This was posted by my friend Scott. Some good info on some cheaper batteries that perform:::
I just returned from the local Deka warehouse in West Sacramento. I spent some time on the phone with Jim who is the battery guru there last week and some more time today talking about what would be the best battery for my van (93 Quest). I decided on the Intimidator series (9A78DT) which is Deka's AGM based line. I liked the AGM because it has a larger current reserve than their liquid filled. Gave up some rated CCAs but I wanted the extra reserve capacity for when the system is playing without help from the alt (much of my driving is below 45mph so the alt isn't doing alot of work). The Intimidator series is rated at 750CCA (using the BCI standards). Jim tested the battery before I left with it. 1083CCA, 12.73v, and at reserve capacity rated at 120C. I was educated that Deka's are very conservatively rated and most do well over their rated power. For comparison, the Intimidator is equal to the Optima Yellow top in application and in on paper specs (D34). He had no yellow tops in stock so we didn't test one of those but Jim was confident the Intimidator will outperform the optima. Even if they are equal, the Deka is cheaper by about 60 bucks
I learned some other interesting facts. All Carquest branded batteries are Dekas and they are the exact same models as if you purchased direct from Deka. Some Carquests are franchise stores so they might not carry Carquest batts but if they do, they are a Deka. The Carquest version of the Intimidator runs about 139.00-149.00. I paid 120.00 for mine but had to drive about 40 miles round trip. I'll drive the 3 miles to the local carquest next time.
Lastly, Kinetik Batteries are not rated using BCI standards so their claimed numbers are hard to verify. I can get Kinetiks at dealer cost but with shipping, the HC1800 would be at least a $200.00 battery. That is way expensive vs the Deka. And, although it works, Kinetiks were never designed for starting a car, it's much more at home in your trunk than under the hood. Kinetiks are a re-branded UPS battery made by Hawking (or is it Hawker).
Anyways, go to Carquest if you are looking for a solid battery if you cannot find a local shop that sells Dekas.
Replies (3)
jamesp on 06/5/2007 18:43:43
30H`ertz, that is what the local CarQuest tod me about the batt I put in my truck.I did not have an audio upgrade at the time (last Nov) but I wanted a lot of reserve and she showed me that the one I bought had well over 1000CCA's on the load meter. It has performed well for me.
Excuse my 1 handed typing. A lady tried to run over me on my motorcycle Saturday and I have busted digits to deal with now.
swez on 06/6/2007 08:34:39
Lady? Sounds like the same old gal I swapped paint with back in 1978. I did not fair so well and at 40+ MPH, I was the crash test dummy in this event. It almost killed me.
I hit her T-bone as she made a left turn in front of me and totally mis-judged my distance and speed. This one put me in the ICU for 2 weeks and was in traction for 7 weeks with my teeth wired shut, for over 6 weeks. It took a full year to get back to work and the old bones and such have been giving me lots of trouble the past 15 years.
Man, I feel for ya but am happy to hear you came through it with limited injuries. That sucks dude. How long before the cast(s) come off and you can get into PT to restore use of your hand(s)?
Wow, cars, fixed objects and motorcycles do not mix well in traffic huh? Get well soon my friend!
Swez
jamesp on 06/6/2007 13:07:46
Dave, I sent a note and pic to your juno acct...let me know if you get it...yhanks
I just returned from the local Deka warehouse in West Sacramento. I spent some time on the phone with Jim who is the battery guru there last week and some more time today talking about what would be the best battery for my van (93 Quest). I decided on the Intimidator series (9A78DT) which is Deka's AGM based line. I liked the AGM because it has a larger current reserve than their liquid filled. Gave up some rated CCAs but I wanted the extra reserve capacity for when the system is playing without help from the alt (much of my driving is below 45mph so the alt isn't doing alot of work). The Intimidator series is rated at 750CCA (using the BCI standards). Jim tested the battery before I left with it. 1083CCA, 12.73v, and at reserve capacity rated at 120C. I was educated that Deka's are very conservatively rated and most do well over their rated power. For comparison, the Intimidator is equal to the Optima Yellow top in application and in on paper specs (D34). He had no yellow tops in stock so we didn't test one of those but Jim was confident the Intimidator will outperform the optima. Even if they are equal, the Deka is cheaper by about 60 bucks
I learned some other interesting facts. All Carquest branded batteries are Dekas and they are the exact same models as if you purchased direct from Deka. Some Carquests are franchise stores so they might not carry Carquest batts but if they do, they are a Deka. The Carquest version of the Intimidator runs about 139.00-149.00. I paid 120.00 for mine but had to drive about 40 miles round trip. I'll drive the 3 miles to the local carquest next time.
Lastly, Kinetik Batteries are not rated using BCI standards so their claimed numbers are hard to verify. I can get Kinetiks at dealer cost but with shipping, the HC1800 would be at least a $200.00 battery. That is way expensive vs the Deka. And, although it works, Kinetiks were never designed for starting a car, it's much more at home in your trunk than under the hood. Kinetiks are a re-branded UPS battery made by Hawking (or is it Hawker).
Anyways, go to Carquest if you are looking for a solid battery if you cannot find a local shop that sells Dekas.
Replies (3)
jamesp on 06/5/2007 18:43:43
30H`ertz, that is what the local CarQuest tod me about the batt I put in my truck.I did not have an audio upgrade at the time (last Nov) but I wanted a lot of reserve and she showed me that the one I bought had well over 1000CCA's on the load meter. It has performed well for me.
Excuse my 1 handed typing. A lady tried to run over me on my motorcycle Saturday and I have busted digits to deal with now.
swez on 06/6/2007 08:34:39
Lady? Sounds like the same old gal I swapped paint with back in 1978. I did not fair so well and at 40+ MPH, I was the crash test dummy in this event. It almost killed me.
I hit her T-bone as she made a left turn in front of me and totally mis-judged my distance and speed. This one put me in the ICU for 2 weeks and was in traction for 7 weeks with my teeth wired shut, for over 6 weeks. It took a full year to get back to work and the old bones and such have been giving me lots of trouble the past 15 years.
Man, I feel for ya but am happy to hear you came through it with limited injuries. That sucks dude. How long before the cast(s) come off and you can get into PT to restore use of your hand(s)?
Wow, cars, fixed objects and motorcycles do not mix well in traffic huh? Get well soon my friend!
Swez
jamesp on 06/6/2007 13:07:46
Dave, I sent a note and pic to your juno acct...let me know if you get it...yhanks
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