So I did a search and didn't find a definitive answer. Will a 51R size battery fit in the stock battery tray without modification? It seems as though the stock bracket will hold it down if you crank it down tight enough.

Anyone had any luck with it?

I know someone is going to say that I should get the TurboJeff battery tray, and I would love one, but it seems like the group buy that was going on for these things got messed up somehow.

 

I would use a piece of metal/wood to fill the opening in....cranking down on it really hard is not a good method....

 

I've used a Costco 51R in the stock battery tray with no problems. I did not have to overtighten the cross bar. It does a good job of holding it in place. The battery has not moved around at all. I also use the stock battery cover which I think helps to insulate the battery and keep it cool. I'm very happy with the setup.

 

A Costco 51R? Please share.

The other day I was on Optima's site and it still listed the 51R as existing anyone.

 

Yup, it's the store brand battery. The posts are reversed. They fit the stock setup perfectly with no modification. The battery weighs about 10 pounds less than the one it replaced. I don't have the receipt in front of me, but the cost was around $45 - $48, as I remember. It has good cranking power, fits the stock setup, is lighter than the stock size battery, and it was cheap. What's not to like?

 

Yep, I've been recommending the Costco battery for years....but everyone seems so excited to spend $120+ on an Optima.

 

I just found the receipt. It was even cheaper than I thought. $39.48. It's a Kirkland brand, 51R, and it comes with a 3 year free replacement guarantee. After that it's pro-rated.

 

So it is a wet based battery?

 

Yep. So what?

 

Boy, ain't that the truth...

 

Heh I just got a 51R Autocraft Titanium battery from Advance for like 60 or 70 bucks. No issues whatsoever. Guess the price has gone up a little since then:

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductD...e=5005&PTSet=A

 

It was a question not a jab. I have a Kirkland battery in my car, it was the first time that I move the battery out of the car and I really hear the stuff inside sloshing around.

The guy before me had a battery leak rusted the car and everything under the battery bolts etc. were done. So that is my worry again with a wet battery.

 

Same story with my car....previous owner had a battery leak. However, my Kirkland 51R has held up for over 3 years now under some punishing conditions (like 103F track days!).

 

The group buy didn't get messed up. The battery trays were shipped about 2-3 weeks ago. I still have a few left, PM if you are interested.

I ran a regular 51R battery in my FD for years without any issues. The 51R is a stock battery for Civics older Mitsubishis, etc. Any parts store should have one in stock.

With the Optima 51R (if they still make it) you have pretty much the same battery capacity as the larger stock battery. With the regular lead acid battery you lose some cranking amps but the FD doesn't mind. A 51R has a lot more capacity than one of the mini batteries.

Jeff

 

FYI guys I've got 4 left and I probably won't make any more for at least 1 yr.

Here is a link to my old CYM with a med sized SMIC and the 51R. Notice the extra room beside the IC.

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1277...34192742KTuPkY

 

Here's a pic of my 51R sized battery fitted in my pass side rear bin with my custom bracket:

 

Jeff's battery tray is an awesome product, the quality and fitment are top notch. You should seriously consider getting one if you want a 51R battery. You can't beat it for the price!

 

Funny that the picture of your battery shows it when it had to be jumped.

 

I bought a battery tray from jeff the other day. Now I just need to get the battery.

 

 

Henceforth why I don't have an Optima battery anymore, complete junk.