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A week or so ago I replaced the original Saab battery in my 1998 900SET. The original battery was 4 years old and I was beginning to get a bit concerned about when it would fail (always at the most inopportune time, of course).
The short story is that I fit an Interstate Batteries Model SC34R (which is actually an Optima Spiralcell Model R34 “Orange Top” battery except it is sold through Interstate Batteries). This is a group 34R battery and it fit just fine The polarity of the battery terminals is correct (Left terminal - negative, Right terminal –positive) so the battery cables do not have to be stretched or re-routed. The battery is about 1/2” longer and 1/2” taller than the stock battery, but there is plenty of room. However, the stock battery black insulation wrap/cover will not fit the larger battery. I found some soft vinyl battery terminal covers at my local Shucks Auto Supply that I cut to fit over the battery terminals to dress the battery up a bit.
The Optima Spiralcell batteries supposedly have these advantages:
> Last up to 3 times longer than other batteries.
> Can sit unused 3 times longer than other batteries.
> Is 15 times more resistant to vibration than other batteries.
> Is nonspillable and can mount in almost any position.
> It provides constant performance quality keeping your battery running at the same level even as it's being discharged.
I choose the Interstate Batteries Model SC34R over buying the battery straight from Optima because Interstate Batteries offers a 24 month free replacement, while Optima only offers a 12 month free replacement.
I have used an Optima “Red Top” battery in my 1991 Alfa Romeo for several years with very good results. In the Alfa, the battery is trunk mounted and a leak proof battery makes for peace of mind.
The original battery fitted in my 1998 Saab 900SET was a BCI Group Size* 47 with the actual battery measurements being 9.7” Length x 6.8” Width x 7.4” Height. The minimum recommended cold cranking amps (CCA)** for the Saab NG900 is 580 amps.
I found that most of the recommended replacement batteries are either BCI Group Size* 42 (9.6” Length x 6.8 Width x6.8 Height) or BCI Group Size* 47 (9.7” Length x 6.9” Width x 7.5” Height).
Here is a quick comparison between the commonly recommended Sears DieHard International Battery and the Interstate Batteries Model SC34R (aka. Optima Model R34 “Orange Top”) battery:
Sears DieHard International $99.00
Group Size* 42 – 9.6” Length x 6.8” Width x 6.8” Height
Cold Cranking Amps** – 650 amps
Reserve Capacity*** – 90 minutes
Free Replacement period – 18 months
Pro-rated Replacement period – 72 months
Interstate Batteries Model SC34R (aka. Optima Model R34 “Orange Top”) $139.00
Group Size* 34R – 10.3” Length x 6.8” Width x 7.9” Height
Cold Cranking Amps** – 750 amps
Reserve Capacity*** – 104 minutes
Free Replacement period – 24 months
Pro-rated Replacement period – 72 months
*Battery Council International. Promoters of battery standards, notably the "Group Sizes" which specify the external dimensions of a battery.
**Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) – CCA is a rating used in the battery industry to define a battery's ability to start an engine. The CCA rating is the number of amps that can be removed from a new fully charged battery at 0º F (18º C) for 30 seconds while maintaining a voltage of at least 7.2 volts for a 12 volt battery.
***Reserve Capacity is an industry rating used to define a battery's ability to deliver a small amount of current to power a vehicle with an inoperative alternator or when the engine is off but electrical accessories remain on. The actual rating is the number of minutes a battery at 80º F (26º C) can be discharged at 25 amperes and maintain a voltage of 10.5 volts for a 12 volts battery. (1.75 volts per cell.)
posted by 208.49.24...
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