6 volt Batteries

[Bruno]

Do any of you know of a 6 volt battery with higher cranking amps (CCA) than a red-top Optima at 800 CCA????

[Mike51Merc]

Just curious---- why do you need so much capacity?

NAPA Commercial has a 950, but it's as big as a house and costs $154

[Sixseven]

Beware of the Optima reputation as the company ownership has changed and manufacturing moved to Mexico. I have a 10 year old Optima that is not tendered and works great. Friends with new ones say move on to another brand.

[FortyNiner]

Optima batteries were and are produced by Johnson Controls - no change of ownership. They have factories scattered about to minimize freight costs. Can't speak to any changes in performance.

[tubman]

Lots of discussion of this on the H.A.M.B. if anyone is interested. Personally, I'd be very careful and check everything (including the warranty) before buying.

[Gumpy]

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I used to sell batteries ,,,and the old rule of thumb was one CCA per cubic inch.....for a 289 motor with no ac you need about 300 CCA,, 800 cca's is alot! Gump

[jkeesey]

Originally Posted by Gumpy

I used to sell batteries ,,,and the old rule of thumb was one CCA per cubic inch.....for a 289 motor with no ac you need about 300 CCA,, 800 cca's is alot! Gump

I agree with Gumpy here. Ive used many a small tractor battery for running v8s. Ive actually got one in my race car right now starting an 8ba. If you are looking because of starting troubles you may want to look elsewhere.

[tubman]

Originally Posted by jkeesey

I agree with Gumpy here. Ive used many a small tractor battery for running v8s. Ive actually got one in my race car right now starting an 8ba. If you are looking because of starting troubles you may want to look elsewhere.

I'll have to go the other way. I needed a battery quick once for my '51 club coupe. The only battery available on short notice was a group 1 with 425 CCA. From the time I installed it, I had a hard time starting the car when it was warm. Cleaned grounds and replaced a few components to no avail. Finally put in a proper sixed 725 CCA battery and have never had a problem since. There was a reason Ford engineers designed these cars with group 2 and 2L batteries instead of group 1.

I don't doubt that a smaller battery might work in a race car where everything is out in the open, but when your car is sitting on hot asphalt on a 95 degree day and you run into the store for something, you might appreciate the extra CCA's when you come out. It got to the point that I would always open the hood when I parked the '51; people thought I was wowing them with my stock engine. It actually was the only way I was sure it would start.

[Mike51Merc]

Originally Posted by tubman

I'll have to go the other way. I needed a battery quick once for my '51 club coupe. The only battery available on short notice was a group 1 with 425 CCA. From the time I installed it, I had a hard time starting the car when it was warm. Cleaned grounds and replaced a few components to no avail. Finally put in a proper sixed 725 CCA battery and have never had a problem since. There was a reason Ford engineers designed these cars with group 2 and 2L batteries instead of group 1.

I don't doubt that a smaller battery might work in a race car where everything is out in the open, but when your car is sitting on hot asphalt on a 95 degree day and you run into the store for something, you might appreciate the extra CCA's when you come out. It got to the point that I would always open the hood when I parked the '51; people thought I was wowing them with my stock engine. It actually was the only way I was sure it would start.

Are you saying the OP needs more than 800?

[tubman]

Not at all, but he should have at least what the car came with from the factory, and a little more can't hurt.