UKSaabs

Yay!

Prompted by an article in the latest Driver, by Richard Elliot (top tech guru!) regarding a SOC members problems trying to get the correct battery for his T16S auto (which he thought was different because it was auto - when in fact AFAIK all T16S had the thin battery) I did a bit more digging.

after having had warmed up debates - with BillJ amongst others - regarding the fitment of a 'normal 900' battery, I have now found the correct battery on Varta's web site.


The depth is 162mm, which is about ½" less than the standard one and will give some clearance.

My T16S came with a Varta from new and it lasted about 11 years. The replacement Bosch only lasted 4. Since then I have had to shoehorn in the standard battery, although at one point I did pack in a Primera one, but that was chubby narrow and needed a block of wood for the clamps to work!

AlL I have to do now is see if I can get one!

I hope this top tip is useful!

doesn't have to be a varta i can get batteries supplied by bdg ( http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&um= ... 8948878141 ) fairly cheap and exact size match as original if any one needs one/some

Robert wrote:after having had warmed up debates - with BillJ amongst others

Oi! You lookin' for a fight or what?

I see that battery is for the '84-'88 T16S. Perhaps the later one with the TE05 didn't need such a narrow battery, hence my '91 (and a friend's '93 LPT) would use the same as the 900i and my point in the original debate may have been valid after all?

Might well be a valid point Bill, I can't fford cars that new though so I couldn't comment.

Very nice to see you around!

BillJ wrote:I see that battery is for the '84-'88 T16S. Perhaps the later one with the TE05 didn't need such a narrow battery, hence my '91 (and a friend's '93 LPT) would use the same as the 900i and my point in the original debate may have been valid after all? :wink:

My cars with the TE05 have needed the same smaller battery as the other turbos.. The space around the battery tray is the same size in all turbo 900s.

Don't know about your original debate though, the above based just on my experience of 5 turbo OGs (MYs between 1979-1991) and two nats.

Jope wrote:My cars with the TE05 have needed the same smaller battery as the other turbos.. The space around the battery tray is the same size in all turbo 900s.

Robert is probably right, then. Robert, did you find a battery listed for the '89-on cars?

Haven't looked yet Bill, been a it busy.Back to work tomorrow so I should find time then...oops!

My last Bosch Siver battery from Euro Car Parts had a lifetime guarentee!
Bring it back when you are 82 years old, WITH A RECEIPT, and we will relace it sir, the man said.
Amazing.

BillJ wrote:

Jope wrote:My cars with the TE05 have needed the same smaller battery as the other turbos.. The space around the battery tray is the same size in all turbo 900s.

Robert is probably right, then. Robert, did you find a battery listed for the '89-on cars?

Interestingly, dug out this one again following a recent post and Varta list the later ones as 175mm deep, which would be the same as a 'normal' 900.

Something must have changed, somewhere?

The Varta Web Site is here

Let me just add to the confusion


The maximum width looks like 10 inches, or 255mm from the looks of things, lets say 250mm to be on the safe side as the front has the box section shape that cuts an angle into the battery try.



The maximum width of the battery is looks like 7 inches or 175mm max



The maximum height is 7 inches but I have managed to get a 7.5 inch tall battery in there with just a small mark from the stud and bolt, it is possible the Garret turbo makes a difference in height, but this is a Mits TE05




Who cares what the battery manufacturers say, if you can get it into the tray without it leaning on the turbo elbow its fine.

ShadowWorks wrote:Let me just add to the confusion



Who cares what the battery manufacturers say, if you can get it into the tray without it leaning on the turbo elbow its fine.

Exactly.

Problem is that the some batteries at 175mm wide will foul in some cars (The heat shield has some thickness too) and the engine isn't static in the car, it will rock side to side and also pitch with torque reversal, so may still clatter the battery. A new front engine mount helps,and I suspect new rear ones won't do any harm.



Best bet if you are intent on going to Halfords ( ) is get them to fit it. If it goes in with the heatshield on and not fouling the engine, fine if not then getthen to get you one that does. If they fit it, they can't wibble when or if it packs in due to being too near the turbo.

Check out this page. IF the dimensions of the battery you need are 175mm wide you are laughing. If not, your not...

My Varta battery stockist was unable to supply me with the above battery for my T16S yesterday. Varta have apparently stopped making it due to lack of demand; the only application is the T16S. I have been provided with a battery that is the correct height & length but is too deep - the vital dimension.

So, now what do we do?

I've got a Halfords HB072 in mine .... it does sit a bit tight against the elbow though!

I've just found this: http://www.performancebatteries.co.uk/product/57024/

Close to the OE spec, just a wee bit taller.....

May I suggest that it is worth looking at Hawker Oddysey batteries? They combine the best characteristics of both high rate discharge for starting together with deep cycle ability; that is, the amperage available for operating the starter is about 3 times that of a conventonal lead-acid battery of the same rating, and if they become completely discharged no damage is caused and they can be re-charged in the usual way with any suitable charger. Additionally, they are only half the weight and size of a conventional lead-acid battery of the same rating, are sealed so they can be installed any way bar upside down, do not leak acid, hold a full charge for months on end (provided there is no constant drain, such as an alarm system) and are guaranteed for 5 years. It is true that they are rather more expensive than most ordinary batteries, but I believe that the advantages outweigh the extra cost. I fitted one to my re-built Sonett III which had a highly-tuned 1700cc engine and, despite the fact that the battery was situated in the rear of the car, it turned that engine over as if it was a toy. The 1989 T16s 2dr which I have recently purchased will be fitted with one of these batteries in the near future, so avoiding the usual problems with the limited space available.

I fitted a PC680 to my Sonett; this battery was scarcely half the size of the recommended conventional lead-acid type, but much more powerful. I don`t think you need to fit a Hawker Odyssey battery which is the same physical size as the usual battery; what you need to look at is the capacity and cranking current, and you will find one to suit. You will have to modify the battery securing fittings, but that is a small price to pay in exchange for a much better battery which takes up a lot less space. You could, if you wanted, even put the battery in the compartment under the luggage deck but you would then need to install a lengthy battery cable and run it through the cabin under the carpet, like the brake lines. The original battery tray could then be removed entirely, as was the case on some of the works cars.

Just been pricing up batteries for my 900 8V turbo and Eurocarparts suggested the following:

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/accessories-car-batteries/car-batteries/most-popular-car-battery/075-car-batteries/?444770757&0&cc5_995

From the rest of this thread I assume this would fit, but might be a bit tight with the heat shield. Or is it different for the 8V?

Oh and they currently have an extra 15% off batteries, so the one above comes to £48 delivered!
I thought that was pretty good value???

IIRC there is a lot more room under the 8V bonnet

The S4 069/072 is the right size for a 16V Turbo. Nice gap between it and the turbo.