Re: Joe's '49 Club Sedan

Posted by Brian Wilson On 2020/8/7 0:04:53

Have used Optima batteries in race cars for some time, until I found that they tended to self-destruct with no warning. One minute good. Next minute boat anchor. Seems like an internal short (brought on by vibration?). And they're not cheap.

Bottom line. I don't use them any more. I use Deka AGM now, but of course they are 12 volt.

Maybe you have no choice because of the dimensions and 6 volt option with Optima. Perhaps keeping them charged up individually on something like a CTEK 6 volt charger would prolong their life and warn you of impending problems. What HH describes as the potential problem with them wired as a dual setup is all too true, unfortunately.

The small lithium starter batteries work really well, even on modern high compression engines. Sounds like you already have one. I suspect they are only available in 12 volt, but doubt that would harm your starter setup if used sparingly. One more thing to carry around in your trunk (in addition to a jack that is up to the job).

I don't know about you, but I'm finding Packard-sized cars a bit hard to push these days!

Brian