Battery

[tim bob]

What is the best battery I can get for my 94 viper that sits in my garage for months without starting, also than when I take it out I don’t drive it far or long. Thank you

 

[Steve-Indy]

Well, responses look a little thin.

I use Interstate AGM batteries in our Gen I and II Vipers...noting that I like their MTZ-78 best (4 year fully returnable warranty). In general, with proper intermittent charging, an AGM battery usually lasts at least twice as long as a flooded lead-acid battery...so far, that is true in my hands.

I use CTEK 7002 chargers for the ones stored where there is no electricity...bringing the Vipers home home in good weather or intermittently using a Honda generator to run the chargers over the winter months when I visit the warehouse. house.

All other Viper batteries are on Deltran battery tender plus units full time...except when storms are coming.

The Odyssey AGM in a group 78 is also a great battery in my opinion.

Good luck !!

 

[tim bob]

Thanks Steve I’m going to look into the Odyssey battery

 

[Steve-Indy]

I should point out that in general, the AGM batteries mentioned above have another advantage in that they do not leak. So, once one "reconditions" the battery tray ( removing the corrosion, priming and painting it), the tray should stay clean over time.

A down side to these batteries is cost and weight. That said, the increase in weight is usually about 5-10 lbs. Having recently been surprised to see the current prices for a standard Duralast Gold group 78 at AutoZone ($185.00), the $290.00 for the MTZ did not seem so bad...especially since out Interstate store gives Viper club folks a discount. Also, a 4 year full exchange warranty beats 3 year (or less).

 

[Peter Kater]

Hello Steve, could you please expand what does AGM stand for ?
And also can I maintain an AGM battery with a CTEK MXS 5.0 charger ?
Thanks in advance !

 

[Steve-Indy]

Sorry...Absorbent Glass Mat...where the acid is contained in "sponges" (mats) that separate the lead plates...as opposed to a flooded lead acid battery where the fluid flows freely within the case.

Your CTEK MXS 5.0 charger should be fine charging an AGM battery...noting that you need to select the "AGM" setting. Your CTEC manual gives useful insights and directions.

 

[Lookfast]

I relocated the battery from the totally inaccessible behind the driver side wheel to the trunk inside the fender. There I can use a battery tender while the car is not in use and greatly extends the battery life.

 

[denniskgb]

higher crank batteries are fine but you need a trickle charger to maintain it when the car is just sitting stored..

 

[Steve-Indy]

You can also keep Vipers on battery tenders attached under the hood.

 

[tim bob]

Steve keeping the tender connected under the hood the positive leg but we’re is the best place to put ground wire ? Thank you

 

[Steve-Indy]

Tim, there is a factory designated ground terminal used for jumping or charging the battery. This is found under the hood, on the driver's side...it is a threaded stud about 3/4 inch tall sticking UP out of the sill about 1.5 inches to the rear of the left front wheel's splash shield. The cars came with a green plastic cap covering this ground terminal...noting that most of us have lost these green caps over time.

 

[GTSnake]

I relocated the battery from the totally inaccessible behind the driver side wheel to the trunk inside the fender. There I can use a battery tender while the car is not in use and greatly extends the battery life.

You know you can connect a battery tender to the posts in the engine compartment right?