Best battery?

V6
Won't Shut Up

Posts: 587

Best battery? Jun 22, 2020 8:34:08 GMT

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Post by V6 on Jun 22, 2020 8:34:08 GMT

I used to have a massive generic battery in my mk1. Then I switched to a lovely lightweight Odyssey PC680. This was perfect for my 1.8 for a couple of years. These days it has a harder life turning over a V6. So I want to put a beefier battery in again.

But which one?!

I see on MX5 Parts they offer two options:

1. Panasonic OEM - it's gel, so you can't jump start it in an emergency

2. Westlife or something - prarrie canoe reviews

Any ideas? Thanks all

wannabe Needs To Get A Life Posts: 3,185	Best battery? Jun 22, 2020 11:57:44 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by wannabe on Jun 22, 2020 11:57:44 GMT I am wondering if getting something like a CTEK battery conditioner could be a plan - I'm not sure if they can be used on your battery type, though.

howardb66 Needs Gagging Posts: 1,220	Best battery? Jun 22, 2020 13:27:36 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by howardb66 on Jun 22, 2020 13:27:36 GMT My MX5 lives on a CTEK. Always fully charged & there’s a re-gen function.

jon
Chats A Lot

Posts: 270

Best battery? Jun 22, 2020 18:08:39 GMT

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Post by jon on Jun 22, 2020 18:08:39 GMT

Have a look at Tayna batteries - they have a load of options and are very cheap compared (but check the model number that the battery finder gives you as it specced me a mk2 battery not one for a mk1 a while back).

If the OEM Panasonic is an AGM battery, it should be fine with being jump started.

Zed. Needs To Get A Life Smeg! Posts: 2,883	Best battery? Jun 22, 2020 18:45:43 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by Zed. on Jun 22, 2020 18:45:43 GMT I've got a mobility-scooter battery on my Eunos's (both cars, am waiting for the jokes...) slightly smaller than standard & seems to spin over fast enough / not exploded yet I want a varley / oddessy etc. but refuse to pay extortionate prices Rich.
	50 Shades of Silver. '91 NA6CE. mighty5s.com/thread/2681/50-shades-silver-na-eunos C20XE, 5.38:1 & 3J Lsd, Ohlins, stupidity etc.

V6 Won't Shut Up Posts: 587	Best battery? Jun 22, 2020 18:47:13 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by V6 on Jun 22, 2020 18:47:13 GMT MX5 Parts specifically state the Gel type of Panasonic cannot be jump started or you will damage it. I may just measure up the space, then order a larger random battery. Make my own clamps etc.

jon Chats A Lot Posts: 270	Best battery? Jun 22, 2020 19:34:31 GMT wannabe likes this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by jon on Jun 22, 2020 19:34:31 GMT Hmmm.. I have one of these in mine: www.tayna.co.uk/car-batteries/numax/053/ If you call them or mail them, they should be able to do you an AGM (sealed) one that will fit as well, they are pretty helpful..

wannabe Needs To Get A Life Posts: 3,185	Best battery? Jun 22, 2020 20:19:33 GMT Zed. likes this Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by wannabe on Jun 22, 2020 20:19:33 GMT Jun 22, 2020 18:45:43 GMT Zed. said: I've got a mobility-scooter battery on my Eunos's (both cars, am waiting for the jokes...) Do they let you drive a Eunos round the shopping centre? lol
	Last Edit: Jun 22, 2020 20:22:26 GMT by wannabe

wannabe
Needs To Get A Life

Posts: 3,185

Best battery? Jun 22, 2020 20:22:13 GMT

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Post by wannabe on Jun 22, 2020 20:22:13 GMT

For reference:

OEM battery tray:
www.mx5parts.co.uk/battery-tray-mk1-p-701.html

OEM battery clamp:
www.mx5parts.co.uk/battery-clamp-mk1-p-732.html

OEM battery clamp bracket:
www.mx5parts.co.uk/battery-clamp-bracket-mk1-p-731.html

OEM battery retaining hook:
www.mx5parts.co.uk/battery-clamp-retaining-hook-bolt-mk1-p-695.html

They did do a kit of the whole lot but I can't find it now.

EDIT: Found it - it's a 'big battery fitting kit':

www.mx5parts.co.uk/battery-fitting-mk1-p-3676.html

We've finally managed to track down the part numbers for the big battery fitting kit that Mazda themselves used to use. The original technical bulletin stated that it was intended for colder climates where a larger, more powerful lead acid battery was needed. The truth is however that Mazda no longer wanted to import the Panasonic batteries from Japan and at the time there was no equivilent available in Europe. Whatever the reason, we are pleased to now be able to offer this kit for sale that enables you to fit a larger battery in your Mk1.

The kit consists of a larger tray that measures approximately 200mm x 170mm, a larger top clamp, and a longer "J" bolt. The battery we used to test fit the kit was a standard 063 lead acid battery that is available from any local motor factors. Please note, due to restrictions on the transport of dangerous goods, we are not able to supply the battery itself, only the fitting kit.

Click here for fitting instructions! www.mx5parts.co.uk/instructions/si7224.pdf

Fits all Mk1 models, 1989>1998

IMPORTANT! You must ensure that whatever battery you decide to fit, it has the terminals round the same way as the original, and most importantly, because the battery is in such a confined space, it MUST have the vents on the side so you can reconnect the vent tubes. We accept no responsibility for any damage or injury caused by not following this advice. Also, depending what you have in the car, you may need to move the pop studs or adapt the carpet that covers the battery once it has been fitted.

I've got this kit to fit but I've just realised I don't have the clamp bracket fitted - I presume the fact I have nothing standard battery-wise (vents, clamps etc.) is due to the fact my rear wing is a different colour and has, presumably, been subject to 'some work' previously! lol

Last Edit: Jun 22, 2020 20:35:13 GMT by wannabe

V6
Won't Shut Up

Posts: 587

Best battery? Jun 22, 2020 20:29:02 GMT

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Post by V6 on Jun 22, 2020 20:29:02 GMT

They also offer a large battery conversion kit. Was OEM in colder countries. So you can put any £40 lead acid in there. Normally I'd care about the weight, but to be honest I have enough shove to no longer care. The convenience would be better these days! So I may do that.

wannabe
Needs To Get A Life

Posts: 3,185

Best battery? Jun 22, 2020 20:35:56 GMT

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Post by wannabe on Jun 22, 2020 20:35:56 GMT

Jun 22, 2020 20:29:02 GMT V6 said:

They also offer a large battery conversion kit. Was OEM in colder countries. So you can put any £40 lead acid in there. Normally I'd care about the weight, but to be honest I have enough shove to no longer care. The convenience would be better these days! So I may do that.

Found it and added it to my post while you were typing!

V6 Won't Shut Up Posts: 587	Best battery? Jun 22, 2020 22:02:59 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by V6 on Jun 22, 2020 22:02:59 GMT Cool Might be a plan... then it's just a case of pick up whatever local battery from halfords I guess

wannabe Needs To Get A Life Posts: 3,185	Best battery? Jun 22, 2020 23:04:06 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by wannabe on Jun 22, 2020 23:04:06 GMT You're welcome to have a look at the kit I've got and see how it might fit!

V6
Won't Shut Up

Posts: 587

Best battery? Jun 23, 2020 10:23:46 GMT wannabe, howardb66, and 1 more like this

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Post by V6 on Jun 23, 2020 10:23:46 GMT

Only just seen your reply. I ordered the large fitting kit an hour ago

I just need to see which generic battery may fit locally.

ps

If anyone would like a cheap very small and very light odyssey with all mounting hardware get in touch. Should be perfect for a 1.6 or 1.8. Will bolt into standard oem floor holes,

wannabe Needs To Get A Life Posts: 3,185	Best battery? Jun 23, 2020 10:34:57 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by wannabe on Jun 23, 2020 10:34:57 GMT The MX5Parts blurb says an 063 battery, but will have to see how they measure up!