Need a better battery!
07-06-2008, 09:26 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 5
Need a better battery!
Hey guys!
This is my first post on these forums!
I'm the proud owner of a Roush 420RE (European version of the Stage 3, basically) since mid-2006.
Well, after having my Motorcraft BXT 40R battery dieing for the 4th time on me (after less than a week of not moving the car), reading various forums to find out what to do, I've decided to replace the battery with something of much better quality.
I've looked at this one: http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/produc...de=BATMAX900DC
It's 17mm shorter, 2mm narrower but 30mm higher than the BXT 40R. Do you think it will fit? It's got a capacity of 50Ah but 900 Cranking Amps and is designed to withstand excessive discharge and recharge cycles. That should be pretty good for a car that doesn't move much.
By the way I got a 2006 Roush 420RE. I'm just concerned it might be too high to fit under the hood... Whacha think?
This is my first post on these forums!
I'm the proud owner of a Roush 420RE (European version of the Stage 3, basically) since mid-2006.
Well, after having my Motorcraft BXT 40R battery dieing for the 4th time on me (after less than a week of not moving the car), reading various forums to find out what to do, I've decided to replace the battery with something of much better quality.
I've looked at this one: http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/produc...de=BATMAX900DC
It's 17mm shorter, 2mm narrower but 30mm higher than the BXT 40R. Do you think it will fit? It's got a capacity of 50Ah but 900 Cranking Amps and is designed to withstand excessive discharge and recharge cycles. That should be pretty good for a car that doesn't move much.
By the way I got a 2006 Roush 420RE. I'm just concerned it might be too high to fit under the hood... Whacha think?
07-06-2008, 10:03 AM
#2
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location:
Posts: 150
RE: Need a better battery!
If height is the only worry, cut a styrofoam block to the thichness that would match up with the difference between the two batteries. Sit on the highest point of the existing battery and then close the hood. Then open the hood and see if the styrofoam block was crushed at all or the hood pad has an indentation. You may also want to try cutting the block slightly larger in height just to be sure there could not be some rubbing later. If this new battery is a top post, I would also make sure there is a good terminal post cap on top.
07-06-2008, 12:43 PM
#3
Mish-ogynist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Helena, MT
Posts: 3,780
RE: Need a better battery!
while you are at it you could just relocate the battery to the trunk, it's a decent mod to do but rarely gets done. I would make the dealership troubleshoot the problem for you if it's possible.. or whoever is covering the warranty on it. Something is probably drawing current when it's not supposed to.
07-06-2008, 03:40 PM
#4
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location:
Posts: 150
RE: Need a better battery!
Dragonmike, just a thought.... I am guessing the battery is about 3 yrs old based on you saying that you have owned the car since mid 2006. Given that, I suspect the battery is just at its end. In the states, you can go to many autoparts stores and they will test your battery and charging system free if you are buying the battery from them. The dealer may also do this check for you but I suspect the price for the battery and installation may be a little more.
07-07-2008, 03:32 AM
#5
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 5
RE: Need a better battery!
ORIGINAL: Mishri
while you are at it you could just relocate the battery to the trunk, it's a decent mod to do but rarely gets done. I would make the dealership troubleshoot the problem for you if it's possible.. or whoever is covering the warranty on it. Something is probably drawing current when it's not supposed to.
while you are at it you could just relocate the battery to the trunk, it's a decent mod to do but rarely gets done. I would make the dealership troubleshoot the problem for you if it's possible.. or whoever is covering the warranty on it. Something is probably drawing current when it's not supposed to.
Don't think I'll do the trunk-mod, as I happen to use the trunk quite often, and there should be enough room in the front... By the way, is a battery installation that complicated? I'd order the battery and switch it myself, I think.
07-07-2008, 07:49 AM
#6
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location:
Posts: 150
RE: Need a better battery!
Very simple. Usually one tie down strap to undo and then the two battery posts. Disconnect the red wire (+) post first, then the black wire (-)post. Reconnect in reverse order, black first then red. Do not overtighten the hold down strap to where it could crack the battery case.
Sometimes the battery is delivered dry with the acid ina seperate bag. If so, fill the batter outside of the car before you install. Make sure the outside of the battery is clean and dry so that there is no residual acid to corrode anything under your hood.
Sometimes the battery is delivered dry with the acid ina seperate bag. If so, fill the batter outside of the car before you install. Make sure the outside of the battery is clean and dry so that there is no residual acid to corrode anything under your hood.
07-07-2008, 09:34 AM
#7
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 5
RE: Need a better battery!
ORIGINAL: MyLocalDJ
Very simple. Usually one tie down strap to undo and then the two battery posts. Disconnect the red wire (+) post first, then the black wire (-)post. Reconnect in reverse order, black first then red. Do not overtighten the hold down strap to where it could crack the battery case.
Sometimes the battery is delivered dry with the acid ina seperate bag. If so, fill the batter outside of the car before you install. Make sure the outside of the battery is clean and dry so that there is no residual acid to corrode anything under your hood.
Very simple. Usually one tie down strap to undo and then the two battery posts. Disconnect the red wire (+) post first, then the black wire (-)post. Reconnect in reverse order, black first then red. Do not overtighten the hold down strap to where it could crack the battery case.
Sometimes the battery is delivered dry with the acid ina seperate bag. If so, fill the batter outside of the car before you install. Make sure the outside of the battery is clean and dry so that there is no residual acid to corrode anything under your hood.
...and the dude clearly says to remove the negative first!
Basically, I don't think it'll matter, knowing my current battery is deader than dead!
07-08-2008, 12:28 PM
#8
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 5
RE: Need a better battery!
Well, tested it myself putting an old book that was just over 30mm thick... and it touched the underside of the hood. So that Exide battery is a no-no
So my next question: what battery would you recommend that you know would fit, and does a better job than the Motorcraft? I mean, if I have to, I'll replace it with the same... but I don't like replacing crap through crap, usually
So my next question: what battery would you recommend that you know would fit, and does a better job than the Motorcraft? I mean, if I have to, I'll replace it with the same... but I don't like replacing crap through crap, usually
07-09-2008, 08:40 PM
#10
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Sarasota FL
Posts: 324
RE: Need a better battery!
Hey Mike, install a light weight (only 14 pounds) battery like an Odyssey.
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