Battery specs

[moosetestbestanden]

I'm trying to find out what battery goes in the car. The one shipped from Caterham remains elsewhere, ahem, and Will says they're kind of lame anyway. Anyone out there know the Interstate or Diehard size? I'm itching to get it fired up.

Thanks!

[magnusfeuer]

Ah, the battery issue!

The battery you get with the Caterham is oddly sized, and I have not been able to find a similar one in the U.S.

On top of this, it comes without acid, and must be filled before it can be used.

I solved this the following way:

1. Lawnmower battery
2. A few feet of L-shaped aluminum.
3. A rubber battery holddown-thingy from Pep Boys.

I removed the parts forming the old tray and riveted the alumimum pieces in place to form a new one. Two holes for the battery holddown thingy, and I was in business.

You can also buy a complete battery tray and install it. Drop by your local automotive stor and have a look.

Some people move their battery to the rear compartment in order to get a better balance.

/Magnus F.

[moosetestbestanden]

Magnus,

What engine are you cranking over when you start the car? I'm wondering how many amps I'll be needing for the 2.0L Duratec. I reckon a lawnmower battery ought to work because I have a lightweight flywheel but I'm interested to know just what you've used.

Thanks

[magnusfeuer]

I'm cranking a stock Zetec. No problems whatsoever with the battery. I installed it when I built the car two years ago and haven't thought about it since.

[slomove]

Battery Recommendation

I can recommend the Odyssey batteries and know that other Caterham and Birkin owners have used them http://www.odysseybatteries.com/atvbattery.htm)

Totally sealed, half the weight and size and double the cranking amps compared with regular batteries. Also deep cycle tolerant. The capacity is of course limited but I have never cranked mine empty with a lot of engine experimentation (2.0 Zetec)

They have various form factors, I used the Jetski version with 625 crank amps.

Gert

[moosetestbestanden]

I picked up a similar dry cell. 11 lbs, quite small, mountable in any orientation, although I can't see much benefit in upside down. Just right for a SLR I think.