Miata Mailing List: April 1999, Message #59

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I have the Optima in my Miata.  I just put it in today.

The only significant dimensional difference is the length.  The connections
reach OK - it stays put pretty good as is, but I need to move the metal
brackets to make it rock solid.  Also, a new top bar is required.

Unfortunately, my choice was the Optima ($130) , a "regular" battery (not an
option even at $55), and a $50 dollar tow to the Mazda dealer and pay $100
for the
"other" Miata battery.  I thought I'd give this a try.


----- Original Message -----
From: Dennis B. Swaney <romad@jps.net>
To: Multiple recipients of list <miata@realbig.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 1999 9:19 PM
Subject: Re: Optima Battery vs. Panasonc


>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
> ('90 VIN: 7028)                        Team Tokico HP
>Team Valentine 1                        Team Mille Miglia/Dunlop
>Team JR                                 Team Moss Wood Wheel
>
>
>
>