Time for a new Battery, suggestions?

[mrmustang]

My 289FIA battery has given up the ghost, I was surprised to find a NAPA battery (their part number 5022NF) BCI# 22NF sitting in the battery tray, I do hope that is not my only choice.

Specs are as follows:

8" high
5.5" deep
9" in length.


What is everyone using in theirs or what is the recommended replacement from ERA? ERA's online manual link goes to http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/ which is offline.


Bill S.

[PeteF]

I recently installed an Interstate (Group 45 I think) that matched the dimensions of the one I removed in ERA 2041. No issues. I have used Interstate for many years with good results. Be careful to keep the wrench from touching the battery hold down clamps when tightening the positive cable, as they are metallic. Better yet, install the positive cable first, as I learned.

[Robert McLinden]

I have a red top Optima in there for the last 8 years or so. Had to "mickey mouse" the hold down clamp, never thought it would hold, but still tight as a drum with about 13000 miles on her. It does sit on a Autometer tender whenever not in use.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by Robert McLinden

I have a red top Optima in there for the last 8 years or so. Had to "mickey mouse" the hold down clamp, never thought it would hold, but still tight as a drum with about 13000 miles on her. It does sit on a Autometer tender whenever not in use.

Do you remember the part number for that battery as I cannot find a red top that comes close dimension wise. I did find a Yellow Top D51 or D51R that comes pretty close.

Bill S.

[fordracing65]

Odyssey battery.

[mrmustang]

Since group 45's are extremely difficult to find (at least in my area), I ordered a Optima yellow Top "D51" (part# 8071-167). Dimensions are

Length: 9.272"
Width: 5.024"
Height: 8.885" (measured to tops of terminals)

With the DOHC 32V Fi engine, heater, wipers, radio, aftermarket ECU (Accel Gen 7 which requires 12V constant) this is the best bang for the buck.


Bill S.

[Roger Bray]

My first Optima lasted 8 yrs and my second one has 4 yrs on it and going strong.
I don't even use a battery tender ... I only start it up every month or so during the winter.

[Quik289]

The yellow Optima Group 51 fit right in my ERA 289FIA. Only a year old, but cranking strong.

[rpatton3]

Optima does not recommend sealed batteries in the unvented trunk.
They replied that to me in their Thunderbirdnest.com post.
An overcharged battery is very rare but Optima doesn't recommend their batteries for retro birds.

Russell

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by rpatton3

Optima does not recommend sealed batteries in the unvented trunk.
They replied that to me in their Thunderbirdnest.com post.
An overcharged battery is very rare but Optima doesn't recommend their batteries for retro birds.

Russell

The ERA FIA battery location is in the right rear wheel well, accessible by removing the right rear wheel and splash-shield. A well ventilated area.

Bill S.

[rpatton3]

I stand corrected. Optima did not recommend their batteries for 2002-2005 Thunderbirds.
My wife's Thunderbird needed a battery but Optima said an overcharged battery in an UNVENTED application was not recommended.

I know they make good batteries; I have seen them on power wheelchairs.

Thanks,

Russell