Battery....

[visor]

hi friends, last year we used one of the batteries from OPTIMA Batteries. It was 41Ah, CCA-550, CA-650. the biggest problem was the weight cuz it weighed around 13Kgs!!! This year we are planing to use a smaller battery. With all the systems running simultaneously, the current required would be 15-18Amps(without the alternator charging). What are the ratings we should look for?? What are the typical ratings for CCA & CA??

[visor]

hi friends, last year we used one of the batteries from OPTIMA Batteries. It was 41Ah, CCA-550, CA-650. the biggest problem was the weight cuz it weighed around 13Kgs!!! This year we are planing to use a smaller battery. With all the systems running simultaneously, the current required would be 15-18Amps(without the alternator charging). What are the ratings we should look for?? What are the typical ratings for CCA & CA??

[Chuckster]

Probably 18aH capacity or less. Look at what the motorcycle mfg puts on a street motorcycle with the same motor as you are running. You should be able to get below 5 kg. Keep the cable size up and length very short to help the cranking capability of any battery.

[Brian S]

Last year we ran a 14aH battery. We had a few issues running out of power during testing from hitting the starter a lot, so we stuck a connector in the side of the car and a car battery on the tool wagon. This made it really easy to plus in a charger or second battery when ever the car stopped. Basically if the car is sitting still have a charger on it, and make sure the second battery is always topped off so it doesn't drain the car's battery.

The second battery saved us at the competition too. On the last accel run I got up to the line and the car wouldn't start. We pushed it back, plugged in the battery on the cart, waited a little while and it worked fine.

[visor]

thnx guys. Can u tell me if theres a cheap charger available?? n how do u guys manage during the Endurance with a 14Ah battery? Do u check the CCA & CA ratings while selecting a battery?

[Brian S]

We didn't have any battery problems getting through endurance.