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348 replacement battery

Discussion in '348/355' started by chipbiii, Nov 16, 2010.

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  1. chipbiii

    chipbiii F1 World Champ
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    Hey gang. What kind and type of battery do you guys recommend for my 1994 348 Spider. It's gotten to the point where I have to use the engine start mode from my Schumacher quick start charger to get the thing to fire up. At least I hope it's only the battery that needs replacement. Thanks!
     
  2. chipbiii

    chipbiii F1 World Champ
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    Advance Auto Parts recommends the Autocraft Golf Car/AV deep cycle service battery. Does that sound right?
     
  3. chas-3

    chas-3 Formula 3
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    If you mean Autocraft Gold Car/AV deep cycle service battery, then probably correct.
     
  4. chipbiii

    chipbiii F1 World Champ
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    Just talked to a local store and they also showed the same Golf Car battery?! Then again, NAPA shows all kinds of batteries for it. We'll see.
     
  5. angelis

    angelis F1 Veteran
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  6. rbellezza

    rbellezza F1 Rookie

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  7. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    #7 f355spider, Nov 16, 2010
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2010
    The absolute top rated battery on Consumer Reports is the Sears Platinum AGM. (absorbed glass mat) Totally sealed, never needs water, and a brute at 880 CCA. It is only offerred in a Group 34, which means the terminals are reversed for a Ferrari. No problem mounting in my 355, as the cables reached just fine. You can check yours in advance before buying. ;)

    This battery retails around $210, but includes a four year free replacement warranty. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02850034000P


    Optimas are very good as well (I have used them in the past) but they seem to have some QC issues the past few years, with people reporting much shorter life, and the battery being very sensitive to draw down. Draw it down even one time will kill the battery and it no longer holds a charge. These problems are not with all Optima batteries, but common enough to be of some concern.


    BTW, the correct size battery is a Group 34R and there is nothing wrong with simply buying a standard Interstate Group 34R for $90. :) They work fine, rated for around 700CCA but will need to be checked periodically and the electrolyte topped up.
     
  8. ferrari 512 tr

    ferrari 512 tr F1 Rookie

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    batteries in the 348 spider are a pain to get to
     
  9. ghardt

    ghardt Formula 3

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    I've got an Interstate in my 1993 TB right now. Reliable when used with a trickle charger with maintenance functions.
     
  10. vegas1

    vegas1 F1 Rookie

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    What type etc would Ricambi recommend.

    And are these batteries avialable in countries other than the US, like Europe and Australia.
     
  11. vegas1

    vegas1 F1 Rookie

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    One day I might learn how to spell "available".
     
  12. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    I wish I could put one of those in my Ferrari. :D:D
     
  13. eulk328

    eulk328 F1 Rookie

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    Get the cheapest one that has the correct physical dimensions and the correct ampere-hour rating. Then maintain it properly.
     
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  14. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    The cheapest batteries here in Australia dont last very long. :(:(

    I dont know if that is good advice. :):)

    I would buy the best battery and maintain that one properly. ;);)
     
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  15. blue986

    blue986 Karting

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    +1 on the Sears Platinum AGM. Just installed one a month ago based on advice from previous posts here. Previously had an Optima Red Top.
     
  16. Interian

    Interian Karting

    Jul 22, 2008
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    Any problem in the 348 with front mounting with the 34 instead of 34R?
     
  17. blue986

    blue986 Karting

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    No issues. Just as others have said, the cables are long enough to reach the terminals on the 34.
     
  18. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    Good to know it works on the 348 as well as the 355. It makes selection much easier, as there are limited availability of the group 34R size. Group 34 is much more common, and available in the newer technologies, like AGM batteries.
     
  19. vegas1

    vegas1 F1 Rookie

    Jul 28, 2004
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    Have you replaced your 348 battery since you purchased the car Pap ?

    I had mine replaced new when I bought my car in 2005. Don't know what brand it is as it's hidden under the passenger side wheel fender.
     
  20. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #20 PAP 348, Nov 18, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Heya mate, yep yep. Sure have. :D:D

    Changed out the Varta one that was dated 2004, back in late 07. :):)

    Failed again after the car sat for 5 months last year. :(:(

    Put another new battery in a few weeks ago. :eek::eek:
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  21. eulk328

    eulk328 F1 Rookie

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    You can always buy the "best" of everything, budgeting permitting. Doesn't always make it the best choice in the big scheme of things. In addition the OP is not in Australia. Your climatic conditions may be much more harsh than what the OP experiences in his area.

    If we were talking about a very critical application like an emergency vehicle, a snowcat in the arctic etc. it might be a different story.

    I've never purchased a "high-buck" battery for any of my cars and have typically gone about 4 to 7 years without problems.
     
  22. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #22 PAP 348, Nov 18, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Batteries here last me about 2 yrs or so. :(:(

    This is a VERY hot and dry climate. Batteries usually dont last as long in colder climates. :):)

    I had to purchase big dollar batteries many years ago for another car of mine that had a huge sound system. It would kill 'normal' batteries within 3 months. I bought 2, maybe 3 batteries before I paid AU $300+ for an Odyessey battery. An 800CCA mother that last maybe 2 yrs before it failed. :D:D

    I always got warranty on that one for years, they would just replace it. But one day I let the warranty run out and I had to buy another cheap battery. Lasted JUST over 2 yrs, no warranty. Only reason it lasted even close to 2 yrs is because I dont crank the stereo anymore. ;);)

    But each to their own. I wish I could get 4-7 yrs out of my batteries here. The 'decent' dollar ones cost around AU $200 and last 2-3 yrs also. :(:(
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  23. eulk328

    eulk328 F1 Rookie

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    #23 eulk328, Nov 18, 2010
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2010

    A very hot climate is also very much the enemy of batteries and all electrical/electronics in general.

    I typically have paid $45 to $65 USD Not sure of the exchange rate but I don't think I want to pay your prices over there :-(

    PS. and keep that damn Rap musak turned down! that's probably what was damaging your batteries! (and rumor has it, that's what caused your infamous wheel bolt failure).
     
  24. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    Lol, cheers mate. I wish I was paying $65 for a battery. :D:D
     
  25. mad dog

    mad dog Formula Junior

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