ZumSpeedRX-7

iTrader: (12)

my Optima 'mini' yellow top battery died over the winter, and is unfortunately discontinued. The worst part is that its in my passenger bin with a custom carbon fiber sheet over it with brackets to hold it in and wires cut specifically for the size. Well long story short, i need to replace it and i am considering either the Miata 5"x8"x8" ($105) battery or a Braille 5.8"x3.4"x5.8" 11.5lb battery ($190.) The Braille battery has 360 cold cranking amps and 904 pulse cranking amps.

does anyone have any experience with either the Miata battery or any Braille battery with a FD?


here's some info: Braille Auto
i figured it's pretty light, so it cant be that bad of an option; i would just appreciate some feedback from someone other then the salesman.

the old battery:

The Driver

iTrader: (4)

Very nice!!!

Matt Hey

The Miata battery is probably the cheapest option and works well for me. At 475 CCA and 25 lbs it's lighter than stock but has a big enough capacity to be usable when it get cold. You should be able to find the Westco Miata battery for less than $105 too. Here's a good writeup of a battery relocation with the Miata battery...

http://www.stanford.edu/~sunid/battery/

pinkrx7

iTrader: (2)

kinetic hc600
google it its not the lightest but it sure has the most power..

XxMerlinxX

iTrader: (2)

It only weighs in at 14 lbs. Not bad really.

SportCoupe2

A wet cell battery will need a sealed enclosure with a vent tube to the outside if you plan to use it inside the vehicle. just something to consider.........

wankelbolt

iTrader: (8)

The Braille battery you are looking at is very similar to the Odyssey PC-545MJ, and it has a metal jacket the braille doesn't have. The Odyssey can be had for under $150 delivered, I think. I used one in my race car until it was outlawed (too small).

Personally, I use the WestCo Marine Miata battery in all of my RX-7's. I avoid Optimas like the plague since they are expensive and can't withstand an accidental deep discharge (had two before I learned). The WestCo can. The WestCo is $100 delivered direct, and may be cheaper locally or elsewhere.

I highly recommend using an intelligent battery maintainer on any battery that sits for more than a month at a time. Wal-Mart usually has this one for about $20.

- Bill

ZumSpeedRX-7

iTrader: (12)

thanks everyone for the input. i went with matt hey's and wankelbolt's recomendation and ordered the WestCo Miata battery. the battery's 25lbs, but is the closest option to fit the set up i have built for my current (dead) optima battery. one thing i know for sure is that i am definitely using a battery charger from now on. this is money i feel i shouldn't have to be spending right now, since this could've been avoided in the first place. you live and you learn; the RX-7 just makes sure your wallet learns in the process as well.

thanks again guys.

theorie

iTrader: (31)

thats funny, i was just on the braille auto website - i didn't even realized theyre from my hometown in FL