24L3-BS12 is still going strong after 3 years of DD/racing. It does need to go on the tender if the car is sitting for more than a few days. But, otherwise starts great in cold weather and haven't had any issues.

Shorai LFX24L3-BS12
Shorai battery charger

I've had the same battery for over a year and it's been great! I live in in TN and my car is always garaged, so cold starts haven't been an issue. Mine recently sat for 5 days while I was out of town, but it started right up when I got home. Hopefully no damage was done from it sitting that long.