Hi, I wonder if anyone can help. What's the best battery to put in a 1975 mini clubman? I bought it as a resto project and it doesn't have a battery in it, to be fair it doesn't have a battery box to put it in( yes it's that rusty ) where's the best place to buy on eft im, I'm in Brisbane. Also I'm trying to find a starter solenoid, repco do one for $40.
Thanks for your help

Steph

Get the biggest battery that will fit in the box. Go for one that is 550CCA or more. make sure it has a good warranty period too.

I just put a yellowtop optima in my mini, it was a D51R T2, there was still plenty of room left, I like them because they are a starting and deep cycle battery and they will not spill, warranty is 3 years. Bought on eBay.

I have just gone through this process for a MK II Cooper S. I went to Repco with the following data:

1. The physical dimensions of the battery that was in there. The height was important because it needed to be retained by the existing hold-down bracket and also fit under the Cooper S boot board. Since you don't have a battery to measure you'll need to 'guesstimate' (unless someone else can advise those details).
2. The size of the posts (both are standard)
3. The location of the posts (i.e. do your existing cables allow you to have the posts towards the centre of the car or towards the right?).
4. The need for a carrying strap that makes it easier to install and remove without causing a lower back injury.
5. The highest CCA after satisfying the above requirements.

The car is gone now so I can't give you the make or part number, unfortunately.

_________________
ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

Here is a pic of mine installed, battery comes with removeable carry strap

The best battery I've ever had in a Mini is the Exide 56XD.. Has 550 CCA's with reserve capacity, inbuilt carry-handle, and recessed terminal posts which reduces the chances of them shorting on jacks, tools etc. left loose in the boot!

Century batteries also seem to be good quality. I would avoid anything from Supercheat.

_________________
1967 Cooper S - new front bearings to do.
1965 Cooper S shell - Slow progress. No time or money!
1966 Deluxe- next rustoration!
Mk 2 & XJ6 Jags. Less said the better.

I use delcor batteries, I've never had any problem with them. I think the one I have at the moment is a 550CCA calcium battery. I had the same battery in a daewoo lanos - we got 13 years and well over 350,000kms from that battery.

Thanks all, fantastic

Why so big?

I don't really understand why Minis have such a big battery tray, small engines, very minimal electrical loads

I currently have My old battery from my falcon in my mini and that's 430cca, and that's a four litre injected six, it seems silly?

The way I see it, you can get a 300CCA battery that will work fine, but what happens when it's getting old? Suppose after 5 years they provide only half the current - that brings it down to 150CCA, whereas the 550CCA battery would be down to 275CCA. They last longer and hold more.

That's a good point, the battery was getting a bit dodgy for the falcon, but still cranks the mini for ages before going flat

Spot on Peter , i have 3 of these batteries , 1 in my S , another in my 2.8 turbo diesel Rodeo and 1 in
my wifes XR6 Falcon . I've had them now for about 3 yrs , ( also they have 3 yr warranty ) , and not had any issues with them , i got all of mine from Big W , $168.00 , i noticed a while back that they were about $ 180.00 .

From the KMart website:

Exide Extra
Exide Extra is designed and built in Australia for Australian conditions. It contains advanced calcium Ag9 technology delivering high performance and longer life. This product is most suited to modern passenger and 4WD vehicles with complex charging and electrical systems.

Features Benefits

Ag9 silver calcium Superior high temperature performance

Sealed maintenance free No Topping up required under normal condition

State of charge indicator Ability to quickly asses batteries state of charge

Advanced design features *36 month nationwide warranty

Heat resistant

Vibration resistant

Australian Made

_________________
1967 Cooper S - new front bearings to do.
1965 Cooper S shell - Slow progress. No time or money!
1966 Deluxe- next rustoration!
Mk 2 & XJ6 Jags. Less said the better.

Thats a fair ammount of unnecessary extra battery weight. Id rather just go the smallest/lightest option and just roll start it if it gos flat. Minis arent that heavy.

_________________
Tim
Dusk Blue
1964 850

Perhaps. I'd rather an extra few kilos for reliability though - the difference when driving will be academic at best. A bigger battery also means you can listen to your radio for longer while parked!