What size battery do I go with if I change my engine size from a 3.8 v-6 to a 350 rocket in a 83 cutlass? Do I stay with what should come in the car originally? What to do?
Battery size?
- Thread starter MWA
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I like the AC Delco 78-7YR. I also try to get the dual terminal batteries when I can.
The side terminals hook up the car, and the unused top posts come in handy for charging/jumping if you need to, since the side terminals can be difficult to clamp onto.
It's about as big of a battery that you can fit in the stock tray, and will give you all the cranking power you could need.
The side terminals hook up the car, and the unused top posts come in handy for charging/jumping if you need to, since the side terminals can be difficult to clamp onto.
It's about as big of a battery that you can fit in the stock tray, and will give you all the cranking power you could need.
I'd keep what you have for now. If it's healthy it should be fine. I'd want a bigger alternator before I got a bigger battery anyway, and you can go to a bigger battery later if it's really needed.
look up the largest batt for your car, then look up the latest model olds with a 350 and compare the batteries. they may very well be the same. i'd probably use the 350 batt as it'll be harder to take over, especially if you go to performance mods. the truth is it's hard to overdo a battery, but very easy to underdo it. the only problem with too large a batt is the extra load on the alternator.
X2 on the Delco. Many G's from the early 80's have a plastic strap retainer that hooks into the battery tray and bolts to the core support. You may not be able to use it with a 78 Delco, as they had different hold-down straps for different batteries. If so, a 72 Delco will work also, just not as well as a 78. I won't use anything but a Delco in any of my cars. The electrolyte is unique in that it doesn't promote battery tray corrosion, unlike any other battery I've seen.
Bill
Bill
BTW, side terminals are junk!! you're much better off replacing your terminals and using the top posts. i used to see tons of problems stemming from the use of side terminals.
Not to start an argument, but in 35 years of experience GM dealerships I disagree. While there definitely a PIA with jumper cables, if you loosen and retorque a side terminal once in a while, and keep them clean, they'll last forever IMO. I've seen far more issues with bolt-on terminal ends of any type, which is why I'll only replace an entire cable, never just a cable end. GM has recently started to phase top terminals back in on many of its vehicles, but it was likely for cost reasons rather than reliability.megaladon6 said:
Bill
yes, if you constantly maintain them they're ok. but on 99% of the cars out there, post warranty, they don't have constant attention and have corrosion issues. when i was a mechanic i learned on any screwy diagnosis (of a GM) to pull and clean the terminals so i actually had proper voltage.
Hands down, Deka Imtimidator.
The one in my wagon served 5 years in a 454 dually before going into the wagon 3? years ago.
Alot of "battery issues" have nothing to do with the battery.
The Deka is daul terminal. I make my own heavy gauge wire from the alt and go direct to the top post.
Proper sized cables go a long way, most people neglect the nega/ground side, it is more important then the postive side.
Do it once, right.
All connections get Noalox on the inside/connection surfaces. After all connection are set they are coated with dielectric grease on the outside.
In the imortal words of Ron Popiel, "set it and forget it".
The one in my wagon served 5 years in a 454 dually before going into the wagon 3? years ago.
Alot of "battery issues" have nothing to do with the battery.
The Deka is daul terminal. I make my own heavy gauge wire from the alt and go direct to the top post.
Proper sized cables go a long way, most people neglect the nega/ground side, it is more important then the postive side.
Do it once, right.
All connections get Noalox on the inside/connection surfaces. After all connection are set they are coated with dielectric grease on the outside.
In the imortal words of Ron Popiel, "set it and forget it".
Ditto the cables and clean connections. Best battery I ever had was free. Found it in the parking lot at work where someone dumped it on the curb after replacing there's. It was an small old Sears DieHard 35 that was about 2" low on water, so I took it home, filled it up, charged it overnight, and it worked great for 5 years starting a Pontiac 400.
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