Miata Mailing List: April 1999, Message #34

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At 7:34 -0800 3/30/99, Mark Booth wrote:
>At 7:55 AM -0800 3/29/99, Hal wrote:
>>Check out:
>>
>>http://www.interstatebatteryofdet.com/Optima.htm
>
>I just replaced my Miata's factory original Panasonic (AGM) battery so I
>have the original sitting on my workbench making for easy measurements.
>The Optima 12V battery measurements are included too:
>
>       Panasonic        Optima
>       ---------        ------
> L     9.25"            9.94"
> W     4.75"            6.75"
> H     7.40"            7.81"
>
>Bottom line, the Optima won't fit the Miata without modifying the holder
>area.  Plus, it appears from the pictures that the Optima also has reversed
>battery posts ala the Westco battery.
>

My measurements were a little different for the Panasonic S46A24L(S)
battery: 9"L, 5"W, & 7.25H (top of posts)

Actually, the measurements probably aren't that critical except for the
height. Mazda made provision for using a larger battery in the Miata. In my
1990 shop manual, on page G-10 is the procedure.

1. rotate the battery clamp bracket 180 degrees.
2. move the battery bracket from position "A" to position "B".
3. install new battery using the battery replacement kit, Mazda part number
NAY1 56 020A.
4. trim the battery cover on the dotted line (on the bottom of the cover).
5. install the cover



Miataly,
Dennis
---
Dennis B. Swaney                        "I think, therefore I Mac"
Oroville, California                    TEAM USAF
MCA #2055 & M Club #71                  Founding Member, S.A.M.O.A.
Team California License Plate Blue      Team Dealer Alternative
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