Replacement battery
 

I need to replace the battery in my Backdraft but I'm having a hard time determining what type I need. The Backdraft Racing battery I took out doesn't have much information on it to go by. On top it says Silver Calcium maintenance free battery. I have Googled all the numbers I see etched in the battery and have came up with nothing. I checked on-line at Backdraftparts.com and they don't even sell a replacement battery that I could find. There is a label on the side with the large number 619C, Then at the bottom of the label it says 12v 40AH. There is a number on the top of the battery that says toll free but it must be an overseas number. Normally batteries are labeled with a number that indicates the size so you can just pick up a replacement any where. Anybody had to replace their battery? If so what number did you buy and can a lead acid be used in place of the silver calcium? When I Googled silver acid batteries almost all answers where from Australia or New Zealand. Per most posts, Ford switched to those batteries in 1997 and the voltage required to keep them charged is 14.8 volts verses the normal 14.4. Not knowing if the 619C number is the cold cranking amps I'd hate to buy a battery that doesn't have enough power and destroy it. The engine is the 351W stroked to 392 Ford crate engine.

I was advised by Jay at Vintage that an Exide Classic 26R-60 was the replacement battery for my Backdraft #1133.

Original battery is from South Africa, they do not use the same group sizing as US.

Silver Calcium batteries do work best charging at 14.8 volts, info.

Link to original battery:

619C Has dimension for size matching.

Manufacture

I used a Sears Diehard, size 34R.

I used a group size 34 as well (Everstart MAXX) The original one in mine was a SABAT from South Africa, it didn't work too well because it used to burn up the wire coming from the alternator. I had to increase the wire size and put a in-line fuse. No problems since.

Is your battery centered in trunk or sunk in left rear quarter?

Cashburn, it's sunk in the left side of the trunk.

Richard's battery part number is what you need above.

I have an Optima battery in my Backdraft, They are more expensive, but are an incedible battery. My car can sit 2 months in the winter and fires right up. You should be able to match the size on their site

OPTIMA® Batteries : Car, Marine, & RV Batteries :: OPTIMA® Batteries

Optima does not offer a battery that fits the new cars.

How about the little 925 Odyssey ./?

Odyssey PC925


those things fit anywhere.

Yes odyssey makes one that fits. There's another brand as well that makes a similar small battery.

This thread is so timely... I am considering replacing my battery also. So what is the recommended battery for those that are centered in the trunk?

Thanks...

You can use an Optima. Though Optima does not have the reputation it once did. They don't seem to last like they used to unless you keep them fed with a trickle charger when the car sits for extended periods.

Thanks Cashburn and to all that answered. Checking around for the 26R I found the best price at Sears for the Diehard. I also have ran the Odyssey batteries in my motorcycles and have been impressed with them.

Thanks again........

Unvented Optima batteries are NOT recommended by Optima for 2002-2005 Thunderbirds. Here is a cut and paste from Thunderbirdnest.com:
OPTIMA BATTERY

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I thought an Optima battery would be an ideal replacement for my wife's car when the OE battery heads south.
See the response from Optima below.


Unfortunately we are not able to recommend a certain model for your vehicle. Your vehicle
needs a battery that can be vented to the outside. Although Optimas are completely sealed batteries, if your alternator malfunctions or the battery is overcharged, valves can open and gas can be released.

Please feel free to contact customer service at the number below if you have any other questions. Thank you for your interest and support of Optima Batteries.

Minh
Optima Batteries
Customer Service
1.800.292.4359
__________________


I have no idea if all sealed batteries are contra-indicated for use in the trunk. Oddesy batteries might be different.

rpatton3 is absolutely correct- any lead-acid battery, Optima or otherwise, mounted in an enclosed space (interior or trunk), should be vented to the outside air. If a battery does vent in an extreme situation, those fumes are both toxic and flammable.

The key to long battery life, regardless of brand, is proper voltage maintenance. Fully-charged, our RedTops will measure about 12.6-12.8 volts and our YellowTops will measure about 13.0-13.2 volts. Whenever any battery is discharged below 12.4 volts and left sitting in that state, sulfation begins to form in the battery, which diminishes both capacity and lifespan. That makes a quality battery maintenance device an excellent investment for any vehicle that doesn't see regular use.

The quality of our products has always been excellent and the batteries we are making today are the best we have ever made. Many of the "bad" batteries returned to us today are just deeply-discharged and work fine, when properly-recharged. This is not unique to Optima and has become problematic enough for other AGM brands and manufacturers, that some will now void your warranty, if your battery is found to be discharged below a minimum voltage level.

We didn't do that with our warranty, but we now sponsor the Chumpcar World Series and give away these "AdOptimas" to the competitors to use in their race cars. If anyone has any questions about our batteries, I'll do my best to answer them.

Jim McIlvaine
eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries, Inc.
OPTIMA® Batteries (optimabatteries) on Pinterest

Bought a Costco battery for my Backdraft, 24F. 700CCA, 875 regular cranking. $89.00 36/100. recommended by Consumer Reports. Works great.