Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications General Mods Sealed Lead Acid Batteries, anyone?

Anyone here use an SLA (sealed lead acid) battery on their car? Reviews?

I know dyna batt is one brand of sla's marketed towards performance cars. The neat thing about em is that they are only alittle bigger than a motorcycle battery but, put out as much if not more cold cranking amps as a regular auto battery. They typically last longer, and as a big plus they can weigh as little as acouple pounds depending on application! For our cars probably 10-14lbs not bad!

Also they aren't really all that expensive a Odyssey PC680 (a dyna batt is a rebadged odyssey, which would suit our cars) runs about $77. Now that's more than your cheapy duralast but, for a gel/dry cell that weighs 1/4 of your regular car battery! I'd say it's well worth it, for the weight savings! And they work very well in all climates.

learn more at:
http://www.stealth316.com/2-dynabatt.htm

Did you read the link you posted? These batteries work very poorly in cold climates and have a VERY tiny reserve capacity; something like 19 mins?! That alone would deter me from putting it anything but a "race only" car.

I run two small batteries like that in my trunk. Still save about 20 pounds and have enough reserve for normal stuff.

He's right though, one isn't enough if you have cold weather or any kind of starting issue.

I ran a PC925 Odyssey last winter in my SHO - still a lot lighter(13# IIRC) than OEM and had plenty of cranking power for -30* starts .

Ran a PC-680 for a year, no problems. The guy I sold the car to still has it.

I have an Odyssey PC680MT. From what I've seen, the dynabatt is based off the Odyssey PC680 (no MT). The MT comes in a metal outer shell to handle heat (engine bay) better and has the terminals. I think I've had mine for about 1 1/2 years, with no ill effects.... except I left the keys in the ignition in the accessory possition... I tried to start the car about 45 mins later and had to jump it. Other than that.. it always fires right up... even in the winters (only gets down to about 36F at night here). I don't have a stero, so I can't comment on the extra draw. My alternator is underdriven though.