Battery for 1980 308GTS

The existing battery is a 7 year old Bosch Silverplus S5 , 12 volt 74Ah. It looks like it has suddenly failed in spite of being hooked up to a battery conditioner . I guess 7 years is about the lifetime so am looking to replace it .

I am in UK so may not easily source an American brand like Sears , and in my other cars have gone for gel technology Optima Redtops.

Any recommendations ?

 

If the S5 works for you why change ?

 

I don't know what name brand of battery you have in UK but get a reputable brand of group 34 or 34R with at least 700 cca.

 

The old US Die Hard on mine died this spring & I replaced with a Bosch S4. I've had no problems. I thought gels need to be matched to the right alternator output & weren't appropriate for older cars.

 

I have just fitted an Optima Red Top to my 328.

 

I have a yellow top. The first one lasted 7 or 8 years.

I believe the Yellow Top is better suited to frequent recharging cycles and since I don't drive it much, I felt it was the better choice over Red.

 

Interstate batteries seem to work well for my 308. My last one lasted 7 years with frequent battery tender use.

 

+1. I’ve had a red top on my 308 for about 4 years now with constant tender usage. Been great so far and no signs of slowing down.

Ruben

 

+1 my previous Interstate lasted almost 10 years.

 

I'm wondering if something has changed, lately.
I had good experience with Interstate for years.
But the two year old Interstate in my 328 refused to take a charge, this past spring.
The replacement is now ... refusing to take a full charge.

The Interstate dealer will likely replace it for free (as they did with the previous one), but I'm debating whether to try another Interstate, or go with a NAPA battery.

The four or five year old Interstate in the Alfa is still fine.

 

It may be difficult finding a five year battery these days locally. Most are 3 year max and I was told buy the guy selling me one that the 5 year ones are NLA because they were not making enough money with them. Engineering them to fail two years earlier results in more sales these days.

Nice

 

Batteries: the new oil

Actually, probably worse, because I don't see any performance benefit or degradation problems as long as the thing pushes enough volts & amps & gets charged properly by the alternator.

Wait 'till we all get our EVs. Then we can talk batteries

 

I have a Dumb question question. I bought a 1981 308 GTSi in 2005, replaced with the same interstate battery in 2007.
The dumb question is coming.
I ordered a Duracell with the correct post position and replaced it Sunday.
But now I can't remember the correct placement of the battery.
The short cable with the red band will only reach + post with the battery in the car with the posts toward the front of the car.
the other cable will reach any where.
With the cable connected the clock runs correctly.
But the battery cover will be CLOSE to the POSTS with batter in this position.
I have not tried to start or even put the key for fear I would fry the electronics.
any Advice

Stephen

 

The positive + side of the battery should be on the divers side and connected to that side corresponding red cable. It sounds like your new battery is too tall. If you are worried about the battery making contact with the battery cover, secure a piece of insulting rubber atop the battery. To be really safe, remove the cover completely. I would exchange the duracell and opt for one with the correct battery height.