Being a question that crops up now and then, I'd thought I'd put up my thoughts on my experience with Batteries Direct and my purchase of a D35 Yellowtop suitable for the RX-8, available here:

http://www.batteriesdirect.com.au/shop/ ... 0/d35.html

Now as it is a deep cycle battery its great for those of us who don't use their 8 as a daily, so the battery may not be charged for weeks at a time.

The installation was easy, the battery is smaller than the OEM housing, so it fits without issue. However because it is smaller I ran into three problems:



1) The battery sits lower that the OEM one, meaning the battery holder does not completely hold the battery down, new holder is cheap and easy
2) The post is slightly narrower that the stock size, and my clamp was slightly worse for wear. Though I made connection, I'll be replacing the clamp for a tighter fit, again cheap and easy
3) As the battery sits lower, the positive connection doesn't completely reach. Either a case of putting something under the battery to hold it up, or in my case trim the plastic to allow the connection to sit nicely



After fitting the battery I had a few 'glitches' that needed resolution. Drivers side window didn't do its auto up and down, the DSC light was flashing and the Traction slippery light was on. Had to do an ECU reset (car on, turn wheel lock right, then lock left) which immediately resolved the flashing DSC. The auto window function and traction light both went away the next time the car was started. I imagine this wouldn't have happened if power was maintained to the system when replacing the battery.

Battery fired up straight away, looking forward to some hassle free starting now

Just wanted to confirm if the d35 has the reversed connections? I can't. Find anything on the d35r type

the d35 isnt labeld as a d35r... u just have to ask for the reverse terminal one.
also, vanq... mine came with extra plastic stand, as you stated the battery is shorter, but the stand that came with mine and attached to mine made it sit at the same height as the original battery.

i will take some pics of what im talking about when i can.

I didn't even think of that! Nice work tiptoe, I'll do that tomorrow!

Not sure Rotatox, I just bought the one linked, and it arrived perfect...maybe they only come this way now?

ive got an optima red top, mine is the reversed terminal one had to wait 2 days for batteryworld to order it, the stand is actually on top of the battery when u buy it (that plastic thing that covers the terminals) and also has other adapers included.
mine is rated to 800CCA but when the guy at battery world installed it he tested it and it was pumping out 1200+CCA.
pretty happy with it but really need a new starter

Jusy throwing in my 2c
Just fitted one of these this morning, I too bought it from batteries direct and was able to pick it up as it's only 1/2 hr away from me so only cost me $322.

I got sick and tired of having to connect a charger everytine I drive my car (lucky to drive it more than once a week)

I had the same issues as vanq on install, although power windows didn't work on second start up. (got them working by doing the 10 sec hold up and down reset)

after initial start the idle seemed a little odd but it seems to have sorted out after a quick drive.

I knew my battery wasn't the best but now it starts right up almost instantly.



And it came with a two stage stand, I used the bigger part of the stand and cover and battery holder work fine.

Nath, can you get a picture including the model number.

Sorry, that's my eye-twitch button

Will get one today for you

Sorry

Ask and ye shalt receive...

I'm considering getting this battery as you guys seem to have proven that it is worth it. In winter here in the ACT it takes more time to start my rx8. e.g. i need to crank for longer up to 10 seconds to start the car as opposed to summer time where i can start in 2 - 3 seconds with no probs.

My current battery is an SSB Automotive (SS55D23L) with CCA - 660 and RC - 95 minutes.
I understand that the D35 spec is CCA - 650 and RC - 98 minutes.

There doesn't seem to be much difference in specs and I'm wondering if I will benefit from an upgrade.

There nothing on my battery that tells me if it's deep cycle or not so maybe that is the difference...

Also, it appears that the cheapest yellow top in the ACT I have been quoted is $396 pickup.

Right so its the same one I posted up early... which is probably why people cant find it because the Model on the battery is D36 YT. For those who are having trouble getting someone to find one, just give them Part # 8040-218.

Zoom was d36 a mistype? Mine is d35 YT with the same part #

at repco we only have d35 listed on the computers as well