355 Battery Replacement

How hard is it to get to the battery and be able to replace it on the 355? Even after having my 355 on a charger while not in use, the battery is too weak to turn the car over. I was told that you need to take the right front tire off the car to get to the battery located behind the tire well.

Second, what is the best battery to put into the car? All input is appreciated.

 

This has been discussed here a few times I think?
Remove the wheel and it is behind the wheel well panel.
Battery can be replaced with something better. Will let the guys that have upgraded chime in here.

 

Consumer Reports says the WalMart Maxx battery in group size 34/78 is the best for performance and life. I plan to get one next month. It should fit. The 355 (most ferraris from the 70's, 80's and 90's) take a group 34R which is a group 34 battery with the terminals in reverse position. The group 34/78 is a "universal" battery that has both side terminals and the top terminals mounted down the center line. By having the terminals down the center line, the battery is supposed to work in both the group 34 and 34R applications, and the cables should reach. Haven't tried it yet...but will.

 

Would anyone recommend Optima?
Optima (RedTop) comes in 34/78 also. See link: http://bigtimebattery.com/store/optima_redtop_battery_3478.html

How is it compared to WalMart's Maxx? Is it worth the extra $$??

 

Optimas have a lot going for them, as they don't leak, but there have been several threads in the past year of problems with their current production. Mostly related to short life. A shame, as I would prefer to use one, I had one in my 308 several years ago, and it worked great. I don't think I would trust one now.

Someone even posted on the Ferrarilist.com email list a couple months ago, asking about Optima's and three or four people responded with problems with them. People said they quality had changed.

 

So, what is the original brand battery in Ferraris?

 

Not sure on the 355, but on the later cars it has been Fiamm (an Italian brand).

 

I have always used Interstate Batteries in my current 355 and previous 308. My experience with Interstate has been battery life up to 5 yrs. Never had any problems !