Battery replacement, what to pay attention to?
 

Hi,

I need to replace the battery in my '99 Z28 A4 which has a few bolt-ons and not much planned for the future beside some msd wires and new spark plugs.

It now has a delphi freedom BE 03??54 (forgot the numbers). Since I live in the Netherlands these batteries might not be available here so therefore I would like to know what specs I need to pay attention to.

Below I have pasted some info from optima.com for reference but I really have no idea what to look for. Was hoping to get something for around a $100, the brand doesn't really matter (I guess).

Perhaps you guy's can give some pointers or tell me what you have?

Cold Cranking Amps:
Cranking Amps:
Nominal Voltage:
Open Circuit Voltage (fully charged):
Internal Resistance (fully charged):
Capacity:

these are specs I got from optima's website.

A red top for a ls1 fbody. Optima's are "high performance" so I also got specs for an average battery that is recommended for ls1 fbody.

Optima
Battery Model: 75/25
Part Number: 8022-091
NSN: 6140 01 475 9361
UPC Code: 8 11405 00091 1
Performance Data
Cold Cranking Amps: 720
Cranking Amps: 910
Nominal Voltage: 12 volts
Open Circuit Voltage (fully charged): 12.8 volts
Internal Resistance (fully charged): 0.0030 ohms
Capacity: 44
Reserve Capacity: BCI: 100 minutes (25 amp discharge, 80°F (26.7°C), to 10.5 volts cut-off)


These are specs for a $100 battery from advance auto

Battery Type: Lead Acid
BCI Group Size: 75
Cold Cranking Amps: 700 amps
Cranking Amps: 875 amps
Deep Cycle/Starting: Starting
Height: 7 1/4 in
Length: 9 11/16 in
Maintenance Free: Yes
Reserve Capacity: 95 min
Terminal Type: Side Terminal
Voltage: 12 v
Weight: 32 lbs
Width: 7 1/4 in

The main thing you are looking for is a size 75 side terminal battery. It should drop right in. I just did a search in the UK and it looks like they are available. The battery comes in two flavors with the + and - terminals reversed, so you'll also want to check that and make sure you have the correct one.

the only spec you need to pay attention to, other than 12v battery, is the "size 75" which will be the correct size for the car and the original battery cables will fit the battery.
when buying new battery at least here in the U.S. there will be a manufacture date sticker on a new battery, you want to buy one that is less than 6 months old and as new as possible. The longer a new battery has sat on the shelf self-discharging the weaker it will be and may cause you problems sooner than later depending on how it gets used. Ideally you want to put a new battery on a smart charger and make sure it gets charged to 100% before using it, or at least be aware that if you buy an older new battery then do very short trips with the car you increase the likelihood of never charging the battery well and running it down.