The Lotus Grand Tourers

Hi All,

My battery is definately on the way out so am going to replace it. Now I was always aware that it was a bit small (physically) as the clamp is loose on it. Wanted to make sure I got the correct battery.

It has a type 063 fitted - 400 amps Cold Cranking and reserve of 75 mins at 25 amps.

I am right in thinking that this is the wrong battery and underpowered aren't I?

Parts manual says type 065 - which appears to provide something like 540 amps cold cranking and 55 AH (amp hours? assume this relates to the reserve and would equate to something just over 120 minutes at 25 amps).

Question is - am I right in thinking that if I want a heavy duty battery I need to make sure that the cold cranking stays at or below 540 amps but look for one with a higher "AH" number.

Would appreciate your opinions, before I blow something up!!

Cheers

Hi Colin
I replaced the original battery in September 1999 with a Halfords HB 075. It is still going strong. I do use a battery conditioner to keep it topped up when the car is not used for any time.
They do an 065 but the 075 is also listed for the Excel.

Thanks Alan - that confirms my thoughts that the wrong battery was fitted. It's a Halfords 063.

Yes - the 065 is the minimum listed, but the 075 fits and has that bit more capacity.

Anyone know of a battery cut-off switch that will either fit under the plastic cover or can be spliced into the feed line?
The one I have joins the battery terminal but doesn't leave enough room for the cover.I'm looking for a neater solution.

Been using one of these for over five years now with great results:

Type: BOSCH Silver Plus 5DT
part no: 555 107 054
spec: 12V 55AH 540A

Apparently the replacement Bosch part number is 560 170 064 these days (group size: T5 - 242x175x175mm), and they've probably gone up a bit in price , but IMHO worth the investment.

i have a halfrauds calcium HBC075 i think it is...
seems to be ok... (85 frickin quid tho!) glad i didnt buy it!

Oz.

Ozzy_UK wrote:i have a halfrauds calcium HBC075 i think it is...
seems to be ok... (85 frickin quid tho!) glad i didnt buy it!

Oz.

Old thread resurrection.

My Halfrauds calcium HBC075 has just expired.

This is my SECOND HBC075 in 4 years. The first one failed in less than 2years and was replaced under the 4 year warranty . The new one is about 2 1/2 years old!

Will not be buying a calcium battery again!

I don't think I'll be going back to Halfrauds to claim a 2nd warranty replacement either!

Ok to put things into perspective. My SE does sit for weeks without a run and needs the battery re-charging probably about 4 times a year using a Halfrauds branded automatic battery charger.

My Clan is is left for weeks too, but its been on the same std Unipart battery for at least 9 years (the previous owner installed it I know not when).

I used the Clan battery to get me started last week during the HBC075 final death throws.

So bog std Unipart for the Excel then?

Or should I go for something else?.....any recommendations based on extended experience with batteries for Excel SE when used infrequently appreciated.