550 Battery

I have a 4 year old interstate that the dealer tells me is no good. I have kept it on a smart charger for the last 4 years when not driving but they tell me I need a new one. Whenever I use the car I take the charger off and then replace it when it gets back home. Never had a problem this way.

When I replaced it in 2006 I asked the dealer for an Optima 34R which I was under the impression would be a direct replacement. They dealer told me at that time that it would not fit.

What is the best battery available that you 550 owners are using? Are any of you using an Optima and if so, is the 34R the correct battery?

Thanks

Gary

 

Gary,

A couple of years ago I replaced the battery with an Optima only to have it last
a couple of days. I would take it back to the Pep Boys and get another Optima, did that three times. I thought something was wrong with the car until my
mechanic berated me for not getting an interstate. I am not sure if it was
a bad batch of Optimas, but interstate works

Tarek

 

Gary- The company that made Optima was bought out and apparently the quality has slipped. If I were you, I would stick to one of the Interstates. Incidentally, the Interstates come with an 85 month warranty, so if it has only been 48 or so and you have the original paperwork, you probably have some credit towards a new one.

There are several people who swear by Odyssey batteries. They are expensive, but supposedly nearly bulletproof. I believe this is the one that will fit the Maranello, but frankly, they are twice as much and who knows. My MTP-91 is working like a charm and I never put a battery maintainer on it unless I will be gone for over 10 days.

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/battery/pc1500rt.htm

Here is a document I put together on batteries. Both the Interstates are in wide use in Ferraris and I have never heard of anyone trying the Delco.

Taz
Terry Phillips
View attachment 575M Battery.doc