Which Braille are you using?

[rossmacd]

Those of you who are using braille batteriess... Which one are you using? I'm strongly considering getting a 2618, but an also considering a 3121. Where did you mount it? I think I may put mine in the front fenderwell area, because it would save me 10 feet of 00 wiring, which weighs a ton. I've got an optima in the trunk right now, but with the large cable, it's difficult to install cleanly in my interior.

[canrc]

I am using a B3121 -- in the process of mounting it in the trunk

[ProdigyCustoms]

We use the 3121 series, most the Carbon Fiber units. They also have a real nice mounting bracket for them.

[rossmacd]

Is there a substantial difference with the CF series?

I thought I would have a dead optima (my car has been sitting untouched with the battery connected for about 6 months now), but I just went out there, turned the key, and everything operates, surprisingly. I won't be buying one immediately, but in the not too distant future I will. I'll be starting my rewire job this weekend.

[rossmacd]

From what I've seen of the bracket, you have to take off the whole bracket to get the battery out, is that right? Not that it's a big deal, but I was curious.

[ProdigyCustoms]

You do have to remove the entire bracket but it is pretty simple. The CF is totally for looks only

[Gandalf]

B3121 in the trunk. Works well but am religious about connecting it to my CTEC maintainer so no surprise.

Gregg

[Jim Nilsen]

I'm using a b3121 and it is in the trunk. I used 2/00 600 strand welding cable, which does have some weight but I only have a .7 volt drop from the battery to the fuse panel. It has always started the car with no problems that could be attributed to the battery.

[carguykeith]

I'm running the B14115 in the trunk with their billet mount, but much smaller cable (2ga) and am still seeing less than a 1v drop to the starter. Never had a problem starting my 488 BBO with locked 32 degrees advanced timing...

Just an FYI if you want to pass NHRA tech, the mount has to be modified to use 3/8 hold downs and you need to run the alternator lead back to your disconect switch if it's a 1-wire.

[rossmacd]

Wow, that little drop with 2ga? I was seeing like 2v IIRC till I switched to the 00 from 2ga.

[Coursey]

How well does the 3121 work with accessories?

A/C, Fast EFI, CD Ignition, Sound System?


Also, what is the difference in pulse cranking amps vs. cold cranking amps?

[pitts12driver]

Having had Braille batteries in my Ariel Atom for the past 4 years, I can tell you that unless you are religious about maintaining it on an intelligent charger, or driving the car all the time, you'll be replacing them with regularity.

[Coursey]

Is it worse then an optima. My optima was horrible about going dead if the car was not driven for a couple of weeks.

[Gandalf]

I had heard all the horror stories about <insert battery brand of choice here> and I've had my share of dead batteries at the most frustrating moments (actually, no "un frustrating" times come to mind lol). So far, I've used my CTEK maintainer anytime the car sits and no problems with my Braile. Keep in mind, these days you can get a charger/maintainer specific connection which you can mount under or on the exterior of the car somewhere so it's really not a big deal to connect/disconnect. For me it makes the difference between doing it vs not most of the time. And I make a point of placing the charger where I litterally have to walk over/past it to get into the car - that way I can avoid one of "those" moments :)

I have an ISIS system, LS drivetrain ECU, electric locks/windows and an audio system so it's in my best interest to keep a good charge. My voltage drop with the battery in the trunk is minimal and plenty of juice to start my (LSx) car everytime. With how light these batteries are I can totally see how you could mount one up front and save yourself all the extra wiring and also not take on much of a weight penalty - they are that light. I like the sucure mount. It is still serviceable when necessary and I don't plan to be taking it in/out at all.

And for what it's worth - I didn't like the light-grey of the battery body itself (the battery "top" is already black). I carefully removed the Braile labels, hit the battery with some SEM flexible black satin paint and re-affixed the labels. Looks like it came from the factory like that. We powdercoated the aluminum bracket too and mounted it on its side - came out just how I wanted.

My 2c.
G.