What battery size?

[herald1360]

Hi all
Can anyone advise on what size battery I need for my 2.5tc.
I have been recommended a 038, is this correct?

thank you

[quentin]

That is the size I have fitted to my 2500TC.
Quentin

[Simon2000]

Not sure if its the same as a 2500TC but I've just put a Varta E12 096R in my 2000 MK2. Was a little tight but much higher rating. Might be worth measuring your space.

Cheapest place was Tayna and very quick del.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Varta-E12-Blu ... 1196105789?
or
https://www.tayna.co.uk/096R-Car-Batteries-G31.html

[david_lall]

The largest that fits in my car is a GBA3100, providing 64Ah.

[johnnydog]

The simplest way is to measure the space (width, height and depth) you have, note the terminal layout, and then buy the highest amphere hour battery you can for the space available.
It is worth noting that the battery space available is narrower for facelift models (hence the narrower battery tray) because of the tilt of the engine.
I would suggest leaving a minimum of 1/2" clearance between the alternator and battery to allow for the 'rock' of the engine, so that it doesn't hit the battery.
Those titchy 38 /44 amp batteries will do the job, but I would go for a bigger one that's on 'top of the job', so to speak, but bigger in dimension doesn't always mean bigger in capacity!

[Mike Stevens]

I also used a 096R in my 'K' reg PI. That fits fine but would be too wide for a facelift car as stated above.

Measure the maximum dimensions and have a look on the internet to find something suitable. That's how I came across the 096R!

Cheers,
Mike.

[torque2me]

I also used a 096R in my 'K' reg PI. That fits fine but would be too wide for a facelift car as stated above.

Measure the maximum dimensions and have a look on the internet to find something suitable. That's how I came across the 096R!

Cheers,
Mike.

Mike,

Battery spec topics have arisen at regular intervals. The only real problem is that for facelift model owners with the narrow battery tray. The heavy duty 015 was, I believe, oem and was certainly the recommended type. The 038 was a lighter version. Only the 038 is now produced/available but the spec required by Unipart is better than the older 038 but not quite as good as the 015 (I could never figure out why one would opt to delete the 015 but upgrade the 038 and still not have as good a product. I guess price and availability of production.

Anyway, facelift owners will spend many hours looking for a better spec battery than the 038 in the dimensions of the 015/038 case. Width is the crucial issue here as extra/less height + length can be accomodated more easily. As my older 015 Unipart Sampson was expired in 2014 I had to fit a 038 Lion battery as a temporary measure but I had to shorten the stays as the Lion battery has less height. Still looking for a better alternative.

Kev