RS Motorsport :: Classic Speed Restored

Just looking for a bit of input around a decent battery for the car that spends too much time in the garage. I've just had the experience of an RS that won't start and the problem was detected to be an alternator that wasn't earthed as well as it should and was struggling to charge the battery.

Hopefully its sorted now (took it for a 30km driver tonight - I'll see if it wants to talk to me in the morning), but it got me thinking. Auto Electrican suggested connecting a 'CTek' so the car is on the charger all the time and it self charges as the battery needs it. Auto Electrican reckons it would prolong the life of the battery too.

Alternative is one of the expensive batteries used in race cars (white with yellow or red posts??) Supposedly good for high output and irregular use - but cost $3-400??

Current battery was new (but in reality is 12 months old) and a better quality brand - wasn't a $30 Supercheap special

Any ideas welcome

Hi,

I would stick with a normal battery and use a trickle charger for the times the car isn't used.
My experience with (smaller) race-type batteries isn't good: they do not hold the charge very well and do not have the capacity for prolonged starting for example when you turn over the engine to get oil pressure.

Leon.

Those solar panel chargers work quite well, just need a long enough lead to get the panel outside

I've killed far too many batteries from lack of use over the years too. I ended up buying a Projecta PC400 to trickle charge on a semi-regular basis as it is a compact, microprocessor controlled, and it handles a range of different battery types (lead acid, calcium, gel etc.). It comes with wiring to plug into your car so you don't even have to open the bonnet to charge if you prefer. It only charges at 1, 2, and 4A, but I've found the 4A setting perfectly adequate for a quick top up, and 1A is all that is needed for a semi-regular trickle charge (the lower the charge rate the better actually). SCA has them for $99, but you can get them on eBay delivered for $72. Larger models are available, but the trickle charge rate goes up to 2A.

http://www.projecta.com.au/site/Default ... Issue1.pdf

If you're after a charger, you'll find it hard to beat the price of this bloke in Bairnsdale.

http://stores.ebay.com.au/autoelecau?_t ... 4340.l2563

Have a look through and pick one you like. I use an optima yellow top in my cars but mainly cause I can get them in Melb very cheaply.