Light weight battery??

Light weight battery??

Author
Discussion

bitsilly

Original Poster:

278 posts

208 months

Monday 23rd October 2017
quotequote all
My 2.0 tuned Duratec came with a tired 44ah battery which needs replacing.
Does anyone know if there are any lightweight batteries that will do the job?
I don't want to use a booster pack every time, but I just figured with all the lith-ion tech now that perhaps there is a lighter option?
Cheers

KN02LEY

72 posts

118 months

Monday 23rd October 2017
quotequote all
A few people have changed to Magneti Marelli batteries which come in under 2kg but the cost is just under £200 on eBay. The dealers actually advertise Caterham usage so they should be easy to find. You may need to factor in the cost of a suitable charger and some form of mounting bracket too.

Lighter batteries are available (see here for instance) but the cost rises as the weight lowers.

bitsilly

Original Poster:

278 posts

208 months

Tuesday 24th October 2017
quotequote all
Cheers
I would not really want to change the alternator but have a good trickle charger.
I'll have to look into that!
Bother!

bitsilly

Original Poster:

278 posts

208 months

Tuesday 24th October 2017
quotequote all
Excellent link thanks

Mr MXT

7,691 posts

282 months

Tuesday 24th October 2017
quotequote all
Following this with interest for my Duratec Westfield (sorry). Currently run a 20AH lead acid off a golf cart of all things, which has been absolutely fine. Want to go lighter, but the specs of LiON batteries are confusing...

bitsilly

Original Poster:

278 posts

208 months

Tuesday 24th October 2017
quotequote all
This may be worth a punt!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LI12-12-Ultramax-12v-12A...

Unless I'm missing something!

DCL

1,215 posts

178 months

Tuesday 24th October 2017
quotequote all
Mr MXT said:
Following this with interest for my Duratec Westfield (sorry). Currently run a 20AH lead acid off a golf cart of all things, which has been absolutely fine. Want to go lighter, but the specs of LiON batteries are confusing...
The advantage of the lithium ion battery is that most of the capacity is available at the rated voltage so you don't need the same capacity as a lead acid battery. 10 Ah is OK for a Caterham - about 1/3 of the lead acid capacity needed to give a similar performance. Also worth saying if you get one, don't trickle charge them as they last much better if stored in a part charged state.

bitsilly

Original Poster:

278 posts

208 months

Thursday 26th October 2017
quotequote all
Bought one of the batteries from that link, I'll let you know!
It honestly does seem too good..

Mr MXT

7,691 posts

282 months

Friday 27th October 2017
quotequote all
Keep us posted...

bitsilly

Original Poster:

278 posts

208 months

Friday 27th October 2017
quotequote all
It arrived today, and is certainly small and light!
The terminals on it are just large spade type.
I have a few issues to sort before fitting it but promise to feedback.
Cheers
Ed

ps it is a road legal car with lights etc.

bitsilly

Original Poster:

278 posts

208 months

Thursday 9th November 2017
quotequote all
Tried the battery yesterday and it did not work.
poo!

Mr MXT

7,691 posts

282 months

Thursday 9th November 2017
quotequote all
bitsilly said:
Tried the battery yesterday and it did not work.
poo!
Poo indeed frown

anonymous-user

53 months

Thursday 9th November 2017
quotequote all
In what way didn't it work? Totally flat, not powerful enough?

bitsilly

Original Poster:

278 posts

208 months

Thursday 9th November 2017
quotequote all
Everything like fuel pump fired up as normal, but when you turned key fully it gives a single click (as if starter is stuck/battery is flat), then car goes dead.

You then have to take key out to re-set , or disconnect and re-connect the battery to try again as if some security has kicked in.

anonymous-user

53 months

Thursday 9th November 2017
quotequote all
That sounds like there's just not enough energy. Is it fully charged?

bitsilly

Original Poster:

278 posts

208 months

Friday 10th November 2017
quotequote all
Afraid so.

sjl1

20 posts

82 months

Friday 10th November 2017
quotequote all
I looked up the spec if this battery and it doesnt state a max cranking amperage, my concern is that its not designed for the high amperage draw required for cranking ~100A? The small spade connectors also suggest it not really intended for car use

bitsilly

Original Poster:

278 posts

208 months

Friday 10th November 2017
quotequote all
Agreed.
I am trying to fathom specs for batteries but it seems there is no real agreed convention, or if there is manufacturers seem to keep some specs secret!
It seems you can choose a selection of values for calculating Ah and they can vary by a factor of 5!
If anyone does find out a Life battery that works please let us know.
Cheers

CycleSi

504 posts

192 months

Saturday 11th November 2017
quotequote all
I fitted one of these and it has been brilliant. Massive cranking power and it weighs virtually nothing. Just don't let it go flat.

http://www.antigravitybatteries-uk.co.uk/small-cas...


bitsilly

Original Poster:

278 posts

208 months

Saturday 11th November 2017
quotequote all
Cheers!
What engine do you have, and is it a race car?

Ed

Edited by bitsilly on Saturday 11th November 11:19