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Thread: Stock battery group size for '87 GTI 16V?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    SE Michigan
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    147

    Default Stock battery group size for '87 GTI 16V?

    What is the smallest stock battery group size for an '87 GTI 16V? The gti16v.com specs only says this for the battery:
    12 Volt, 54 Amp/Hr. (63 Amp. with A/C)
    I've currently got a huge group 41 battery, it supposedly weighs 34.5lbs. The alternate batteries that Napa lists are the group 48 and 91 at 36.6lbs. The group 90 battery in my 2001 Focus is substantially smaller...... So I want to see if there is an allowed stock replacement that is smaller and lighter than this huge group 41.

    So how do I find out what is the allowed stock size replacement batteries to see if I can shed a few pounds here? (I'm thinking one of you has already done this research, so I'm hoping someone can share. )

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Location
    Buffalo, New York
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    2,942

    Default

    Go to Wal Mart for a stock battery; they are usually the lightest for a given group.

    Note the Group, etc. stuff ifor batteries is no longer as strict a rule as it once was.

    YMMV.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    SE Michigan
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    147

    Default

    Yes, but I'm trying to figure out what group size(s) are allowed. The group 41 looks like the battery I had on my Rabbit diesel! Way big for a gasoline engine. Perhaps I should try the group 90 battery from my Focus on for size.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Raleigh NC
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    3,682

    Default

    1) Look at battery tray.
    2) Find smallest and lightest battery that fits in tray.
    3) Buy battery.

    Go racing.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2001
    Location
    Wheaton, IL
    Posts
    1,893

    Default

    I know for sure that the 16v scirocco came without AC. You need to determine if the GTI 16v came that way - local VW dealer should be able to confirm this. The non AC cars use a smaller group battery. I want to say it is group 42 - but it is about 7-10# less than the big guy.
    Chris Schaafsma
    Golf 2 HProd

    AMT Racing Engines - DIYAutoTune.com

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    South of Chicago, near Indiana.
    Posts
    248

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    I am looking for a battery for my car as well. I found a group 42 battery for it at a farm & fleet store. I think it was around $56 plus your old battey. The next time I am in the area I will have the old one with me.

    It is smaller then the old one which I thing is a group 41.
    1988 ITA Scriocco 16V #80
    MCSCC member since 1988

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2001
    Location
    Bunker Hill,WV.
    Posts
    614

    Default

    Group 42 was the smaller, lighter battery used in most of these cars.
    Group 41 was used in diesels, cold weather area cars and lots of A/C cars.

    Beware that because of the price of lead, many battery manufacturers are "consolidating" sizes and you may be sold a group 58R battery that is very similar in size to a group 42 but lacks the part of the battery tray case that slides under the backside of the battery to hold it in place.
    YMMV
    Good luck.
    cheers
    dave parker
    "Ignore All Confrontations With Common Sense."

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    South of Chicago, near Indiana.
    Posts
    248

    Default

    Beware that because of the price of lead, many battery manufacturers are "consolidating" sizes and you may be sold a group 58R battery that is very similar in size to a group 42 but lacks the part of the battery tray case that slides under the backside of the battery to hold it in place.
    Good luck.
    cheers
    dave parker[/quote]

    I have to agree with you on this as far as stock mounts on the battery. On a race car I would never depend on the stock mount. I plan on using a bracket across the top and long bolts to hold it to the battery tray.
    1988 ITA Scriocco 16V #80
    MCSCC member since 1988

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