Battery

[Charles H]

I have the Lidl smart chargers on all my fleet. Have found them to be a wise purchase.

[johnnydog]

I have had my 2000 for 10 years with the battery that the PO had, and I think it is getting to the point where I need a new one as the starting is getting sluggish.

The current one is a 063 which has a CCA of 380, but for my MGB I have a 075 which has a CCA of 550, although I'd need to juggle the connections as they are on the opposite side.

What battery do others on here use?

As an alternative to the 096, I have a 069 fitted to my '73 PI. Fits the battery tray with no probems. It is more or less the same size as a 096 (depending the manufacturer) and is more than powerful enough for the PI.

[owen1183]

I need to get a new battery for my 76 2500S as mine has given up after about 15 years life.

Interestingly its an Excide brand 096TE - 680A Cold Cranking capacity and fits (albeit snugly) without touching the alternator.

I shall be buying another 096 to replace it

[johnnydog]

If a oversize battery is fitted, the sideways 'rocking' of the engine can result in the alternator touching / damaging the battery case.
Some fit a shorter alternator belt so that the body of the alternator sits further away from the battery. That in itself makes fitting the belt more awkward, bring nearer to the cylinder head, but is an option if a bigger size battery sits very close to the alternator.