996 Battery recommendation/comments

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32wildbilly
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996 Battery recommendation/comments

Post by 32wildbilly » Sat Nov 28, 2020 8:35 am

Ok so my battery came with the car in 2014 so I do not know how old it is. I am thinking next spring would be a good time to change it although it appears to still be healthy. I see an ad in Pano for the Antigravity Battery and wondered if these are a good safe replacement. I like the lighter weight if for nothing else installation, the remote for dead battery revival and the 8-10 year warranty. What makes me nervous is the Lithium Ion deal. You computer dudes and all the talk about "unplanned deconstruction" is something I would not care to experience in the frunk of my car. Another question: didn't I read somewhere that these types of batteries require a different charger/maintainer?

Comments?

Suggestions?
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02TX996Cab
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Re: 996 Battery recommendation/comments

Post by 02TX996Cab » Sat Nov 28, 2020 9:38 am

TBH, unless you're tracking the car or are simply want to pay the $$$ for "lighter weight bragging rights" at your Saturday coffee and cars, the correct sized lead-acid or AGM battery from (gasp!) Walmart is worth considering. Their "EverStart Maxx" batteries are manufactured by Johnson Controls, who also make several well-known brands (e.g. Interstate, Die-Hard and Optima).

Cost at Walmart is approximately $165 for an AGM battery with a 5-year warranty. Actual life should be much longer than that if you consistently use a quality maintainer.

I'm running one of their batteries in my 996 -- zero issues, would buy again. The upcharge for lithium ion technology (battery plus new maintainer) simply doesn't offer good value for money for me. YMMV of course.
Proud owner of a Flat6-powered 2002 996 Cab, 2016 GT4, 2019 Ford F-150 "Country Cadillac", and 2005 Ford Focus (not so hot hatch) daily driver. And a Wright ZTO 52" to keep several acres of grass-like substance neat and tidy!

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DBJoe996
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Re: 996 Battery recommendation/comments

Post by DBJoe996 » Sun Nov 29, 2020 4:59 am

I got my H6 AGM battery from Autozone. Works perfect. I read somewhere that the Lithium batteries with the auto shutoff to preserve power for a restart can be an awful pain in the neck because the button is on the battery, and the battery is in the frunk, which requires power to open. Get it?
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FRUNKenstein
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Re: 996 Battery recommendation/comments

Post by FRUNKenstein » Mon Nov 30, 2020 9:00 am

I normally buy mine at Advance Auto online and pick up in store (where they will install for you, too). I like Advance Auto because you can scout around and normally find a coupon code for 20 to 30% off what is normally a good price to begin with. It works for non-Die Hard brand batteries, and for Die Hard brand, they still give 10% off (use coupon code DH10).
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Current:
2002 996TT X50, Guards Red
1987 928S4, Guards Red
1987 951, Guards Red
1973 914 2.0 Bahia Red

2006 955S, Lapis Blue
Other toys:
1988 BMW 325i Cabriolet, Alpin Weiss
1987 Bertone X1/9, Verde Chiaro
Gone but not forgotten: 1975 914 2.0, Laguna Blue; 1999 996 C4 Aerokit Black; 1990 964 C2 Guards Red; 2006 955S Arctic Silver

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32wildbilly
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Re: 996 Battery recommendation/comments

Post by 32wildbilly » Tue Feb 15, 2022 10:29 am

Ok so update. I have NOT purchased a new battery yet. I don't drive the car that often and never when it's winter. So other than summer heat the battery doesn't take much abuse. While stored in winter I always have a maintainer hooked up.

My question is and I know it requires a crystal ball: Should I really plan on changing it this spring? It is at least 8 years old!!!
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gnat
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Re: 996 Battery recommendation/comments

Post by gnat » Tue Feb 15, 2022 11:06 am

32wildbilly wrote: Tue Feb 15, 2022 10:29 am Ok so update. I have NOT purchased a new battery yet. I don't drive the car that often and never when it's winter. So other than summer heat the battery doesn't take much abuse. While stored in winter I always have a maintainer hooked up.

My question is and I know it requires a crystal ball: Should I really plan on changing it this spring? It is at least 8 years old!!!
If it still cranks the car reliably, let it ride. Replace it when you start having weird electrical issues or it doesn't want to start quickly.

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FRUNKenstein
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Re: 996 Battery recommendation/comments

Post by FRUNKenstein » Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:39 am

gnat wrote: Tue Feb 15, 2022 11:06 am
32wildbilly wrote: Tue Feb 15, 2022 10:29 am Ok so update. I have NOT purchased a new battery yet. I don't drive the car that often and never when it's winter. So other than summer heat the battery doesn't take much abuse. While stored in winter I always have a maintainer hooked up.

My question is and I know it requires a crystal ball: Should I really plan on changing it this spring? It is at least 8 years old!!!
If it still cranks the car reliably, let it ride. Replace it when you start having weird electrical issues or it doesn't want to start quickly.
I agree. My caveat would only be to replace it before heading out of town in it. And probably a good idea to keep a set of jumper cables in the back seat.
www.kansascityautomuseum.com
Current:
2002 996TT X50, Guards Red
1987 928S4, Guards Red
1987 951, Guards Red
1973 914 2.0 Bahia Red

2006 955S, Lapis Blue
Other toys:
1988 BMW 325i Cabriolet, Alpin Weiss
1987 Bertone X1/9, Verde Chiaro
Gone but not forgotten: 1975 914 2.0, Laguna Blue; 1999 996 C4 Aerokit Black; 1990 964 C2 Guards Red; 2006 955S Arctic Silver

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32wildbilly
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Re: 996 Battery recommendation/comments

Post by 32wildbilly » Wed Feb 16, 2022 9:38 am

Good idea. I bought a NOCO jumper thingie this winter. It will go in the 996 this spring.
FRUNKenstein wrote: Wed Feb 16, 2022 8:39 am
gnat wrote: Tue Feb 15, 2022 11:06 am
If it still cranks the car reliably, let it ride. Replace it when you start having weird electrical issues or it doesn't want to start quickly.
I agree. My caveat would only be to replace it before heading out of town in it. And probably a good idea to keep a set of jumper cables in the back seat.
Never gonna make you cry...

JayG
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Re: 996 Battery recommendation/comments

Post by JayG » Sat Feb 26, 2022 7:28 am

Get a battery from Costco
they have the best and easiest replacement guarantee

They used to have 42 mo replacement and now I think it dropped to 36 mo
They don't check then when you return, so in reality , you could take the battery back every 24-36 mo and get a new one for free
If they even ask, tell them it wont hold a charge
2004 Boxster S 6 speed - DRL relay hack, Polaris AutoTop DIY (sold)
2004 996 Targa Tip
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