Lightest/most suitable battery for track only civic?

[DNYALL]

So I am still just using a normal battery at this stage in the track civic. Will be investing in a lightweight battery to help save some kilos.

Since my car does not run a stereo or alarm what would be the best/lightest/most suitable battery for my application? What are other guys using on their trackcars? I am using a mildly built b20vtec.

I have looked at batteries like these for example (these three batteries listed here can be had for pretty much the same price by the way)

- Deka ETX16L - 7.7kg
specs:
Voltage: 12
CCA: 275
Capacity (Ah): 19
Reserve Capacity: NA

- Odyssey PC680 - pretty much the same as the Deka
specs:
PC 680 Specs:
* 680 cranking amps for 5 seconds
* 595 cranking amps for 10 seconds
* 525 cranking amps for 20 seconds
* 17 amp hours
* Short circuit current over 1800A
* 25 minute reserve capacity with 25amp load

But then I found this:

- Braille B106 - 3.1kg

specs:
Performance
Voltage: 12 Volts
Full Charge Voltage: 13.8 Volts
Short Circuit Current (Max Amps): 760
Pulse Cranking Amps (PCA): 527
Cranking Amps (CA): 283
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 210
Amp Hour (AH) - Electrical Capacity: 10
Reserve Capacity (RC): Less than 20 minutes
Life Cycle @ 10% DOD: 2000

according to their website it is suited to applications involving 4cld cars for racing only, ok for hot climates etc

http://www.braillebattery.com/index.php/batteries/b106/#

If that will be not enough then there is this:

-Braille B14115 - 5.2kg
specs:
Voltage: 12 volts
Full Charge Voltage: 13.8 Volts
Pulse Cranking Amps (PCA): 904
Cranking Amps (CA): 486
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): 360
[B]Amp Hour (AH) - Electrical Capacity: doesn't say

[Riced_Civic]

im gonna order a odyssey PC680 from JDM yard soon, i find it that a flatter wider battery will work better for mounting and better weight distribution

[fatboyz39]

Was running Braille on BYP EG. Starts first go.

I think it was the 5.2kg one. Need to confirm.

[bennjamin]

Deka ext12 ( I think) , 4kg ish and ran for a few years in a Eg , daily and track work to my Knowledge it's still running fine. Same thing as the braille just not badged

[mocchi]

good stuff. in for more info.

[DNYALL]

Ok so I have read on the net rumours and well everything but confirmed, that Braille is just re-labelled Deka batteries... Then sold for like 3 times the price almost in some cases... hmmm

Here is a link to someone elses research opinions:
http://www.viperalley.com/forum/viper-discussions-gen-i/82655-braille-deka-lightweight-batteries.html

I am leaning towards the Deka etx12 at the moment. Can be had for around $150

[bennjamin]

Ok so I have read on the net rumours and well everything but confirmed, that Braille is just re-labelled Deka batteries... Then sold for like 3 times the price almost in some cases... hmmm


Yes it's true. But you can't blame them ( Braille) for doing so. Jdm fanboys will pay out the arse for anything.
Just get a deka.

[EG5]

Deka is good and reliable

[90LAN]

Yes it's true. But you can't blame them ( Braille) for doing so. Jdm fanboys will pay out the arse for anything.
Just get a deka.

thats why you want to import a jdm bike funny that comment ben

deka is good value for money

[AE092]

Mike if you don't mind me asking; where are you getting the Deka? I'll get one with you!

[bennjamin]

thats why you want to import a jdm bike funny that comment ben

deka is good value for money


Its true ! That's exactly why I want a ancient bike no one has anymore :-p

Yeah I had a deka ext12 in my last eg civic , had for 2 years ran it fine and still running fine just do NOT run accessories on it ( just fan or radio etc ) as this will kill it very quickly.

[mocchi]

Mike if you don't mind me asking; where are you getting the Deka? I'll get one with you!

me toooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[Zilli]

stay away from Oddysey, they have shifted manufacturing and quality has sufferred.

[SPEEDCORE]

Got a Pulse PHB400 in the track EK, been great. Several other people with track cars (V6s) using the same battery and all quite pleased with it.
Main thing with these for a track only car is to have a decent charger on them when not in use. As you are more than likely already aware, letting these batteries drain is what kills them.

Think the weight was around the low 6KG mark.

[mocchi]

i read the chargers cost lotsa money.
not one of those $35 supercheap chargers.

[bennjamin]

lol

i replied how finicky these dry cells can be - guess what my dogs set off my alarm this morning and the thing has been beeping all day. Came home battery dead ffs. Looking at a charger as we speak - CTEK XS 4003 look it up guys.

[mocchi]

lol

i replied how finicky these dry cells can be - guess what my dogs set off my alarm this morning and the thing has been beeping all day. Came home battery dead ffs. Looking at a charger as we speak - CTEK XS 4003 look it up guys.

most likely its kaput. cant recharge anymore.
my oem battery went flat and i recharged it. still cant crank engine even though its recharged.

esp these high amp starting batteries cant deep cycle.

[bennjamin]

nah its ok - not dead still power for accessories. But trying to charge any totally dead battery is usually futile

[DNYALL]

Well I can get it from US EBAY for just over $150AU or AUS EBAY for just over $150AU and also from Battery MART for exactly $150.

So I guess its out of those three places. will be pretty much similar postage times with all of them if I go by previous experience :/

Probably get it from batterymart.com.au. At least then I don't have to wait for bidding time to run out etc :thumbsup:

Ok so I just ordered the ETX12 from these guys:
http://www.batterymart.com.au/display.php?ids=115#

See how long it takes to get here now.

[Mullensxxx]

do they still drain if u have a kill switch or somthing to isolate/brake the circit?

[mocchi]

Well I can get it from US EBAY for just over $150AU or AUS EBAY for just over $150AU and also from Battery MART for exactly $150.

So I guess its out of those three places. will be pretty much similar postage times with all of them if I go by previous experience :/

Probably get it from batterymart.com.au. At least then I don't have to wait for bidding time to run out etc :thumbsup:

Ok so I just ordered it from these guys:
http://www.batterymart.com.au/display.php?ids=115#

See how long it takes to get here now.

do you have alarm in your car? does it drain the battery?

[bennjamin]

do you have alarm in your car? does it drain the battery?

alarm will drain the battery - only draw is the little LED light flicking away. But if it is set off it wont last long - about 5 hours according to my house mates lol until its drained the battery.

[DNYALL]

do you have alarm in your car? does it drain the battery?

currently I do, but as my civic is now a track only car, when i get some time, I'm taking out the alarm. No stereo system or anything either, so I am thinking it will be sweet. But, if it will run a car alarm for 5 hours i'm sure it will be ok for daily use.

[mocchi]

currently I do, but as my civic is now a track only car, when i get some time, I'm taking out the alarm. No stereo system or anything either, so I am thinking it will be sweet. But, if it will run a car alarm for 5 hours i'm sure it will be ok for daily use.

did you buy etx15 or etx15l?
difference is only height adapter eh?
how would you go about and fitting the terminal adapter? doesnt look like its gonna fit oem.

[DNYALL]

did you buy etx15 or etx15l?
difference is only height adapter eh?
how would you go about and fitting the terminal adapter? doesnt look like its gonna fit oem.

I bought ETX12 and i'm not to phased about the terminals. whatever it is, I'll work something out ;)

[AE092]

Yeh you can buy different adapters and fittings for the terminals so it shouldn't be a problem. Looking at getting the Deka ETX15, around 5.0kg but has slightly higher CCA and Voltage which I'll need for my car as it's a daily with alarm and audio.

[DNYALL]

Yeah fair enough man. Sounds like ti could be an option. It looks in the picture like it is a bit taller/skinnier in appearance. should be sweet though :)

[mocchi]

anyone else in melb wanna buy deka etx15l? its about $120aud shipped from US.
im getting 2, and ae092 getting 1.

[SPEEDCORE]

Looking at a charger as we speak - CTEK XS 4003 look it up guys.

That's the CTEK model I run ben, worth every penny.

[EG5]

Get etx16L , very similar size to etx15 but stronger

[AE092]

Hrm, but it adds 2.7kg to the ETX15's weight (5.0kg vs 7.7kg) and is slightly more expensive. Will see what the response from Deka management will be in regards to usage

[bennjamin]

for the tightasses out there ( like me )

grab a fullriver battery - PC680 alternative. Grab it off ebay , comes with terminals and you can get a nice enclosure / mount for a few $ extra.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/FULLRIVER-AGM-BATTERY-HC20-similar-Odyssey-PC680-/300517440320?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45f83c3b40

Ive got one , my alarm drained it the other day but a quick jump and its as good as new. Weighs high 6kg ish. Just mount it low and away u go.

[AE092]

Hey Ben,
I saw them but didn't know what to think of it as there was hardly any reviews on it. How did you alarm drain it? Did it go off or was it parked with the alarm armed which caused it to drain?

[bennjamin]

Hey Ben,
I saw them but didn't know what to think of it as there was hardly any reviews on it. How did you alarm drain it? Did it go off or was it parked with the alarm armed which caused it to drain?


Refer to earlier in this thread - my dogs set off the sensor and it went off for a good 4-5 hrs. Easily enough to kill any battery. I've since jumped the battery and all good again.
As for this battery , I took a risk but it's paid off sofar , same
Specs and dimensions as the odessy pc680 and this comes with correct post terminals too. I've got it in a metal box on it's side hidden in the fender somewhere. I can't see an issue with it - alarm draws the LED power flicking constant - this would be very low and my car sits or days without issue starting up again.

[DNYALL]

Ok got mine in the mail today. ordered it last week thursday. stoked :)

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/9562/good2j.jpg
http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/2882/goodq.jpg

Not sure how accurate y scales are to be honest. pretty sure its closer to 4 - 4.5kg or so.

[Riced_Civic]

nice, i got am email 2day saying mine was sent out 2day.

should get it in a day or 2

[DNYALL]

sweet as, what battery did you get?

[Riced_Civic]

exact same as u.

i had b4 this as well, it died completely, i couldnt even recharge it. i think i must have left sumthing on.

[RPMTOY]

yeah got to keep charge in these dry cell type batteries if not they will tend to die and won't be able to be recharged again unlike normal car batteries. I recommend getting a cut off switch, so you can easily disconnect the battery with out having to undo the terminals every time.

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/b466/Arn8/batteryterminal.png

[AE092]

Good work guys! Did any of you's weigh your stock battery to get an idea on how much you're saving? I'm curious to know what the weight of my Exide Endurance is..

[DNYALL]

yeah got to keep charge in these dry cell type batteries if not they will tend to die and won't be able to be recharged again unlike normal car batteries. I recommend getting a cut off switch, so you can easily disconnect the battery with out having to undo the terminals every time.

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/b466/Arn8/batteryterminal.png

What is that highlighted in the photo? is that a charger or? So while your car is parked will i need to have the battery consistently on charge? If so what is a recommended charger that people are using?

[Riced_Civic]

ahh got my battery 2day, half complete in doing a relocation and kill switch, just waiting on the new battery tray.
then to connect everything up and should be ready to go.

[mocchi]

What is that highlighted in the photo? is that a charger or? So while your car is parked will i need to have the battery consistently on charge? If so what is a recommended charger that people are using?

if you drive the car everyday, its alright. but if you only drive it weekly or monthly would be best to keep it in charge with battery charger.
thats what the guy at batterymart said.

[DNYALL]

ok cool, well my car might be lucky to get out like once every couple of months, if that :/ looks like I might have to invest in a charger next then.

[dasicvtec]

i bought a motorbike battery (essentially a rebadged ETX14) - it saved me 5.5kg. Went from 10kg to 4kg. Saved 6kg. Its been running now for 3 months. I start my car about 3 times a day and its been fine, good crank everytime. It cost me $95 delivered from ebay and terminals cost me about $4 in total. Although, I have no Audio in the car just an alarm.

Here is a pic for you guys.

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/6724/imag0067large.th.jpg (http://img248.imageshack.us/i/imag0067large.jpg/)

[mocchi]

i bought a motorbike battery (essentially a rebadged ETX14) - it saved me 5.5kg. Went from 10kg to 4.5kg.

Here is a pic for you guys.

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/6724/imag0067large.th.jpg (http://img248.imageshack.us/i/imag0067large.jpg/)

daily drive? how long have you used it for?
great weight saving hehe

[AE092]

Right in the corner of the car too, nice!

[DNYALL]

lol

i replied how finicky these dry cells can be - guess what my dogs set off my alarm this morning and the thing has been beeping all day. Came home battery dead ffs. Looking at a charger as we speak - CTEK XS 4003 look it up guys.

Just bought that CTEK XS 4003 charger off AUSebay. Says its the new AUS version, so should be perfect :thumbsup: $90 posted, seeing as how my civic will be sitting for long periods of time.

[RPMTOY]

yeah the highlighted piece is the cut off switch, it isolates the battery, you don't really need the charger as these dry cell battery have very long shelf life if left full charged, but the charger is always good to have but not necessary especially if u only hitting the track a couple times a month. You basically unscrew the green knob anit clockwise to isolate and clockwise to reconnect, it takes two seconds. So when i know im going to park it for awhile i just undo the knob and when im ready to use it i just screw back up and off i go.

[bennjamin]

yeah the highlighted piece is the cut off switch, it isolates the battery, you don't really need the charger as these dry cell battery have very long shelf life if left full charged, but the charger is always good to have but not necessary especially if u only hitting the track a couple times a month. You basically unscrew the green knob anit clockwise to isolate and clockwise to reconnect, it takes two seconds. So when i know im going to park it for awhile i just undo the knob and when im ready to use it i just screw back up and off i go.


has to be hooked onto the negative......incase the image confuses anyone !

[DNYALL]

ahh yep, i see it. would save having to loosen nuts etc every time you want to disconnect :thumbsup:

I bought the charger because i know my car could be sitting for a while at times and Who knows if it will be 100% charged after backing it off the trailer when i get home etc. I had a buddyclub lightweight battery befor, let it sit for about 6 months or so. Then when i started using it again, it couldn't start the car, but still enough power for accessories, tried re-charging but didn't help. The charger is just an extra investment. I will no doubt have to use it for more than just the civic battery in the future.

[RPMTOY]

yeah is that one of those chargers that maintain the power level once fully charged unlike normal ones that trickle charge once full, they are used on motorbike applications as some people don't ride very often and require lots of cranking amps for initial start.

[SPEEDCORE]

Good price buddy, you can't go wrong with that charger. Lights on it are good in the sense that can tell what its doing/how the battery is with just a quick visual when I manage to go into the garage every couple days.

[bennjamin]

Good price buddy, you can't go wrong with that charger. Lights on it are good in the sense that can tell what its doing/how the battery is with just a quick visual when I manage to go into the garage every couple days.

did u hook it up direct to the terminals and simply disconnect the dongle when taking the car out ? Pix as im interested as to the mounting of it.

[SPEEDCORE]

Nah, I just use the alligator clamps on the terminals and have the charger sitting beside the battery, which has been relocated to the rear passenger footwell.
An extention cord goes through the window LOL. Since it IS a track car with only the driver bucket seat, can see the charger lights from outiside the car through any of the windows.

The extention with the dongle you are talking about would come in handy and be quick to plug back in. Even better if you can mount the charger on the wall. Will eventually do it like this FWIW.

[mocchi]

I bought ETX12 and i'm not to phased about the terminals. whatever it is, I'll work something out ;)

did yours come with post-style terminals too?


Yeh you can buy different adapters and fittings for the terminals so it shouldn't be a problem. Looking at getting the Deka ETX15, around 5.0kg but has slightly higher CCA and Voltage which I'll need for my car as it's a daily with alarm and audio.

i just called them, they said the batteries come with post-style terminals.
gonna pay now hehe im excited.

[DNYALL]

did yours come with post-style terminals too?



i just called them, they said the batteries come with post-style terminals.
gonna pay now hehe im excited.

My ETX12 didn't come with any terminals man. just came like the picture. no terminals, just threaded hole with a bolt. So allow for bolting on ring terminals. If you get post style terminals with the same battery as mine from the same seller let me know.

[mocchi]

My ETX12 didn't come with any terminals man. just came like the picture. no terminals, just threaded hole with a bolt. So allow for bolting on ring terminals. If you get post style terminals with the same battery as mine from the same seller let me know.

we bought the etx15l, ill let you know what the terminal adapters look like when they arrive.

[Riced_Civic]

i didnt get terminals as well, tho not that i need em, i already had a set from my old battery

[AE092]

Any of you guys planning on running the battery flat? Or upright as per usual? I might have an issue with flat due to the earthing kit..

Thanks mocchi for the purchase, lemme know when it arrives and I'll come over with the dollar signs

[DNYALL]

I'm just gonna run mine upright. Also, my battery charger arrived yesterday :)

[Riced_Civic]

im gonna run it flat as thats the only way i can get it to reach the wires, in like 2 cm 2short of wire :p

[RandyRhydah]

I'm using a deka battery daily driven in my civic aswell, not 100 percent sure of the model number but it was from jdm yard.

never skipped a beat daily driven 2 - 5 start ups a day, no alarm system and only a head unit and 4 speakers in the stereo. I recently took the car off the road and was listening to radio when it wasnt on charge and ran it flat pretty quick, ive thrown it on charge and its back up to 12.4 volts i hope she isnt dead...

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs047.snc6/167761_10150130602975862_621700861_8378216_1705978 _n.jpg

[bennjamin]

just an update for all those running smaller batteries that dont like to run flat !

I bought a CTEK XS4003 12VOLT 4AMP 8 STAGE BATTERY CHARGER from ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320647600307&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

It comes with terminal mounts for a quick charge solution - check it out pretty cool !
17709

easy to hook up to your terminals - and has a easy charge dongle which you can place somewhere for easy hooking up.
17710

[AE092]

Any updates Michael/Danny? Got mine today of Oscar/Mocchi and overal; very impressed with the sizing! A little bit of fiddling around but fits well and saves a hella' bit of weight! Will get pics up tomorrow

[DNYALL]

I haven't mounted mine yet, will do it when I get the car back :)

[AE092]

Word has it it's getting some work done :D

[DNYALL]

yeah, will post pics when done :thumbsup: Should be done in time for Tampered track day on the 27th this month.