What lightweight race battery?
Discussion
One of the first things I did with the Griff was to take out the standard battery and fit a RedTop 20 which weighs in at 4.9kg. used that for several years with no problems. To be fair it does always go on a trickle charger if not in use for more than a few days. The main problem, in my opinion with this type of battery are the cable fixings. They tend to be M5 or M6 and the mechanical stress of having thick cables attached eventually brakes the case moulding. Really you need to run slightly thinner cables away from the terminals, join onto the thicker cables and then restrain them so they don’t load the battery case. This year I changed to a Red top 15 which is slightly bigger but has male terminals.
Taking out the Radio, CD, Speakers and big battery saved 23Kg on mine which was about 5Bhp
In addition to saving weight you get a lot more passenger leg room, especially if you put the ECU above the glove box at the same time.
Another benefit is they actually start the car better, the cranking current is high compared to a standard wet cell.
Taking out the Radio, CD, Speakers and big battery saved 23Kg on mine which was about 5Bhp
In addition to saving weight you get a lot more passenger leg room, especially if you put the ECU above the glove box at the same time.
Another benefit is they actually start the car better, the cranking current is high compared to a standard wet cell.
Varley Red Top (40) i believe.
625a (cranking) gel battery, half the weight and half the depth. Same other dimensions. Gives you around 3" more legroom if you cut down the battery tray and foot panel...
or
Somewhere secure to put the ecu (if you still have such a thing) in the gap left behind.
Had mine in for atleast 5 years now...no problems. An accumate will charge it fine too. can only vouch for the Varley, there's loads of "red tops" now, that are trading off the name, but varley were the first. Originally for aircraft. Probably more expensive but 5 years down the line...
Cheers
Andy
tvrmonster
BTW the terminals are different, M6 bolt, so leads need to be modified.
http://www.varleyredtop.com/products_40.htm
625a (cranking) gel battery, half the weight and half the depth. Same other dimensions. Gives you around 3" more legroom if you cut down the battery tray and foot panel...
or
Somewhere secure to put the ecu (if you still have such a thing) in the gap left behind.
Had mine in for atleast 5 years now...no problems. An accumate will charge it fine too. can only vouch for the Varley, there's loads of "red tops" now, that are trading off the name, but varley were the first. Originally for aircraft. Probably more expensive but 5 years down the line...
Cheers
Andy
tvrmonster
BTW the terminals are different, M6 bolt, so leads need to be modified.
http://www.varleyredtop.com/products_40.htm
Having just seen steves post, the 40 is the direct replacement for the original lead acid.
ie same Cranking/charge rates etc. The smaller ones may do a few times, but if you have a hot start issue or dirty plugs etc, they won't turn over for long. Steve's obviously going for the all out weight saving.
Its turned over my 5L on 13.5:1 for years. I go for the "be sure it starts" strategy
Andy
ie same Cranking/charge rates etc. The smaller ones may do a few times, but if you have a hot start issue or dirty plugs etc, they won't turn over for long. Steve's obviously going for the all out weight saving.
Its turned over my 5L on 13.5:1 for years. I go for the "be sure it starts" strategy
Andy
Edited by Guillotine on Saturday 31st October 17:03
Ditto: I have had my Varley Red Top 30 for 2 1/2 years with no problems, it also got me from Cheddar to Bath when my alternator went last year.
Link to pic of mine installed with a alloy bracket to hold it in place (on JKM's site when they were installing my Emerald ECU.
http://www.jkm.org.uk/performance/GalleryFlash/TVR...
Link to pic of mine installed with a alloy bracket to hold it in place (on JKM's site when they were installing my Emerald ECU.
http://www.jkm.org.uk/performance/GalleryFlash/TVR...
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