My 2003 MCS is a daily driver that sees frequent autocross use (2-3) events per month. Any opinions on the use of a lightweight battery such as the Braille? Can I expect any tangible benefits in handling/reduction in times, or alternatively, would removing the weight from the rear of the car be detrimental?

Any thoughts or especially personal experiences would be welcome.

Len

 

I have been waiting to get one from Helix. It helps for sure.

Think about this. Have you ever goofed and shown up with 6-7 gallons more gas than usual? Car feel different? There you go.
The battery sets farther back but the weight loss from OEM is less than the ~36lbs of gas.

 

I like this option for a lightweight battery ETX20L, more cranking amps than the ultra lightweights and reverse posts just like OEM http://www.bigcrank.com/motorcycleba...v?p=BIG-ETX20L
http://www.dcpoweronline.com/product...8a6c300618e5d1
It was in the plans to go lightweight but the original battery failed and I had to get to work so I went OEM the second time around just for survival.

There’s not doubt that loosing weight from the vehicle helps acceleration. However, after experimentation with ballast placed in different parts of the vehicle I discovered handling benefits from extra weight placed between the rear wheels. This is in curvy road use; autocross is a different animal and I can’t comment on that.

 

I like to lose weight anywhere on the car that autocross class rules allow. I've used lightweight batteries in three different cars I've raced, unfortunately I've got my Mini in stock class right now and I have to keep the stock battery. I've currently got the 12 lb Odyssey PC535 in my Miata currently, and have used several other Odyssey batteries in the past with great success. I have a friend with a 6 lb Magnapower brand jet ski battery in his Miata that has been working well for him.

-Keith

 

Helix sells the Dekka for $90 and claim that they are "Exactly the same as the Braille Lightweight Battery with a different label." They also sell the Braille.

 

I got my Deka off of ebay (new) for $64 shipped. I have the 11lb one. Terminals were $15. I have been using it for a couple months now and love it. I have a Cooper and had to destroy the box to get the cables to fit. But, it's going eventually anyways. What's nice about the Odessey batteries is that there is a dood on ebay that makes aluminum cases for them. I have to fab mine since I will be riveting the ECU to the side of the box. I say go for it. You can just get the aluminum box from Helix if you get the Deka