There can be only one... battery

[SQAddict 10+ year member]

Alright guys,

Im getting ready to begin my next install and am trying to plan the electrical upgrades that will be needed (signature has been changed to reflect whats going in). The factory alternator is 125 amps, so I think I can get away with a Big 3 using 1AWG wire.

My question is this: I would like to simplify this system and try to run only 1 battery from the factory location. If I can only choose one battery that will run all of the car's electronics AND all of the aftermarket stereo, what would you recommend?

Also, would getting something like a Kinetik powercell really help? I have no experience with these (I used to be a cap guy). If its small enough, I might be able to install it under the hood along with everything else if it will make a huge difference even after getting a better battery...

Thanks for the insight

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[terra 5,000+ posts]

Get a Batcap 8400 and call it a day

 

[Brian_smith06 10+ year member]

wow nice equipment...

i too am curious about this question

i vote for a batcap though. probably the batcap 2000

 

[U n K n O w N ? 10+ year member]

Powermaster d3100 in the back nd a Kinetik 1800 up front should have room to upgrade amp a little also

 

[SQAddict 10+ year member]

Great, thanks for advice

Afraid the 8400 is a little out of my price range for a battery, but Ive got to agree .. its **** nice.

The Batcap 2000 has a fair price for what you get. Seems to be on par with the SHURiKEN SK-BT80 (which is cheaper).

Im leaning towards just grabbing the powermaster D3100 and running it upfront. If I get dimming, I will try adding a Kinetik to the mix. If I still get dimming, I guess its time for a mechman alt

Thanks again. Let me know if you have heard about any problems with running the d3100 as a starting and running battery for the whole vehicle.

 

[Supergumby5000 5,000+ posts]

powermaster or kinetik gets my vote.

 

[SQAddict 10+ year member]

One last question,

Are the Kinetik batteries okay to run as your main battery (all car electronics on it, too)?

Reason I ask is I went through several Optima yellow tops only to find out that they dont make a good cranking battery when your also running all of your stereo on one (at the time, it was the only battery). I did add a G31 battery and the problem went away. But since Im hoping to run just one battery this time around, Id hate to replace a $300 battery every year

 

[audiolife 5,000+ posts]

I have had my kinetik 1400 for more than 4 years as my only battery and it has never failed me. I know a few SQ world champs use the 1800 under the hood as their only battery as well. have seen single 2400's used in SQ set ups with 1000/1 and 2 or 3 other JL class ab amps.

 

[SQAddict 10+ year member]

Great, thats exactly what I needed to know.

Ive got an 1800 on its way (couldnt find any locally - the best we can do is an Optima yellow top).

Thanks for everyone's responses.

 

[SicAudio 5,000+ posts]

great choice on the kinetic you wont be disapointed at all. the Shurikens are made by Kinetic for Metra btw //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif the only downside to them is they use a 6mm bolt instead of a 3/8" bolt. they actually compare directly to the kinetic on power but are in a smaller slightly thinner case. I would use a shuriken / kinetic long before I used a batcap. all a battcap is , is a bunch of flooded spiral cell foil caps just like the orbital batteries and optima's. Exide (the company that actually developed spiral cells) stopped making them because they are very tempermental on charging and would die permanently if disharged to far or left sitting too long. they replaced them with a far superior battery called the marathon with a 9 yr warranty, and they only cost 110$ at cskauto //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[SQAddict 10+ year member]

Thanks, Sic

It looks like the Kinetic will be just what I needed for this install. I did take a look at the Shurikens again after your post - I didnt notice the small terminals first time around. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[SicAudio 5,000+ posts]

NO PROBLEM MAN.

the shurikens are just as good (made by kinetic actually) but the 6mm bolt (1/4") is a slight drawback. but they are smaller in size for the same amperage which is a huge benefit. you will love the kinetic either way. I sell both and have only sold 2 kinetics since I started selling the shurikens ^ months or so^ . People see the cost difference and cant see spending that much more for the same thing.

 

[93dakota 10+ year member]

Go D3100... I am running 4k of one and have no problems and it is my only bat and located under the hood

 

[audiolife 5,000+ posts]

NO PROBLEM MAN.the shurikens are just as good (made by kinetic actually) but the 6mm bolt (1/4") is a slight drawback. but they are smaller in size for the same amperage which is a huge benefit. you will love the kinetic either way. I sell both and have only sold 2 kinetics since I started selling the shurikens ^ months or so^ . People see the cost difference and cant see spending that much more for the same thing.

shurikens are not made by kinetik:laugh: I also know for a fact that they do not suggest shurikens for under the hood (the new model they have for under the hood looks way different)..

 

[SQAddict 10+ year member]

Unfortunately, Ive already got the Kinetik 1800 en route.

But, you guys are right - there is big difference in construction (shape/build, not necessarily internals) in these batteries. The big thing to me is getting something that is going to fit in factory bracket (or with some small mods), ruggedness, and ability to deal with high temps all while running a pretty heavy, variable load.

Some of these batteries, like the Shuriken, are amazingly well suited as a 2nd battery somwhere sheltered. Even the terminals are low profile and attractive and meant to be seen. Other batteries (like most G31's) seem to be built as a workhorse that is perfectly suited for a dirty, hot environment like under the hood.

Again, Im not an expert by any means, these are just impressions from looking at the batteries. I appreciate all of the feedback from those more knowledgeable out there