Region: CFR
Car #: 86
Year : 1990 Posts: 196
Status: Offline
posted
As I see it there are two choices.
1. Get an original battery from a mazda dealor. It is a bit pricey but will fit where it belongs and will be secured properly in place with the original parts there.
2. Get a Westco battery. They are cheaper and are supposed to be better than the original replacement. The new ones by them have the terminals located correctly so there are no connection difficulties. It is supposed to bolt down the same way as the original ones, but I have no first hand experience with this so can't say for sure.
Region: WDCR
Car #: 46
Year : 1992 Posts: 1179
Status: Offline
posted
I just went through my first WestCo battery... it lasted a year. It was fine during last season, but after it sat over the winter (disconnected), it wouldn't hold a charge. I had a WestCo dealer tell me (after the fact) that they are not always as reliable as advertized and they do a lot of warranty work. That being said, WestCo was VERY helpful and immediately shipped me a new battery free of charge, even though the warranty said it should be pro-rated since I had bought it just over a year ago. I'm just glad that there was someone that had a jumper pack that I could use on grid at the last race (thanks Bret!)
I am quite new to this scene as I just purchased my first SM; but people are running standard lead acid batteries? I was looking through what I believe was the SCCA Rules and it does not specify but I was under the impression that we would need to run an AGM battery. Is this not correct? Thank you for the help.
Region: NER
Car #: 46
Year : 1993 Posts: 160
Status: Offline
posted
I put a Deka glass mat in two years ago. Same size, etc as OEM. As I remember the cost was around $110. Also suggest a "Battery Tender" type trickle charger. With all the batteries that do not get daily use, it seems I always have it charging something.
-------------------- LTD Racing Chief Of Inappropriate Comments
Qik Nip
Loose Member '09 & '10 Great Lakes Regional Points Champion
Region: Cincinnati Great Lakes
Car #: 60
Year : 1990 Posts: 1487
Status: Offline
posted
quote:Originally posted by capmoco: I am quite new to this scene as I just purchased my first SM; but people are running standard lead acid batteries? I
Yep, we are. I believe the rules allow any battery so long as it is the same weight and size as the origial - and is installed in the same location. Rick P.S. Welcome to the collective!
-------------------- Fortune Cookie Racing SM 60 Directions for use: Race, Rumple, Repair ... Repeat!