Optima battery installed

[geoff]

I just finished installing an Optima 34R last night in my 2001 Boxster, and thought I would pass along a few "lessons learned" to benefit others.

First, I got all the (conflicting) Optima battery install instructions I could find on the Internet, including the RennTech one in the DIY section above. I decided to get the 34R. A good AutoZone near here didn't carry it, but one of the guys behind the counter called the local Interstate battery distributor and offered to drive out on his own time to pick it up for me, at no additional cost. There was no way I was going to ask a guy making $20/hour to do that for me just as a favor, but I did find out all Interstate battery distributors will sell to anyone who walks in off the street. Optima batteries are in short supply in some areas these days, so call ahead.

The mounting plate: Yes, you do need one. Bed, Bath and Beyond is constantly sending me discount coupons. They have a nice, Very High Density Polyethylene cutting board that is plenty big for $15 after their discounts, with lots left for practice and scrap. It's 0.4 inches thick - exactly right. I cut it with a circular saw to 6 7/8" by 12 1/2". This is different from all the instructions, but fit perfectly and I reused the battery mounting clamp. Use a sander to smooth the edges and round the corners. I initially cut it to 14" long, but after some thought, decided to make it the right length to use the Porsche battery hold-down, and it fit better with no leftover parts.

When I first tried hooking it up for positioning, neither cable was long enough. :censored: I found out loosening both bolts holding the battery cables and rotating them for better position added a lot of flexibility and effective length.

Everything else went according to directions. The only fasteners needed were 4 each of 1.25" (or 1.5") flathead screws, washers and lock nuts.

I rolled up the vent cable, cable tied it, left it connected at the other end, and shoved it out of the way in case it's needed in the future.

I used the Porsche battery maintainer the whole time, and didn't have to reprogram the radio code. The OBC settings (trip mileage, MPG, etc.) remained for a long time, but I stopped for dinner partway through, and when I was all done the OBC settings were gone.

Now that I have the Optima battery installed with the mounting plate, I expect replacing it in the future when the time comes will take less than 30 minutes (I'm slow)

Hope this helps others

[EZ Aire]

Fantastic mounting Idea. Perfect fit. Thanks.

[CT986S]

Yup, me too. Thanks for taking the time to document your install. My 01 S is almost due...

[geoff]

I posted a picture at http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?s...ost&p=82194 a while ago if that helps anyone, but never added it here