What's a good battery for the Sy? Anyone have an Optima?

[mrweelr]

I was looking at my latest Datamaster file and reading this post from BG:

Battery voltage - "13s are good, at WOT is very important, 13.4+ being very good at WOT. This will have huge effects on performance."

Well, my volts are usually between 12.6 and 13.0 at WOT and I'd like to improve this. So far, I've tuned up my entire ignition system. Only things I haven't done are replace the battery and upgrade my coil. Which battery is the most powerful? I'm thinking of getting an Optima battery and an Accel or MSD coil to replace the OEM unit. Also, do I need to upgrade my stock alternator and would this help bring the volts up at WOT? Some real world experience would help.

Thanks
__________
Jeremy
SY#434
Santa Clara, CA


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: mrweelr on 2001-11-29 23:30 ]</font>

 

[4C FED]

The battery really won't help much once your underway.
You need to upgrade the alternator.

 

[smeagol]

A new battery *can* help, but not guaranteed.

A new coil in itself won't hurt, but don't think that a stocker isn't enough. A stock coil has powered trucks into the 10s. A hotter aftermarket one may just cause problems.

I'd do some labor before spending money... clean up grounds & terminals and such. A new alternator may help, but if you have other problems present, it won't help, or it will just bandaid it. High amp alternators ain't cheap.

Brian G

 

[manitoufs]

I had my garden variety "Pep Boys" alt. rebuilt to 140a, HD diode set and an overdrive sheave for $70.00 by a local alternator/starter rebuilder.

That was over a year ago and power has not been a problem since.

 

[mrweelr]

I just ordered a new stock coil and I'm still shopping around for a new battery. I hate to waste the money but I want my truck perfect so what the hell. The truck only has 48K miles and was garaged it's entire life. There is no rust or corrosion anywhere so I really doubt if I have ground problems but I will check/clean the terminals anyway.

_________________
Jeremy
SY#434
Santa Clara, CA

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: mrweelr on 2001-11-30 14:13 ]</font>

 

[Richard Le]

My Tuff Stuff chrome 105A alternator puts out a constant 13.4 volts under load with all lights and accessories off. My Optima red top battery is still going strong after four years.

 

[mrweelr]

Richard, you have a very nice Ty! So Optima Red Top it is :smile: Now where can I get one of those TuffStuff alternators sans chrome? My credit card needs some action, he he.

Thanks

 

[Richard Le]

Jeremy,

Unfortunately, Tuff Stuff only makes chrome alternator. I got mine from Jeg's. However, you can check out PowerMaster alternators:


http://www.powermastermotorsports.com

 

[mrweelr]

Thanks Richard, I'll take a look. On a side note, I went and got an Optima Red Top at Pep Boys for $118 out the door and plopped it in the Sy tonight. There is more room now for my Kenne Bell cold air tube since the corners are rounded instead of square...very cool. Shouldn't have to buy another battery for quite some time anyway.

 

[mrweelr]

Anyone know how much the Powermaster alternators costs? I don't want to spend $300 for a chrome Tuff Stuff.

 

[Falco]

Jeremy,

I got the following prices from Powermaster a few months ago.

105 amp
Chrome p/n 17861 $162.40

140 amp
Natural finish p/n 47861 $155.68
Black finish p/n 57861 $189.28
Chrome finish p/n 37861 $184.80

200 amp
Natural finish p/n 48203 $368.48
Black finish p/n 58203 $402.08
Chrome finish p/n 38203 $469.28

HTH,
Falco
Sy #2613

 

[mrweelr]

Cool, I just ordered the 140amp Powermaster from Summit Racing for $146.90 shipped to my door. This ought to take care of the low voltage issues :smile:

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: mrweelr on 2001-12-07 23:06 ]</font>

 

[AlaskaTy]

I have an optima red top coming in the mail I'll post some datamaster runs if you want it...should be installed in a couple of days or so.

Jason

 

[Falco]

mrwheelr,

If you upgrade to 140amps you should upgrade your alternator to battery charge wire to 8AWG at least.

Rgds,
Falco
Sy #2613

 

[mrweelr]

Falco,

The PowerMaster is on the way. Where do I get one of those wires you speak of? Let me know and I'll order it ASAP.

Thanks

 

[Falco]

Jeremy,

I'd walk to a car audio shop and ask for a 8AWG amplifier wire. I don't remember the exact length, but 8-9ft should do it. Unfortunatelly I'm not living in the US, so I can't give you any specific shop to go.

HTH,
Falco
Sy #2613

 

[syntax]

Falco, its the red/black wire you speak of right? if so does it go straight to the alternator and nowhere else? i thought it might go to the wiring harness first or something so i war weary to replace it

 

[mean green TY]

Napa sells a battery that fits our truck well,it's called obital,it's built like a optima(gel- cel) they have 2 sizes a 78 or 75.I went with the lighter 75.It cost around $100.00

 

[mrweelr]

Falco,

I'm going to upgrade the alternator to battery wire with 8AWG like you suggested. I'll post a follow-up with comments once I finish the job.

Thanks