Need a New Battery
Where can one shop for the Optima battery? and how much weight savings are we talking about over a stock Porsche battery? 
What ever you do don't buy a Porsche battery... The Interstate battery is a perfect fit and 850 CCA...if you want to lose weight you could go Optima.
here is the Interstate I bought
Interstate
here are some other options
RennTech Battery Link
here is the Interstate I bought
Interstate
here are some other options
RennTech Battery Link
Optima aren't worth it. the cost of the battery + adapter plate + install = too much.
But if you want to D.I.Y.
http://www.dietersmotorsports.com/tech/2002/02-2003.htm
Please save youself the $$$ and read.....
http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=2950
But if you want to D.I.Y.
http://www.dietersmotorsports.com/tech/2002/02-2003.htm
Please save youself the $$$ and read.....
http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=2950
I just dealt with this same issue, it's not nearly as complicated as everyone says. First call Erica@Optima (888-867-8462) and ask her to overnight you a pair of Black (not Red) Euro Adapters, then go to Pep Boys or Costco and buy an Optima Red 75/35 or 75/25 (newer version). For more detailed information, go to www.rennlist.com and then to the 996 GT3 forum and do a search on Optima Batteries. This site was also helpful: www.1st-optima-batteries.com/ (scroll down to Optima Starter Batteries).
I had to mod a custom lead surround shield to reduce affects of scattered quantum particle radiation, but other than that it seems to be a real winner.
I love Ebay!
My only reason to go with Optima is for weight reduction....when all is said and done what do you think the weight savings would be over a stock battery? 
I just dealt with this same issue, it's not nearly as complicated as everyone says. First call Erica@Optima (888-867-8462) and ask her to overnight you a pair of Black (not Red) Euro Adapters, then go to Pep Boys or Costco and buy an Optima Red 75/35 or 75/25 (newer version). For more detailed information, go to www.rennlist.com and then to the 996 GT3 forum and do a search on Optima Batteries. This site was also helpful: www.1st-optima-batteries.com/ (scroll down to Optima Starter Batteries).
I just dealt with this same issue, it's not nearly as complicated as everyone says. First call Erica@Optima (888-867-8462) and ask her to overnight you a pair of Black (not Red) Euro Adapters, then go to Pep Boys or Costco and buy an Optima Red 75/35 or 75/25 (newer version). For more detailed information, go to www.rennlist.com and then to the 996 GT3 forum and do a search on Optima Batteries. This site was also helpful: www.1st-optima-batteries.com/ (scroll down to Optima Starter Batteries).
If you want the link to my detailed installation instructions for installing an Optima group 34, they're on Renntech:
http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=7072
My stock Moll battery was around 35lbs, I have been told that a standard 996 battery is about 50lbs, the Optima is 33.1lbs. If you want an ultra light weight battery, go with an Odyssey or Braille. Both of these "super" batteries will need a special bracket in order to secure as well as a battery tender if you don't drive the car daily. Also, my Optima has 910 CA's at 32 degrees F, I personally don't need a lot of CCA's because I live in L.A. I'm not saying that the Optima is the best battery, but it works for me!
Last edited by jmla; Mar 8, 2008 at 01:10 AM.
I just bought the Optima Yellow Top (model 35) at Costco and before I mount it .. I thought I'll ask the group if the battery is suitable for my 996. It is labeled and rated as 810 CCA, 650 AH, and 98 RC. It has the reversed post which caught my eyes. I noticed majority of folks went with RedTop 34R.
I just put an interstate MTP-93 in my 996 C4S yeterday. I was told that it is a direct fit but I found it to be too long. I took out the battery mount pan and insert a bolt in the extra hole on the end to tie it down with a nut. To be safe, go with the MTP-91 as it is a shorter battery. Just make sure you ask for the vent hose. The attachment for the oem battery is not a direct fit for an interstate battery. Terminals are 10mm and the tie down is 13mm. I'm looking into a battery maintainer, just haven't decided on which one to go with. Group 48 batteries is what you should be looking for fitment.
never heard of a 10,000 year battery........try to get warranty at the 9000 year mark, lol
anyway, i am sure it uses some type of acid (gel i'm sure) or is a small nuclear device.
The difference between regular and gel cells is the probability of a spill is much less with a gel. and we all know what acid can do to paint.....
i got a 34R in mine and have had no problems since new (2+ years)
jorge

anyway, i am sure it uses some type of acid (gel i'm sure) or is a small nuclear device.
The difference between regular and gel cells is the probability of a spill is much less with a gel. and we all know what acid can do to paint.....

i got a 34R in mine and have had no problems since new (2+ years)
jorge
Hmm- I beg to differ. The battery I just installed says in big letters "Zero Point Module (ZPM)" and came with a 10,000 yr warranty. Not sure of the manufacturer or specific model, but for sure it does not use acid.
I had to mod a custom lead surround shield to reduce affects of scattered quantum particle radiation, but other than that it seems to be a real winner.
I love Ebay!

I had to mod a custom lead surround shield to reduce affects of scattered quantum particle radiation, but other than that it seems to be a real winner.
I love Ebay!

Last edited by zdr2k; Jun 2, 2008 at 07:21 AM.
This thread is heating up!! LOL
I replaced my 6 yo Moll battery with one from Walmart for $70. Everlast 48 group size. It has all the hoses. Easy to install and lighter than Moll by about 3-5 lbs. Fit original bolt down without issue. 2 yr full replacement and pro rated after than for 8 or 9 yrs.
Walmart was cheaper than autoparts stores selling all at $90 (kragen, pepboys, autozone) and they were the only one opened last night. I think Costco sell this size as well but they were closed way early.
I didn't want to bother with any modification of the battery tie down or tray. Too much trouble...
I replaced my 6 yo Moll battery with one from Walmart for $70. Everlast 48 group size. It has all the hoses. Easy to install and lighter than Moll by about 3-5 lbs. Fit original bolt down without issue. 2 yr full replacement and pro rated after than for 8 or 9 yrs.
Walmart was cheaper than autoparts stores selling all at $90 (kragen, pepboys, autozone) and they were the only one opened last night. I think Costco sell this size as well but they were closed way early.
I didn't want to bother with any modification of the battery tie down or tray. Too much trouble...
I just put an interstate MTP-93 in my 996 C4S yeterday. I was told that it is a direct fit but I found it to be too long. I took out the battery mount pan and insert a bolt in the extra hole on the end to tie it down with a nut. To be safe, go with the MTP-91 as it is a shorter battery. Just make sure you ask for the vent hose. The attachment for the oem battery is not a direct fit for an interstate battery. Terminals are 10mm and the tie down is 13mm. I'm looking into a battery maintainer, just haven't decided on which one to go with. Group 48 batteries is what you should be looking for fitment.
Rennline has a pretty slick setup
http://www.rennline.com/prodinfo.asp...ation=PC925MJT
http://www.rennline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=EL30%2E34
http://www.rennline.com/prodinfo.asp...ation=PC925MJT
http://www.rennline.com/prodinfo.asp?number=EL30%2E34
Autozone's Duralast here, too.
If you inadvertantly leave the Recaro's fan on, it WILL kill a battery. two guesses how I discovered this fact...
(thankfully it was the wife's seat that had the fan switched on)
If you inadvertantly leave the Recaro's fan on, it WILL kill a battery. two guesses how I discovered this fact...
(thankfully it was the wife's seat that had the fan switched on)







