Back in an MX5 - J-Ltd II
Discussion
Paddy_N_Murphy said:
Completely O/T, but on a morning like today, on my 12mile country lane commute to the office - there is NOTHING better than a little MX5 singing away.
They are so misunderstood cars....
Couldn't agree more. I had a lovely drive into the office today. I waved to a fellow 5er in a mk2, who reciprocated with a big smile on his face. Have left the roof off the car in the car park too, so it'll be warm and fresh when I leave tonight. They are so misunderstood cars....
Tom, just looking at your initial photos again, it looks like you have a "normal" battery in there. These cars originally came with a gel type battery which had breather holes that connected to a pipe to vent the battery fumes out of the car. This could be why your clamp doesn't fit properly.
Supposedly if the battery gasses don't vent then they may cause rust issues in the boot.
Places like MX5 Parts sell Westco batteries that fit. They're a bit controversial for reliability (have a google), but may be worth looking at. Other suppliers and batteries are available.
Supposedly if the battery gasses don't vent then they may cause rust issues in the boot.
Places like MX5 Parts sell Westco batteries that fit. They're a bit controversial for reliability (have a google), but may be worth looking at. Other suppliers and batteries are available.
Well I'm delighted to say that the longer J-Bolt has done the job just perfectly. I can also confirm that an 053 battery, as listed as correct by many motor factors and suppliers DOES fit in the standard battery tray under the standard hold down clamp as long as you have the longer J-bolt. Its part number W001-38-518A and was £3.26 + postage (£5.54 all in) from MX5 Parts, quote ref SI7225 and they should be able to sell you one, although it is not listed on the website so you will need to call them.
The 053 battery fitted is generally around £50, 360CCA and 45AH, so a reasonable upgrade over the standard Panasonic (336CCA and 32AH). The 'Banner' brand I have is nice and square and the hold down clamp grips it perfectly. Despite it being a sealed unit it still has the vent holes fitted for peace of mind should the alternator over-charge it for any reason.
Do note that the battery vent pipes I have fitted have quite a long elbow, I'd recommend a shorter elbow if you can find them as it is pretty much touching the inside wing - I will try some shorter elbows like THESE and report back.
I'm very pleased this has worked out.
The 053 battery fitted is generally around £50, 360CCA and 45AH, so a reasonable upgrade over the standard Panasonic (336CCA and 32AH). The 'Banner' brand I have is nice and square and the hold down clamp grips it perfectly. Despite it being a sealed unit it still has the vent holes fitted for peace of mind should the alternator over-charge it for any reason.
Do note that the battery vent pipes I have fitted have quite a long elbow, I'd recommend a shorter elbow if you can find them as it is pretty much touching the inside wing - I will try some shorter elbows like THESE and report back.
I'm very pleased this has worked out.
Edited by BigTom85 on Wednesday 20th July 22:16
Edited by BigTom85 on Wednesday 20th July 22:36
I got a Hankook 053 battery for my car recently - it had a Lucas 053 in previously, which wasn't held down properly when I bought it. No vent holes in the Lucas battery, oddly.
I used a metal loop from a shoulder bag to extend my shorter J-bolt, though for the couple of quid I should get one of the longer proper bolts; cheers
For the vents, I dropped a line to the chap I got the battery from and he sent me some angle pieces (free of charge) which fitted onto the pipes already in the car. Those eBay ones seem expensive; battery suppliers are bound to have loads lying around so just ask nicely when you're next in a motor factor.
I notice you already had the terminal adaptors for the battery; don't lose those if you replace it with a battery with DIN-sized terminals in future! They're very useful, as I found when I had to order some to fit my Hankook battery...
ETA: link to the battery I bought: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251852698694 and terminal adaptors: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231968227016
I used a metal loop from a shoulder bag to extend my shorter J-bolt, though for the couple of quid I should get one of the longer proper bolts; cheers
For the vents, I dropped a line to the chap I got the battery from and he sent me some angle pieces (free of charge) which fitted onto the pipes already in the car. Those eBay ones seem expensive; battery suppliers are bound to have loads lying around so just ask nicely when you're next in a motor factor.
I notice you already had the terminal adaptors for the battery; don't lose those if you replace it with a battery with DIN-sized terminals in future! They're very useful, as I found when I had to order some to fit my Hankook battery...
ETA: link to the battery I bought: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251852698694 and terminal adaptors: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231968227016
Edited by Jobbo on Thursday 21st July 11:45
Thanks Jobbo.
The elbows I have were from my local battery supplier, unfortunately they stick out too far for my liking, and can't be trimmed as they have a stepped connector with 2 different sizes.
I agree the eBay ones are expensive, but I think I'll pull the trigger anyway.
I'm glad the 053 is working for you too, I'll be replacing mine with the same again should I ever need to.
The elbows I have were from my local battery supplier, unfortunately they stick out too far for my liking, and can't be trimmed as they have a stepped connector with 2 different sizes.
I agree the eBay ones are expensive, but I think I'll pull the trigger anyway.
I'm glad the 053 is working for you too, I'll be replacing mine with the same again should I ever need to.
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