Fitting a Bigger Battery not intended for a Mini?

[Admin/Founder 2]

As you know ive been having problems starting Boris so now I'm thinking of fitting a bigger battery that was never intended for a Mini but is better suited to the Job

Ive been searching Online and most sites recommend batteries ranging from 330 to 400 ish Cranking Amps for a Mini

However when looking through my project pics ive noticed that Boris has a pitiful 265 amps

You will also notice the vast amount of space around the tiny battery in the Battery Box

So with that in mind I'm considering buying One of These


cgi.ebay.co.uk/VARTA-BATTERY-D21-61AH-600A-SILVER-dynamic--type-075_W0QQitemZ270492356119QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxq20091129?IMSfp=TL091129218002r6641

its basically a 075 type battery that are generally used to power various diesel engined cars

at more than twice the cranking power i think its more up to the job and less likely to flatten

Apparently its a popular Mini Battery Upgrade
I'm also thinking of replacing his Alternator as i think hes still on his original Lucas A127 which were Originally 45 amps,then upgraded to 55 amps but now are only available as a 70 amp upgrade

so if i upgrade to a new A127 too I'm hoping Boris will start first time every time on the button

So what does everybody think?
A good upgrade?

Huggz
Jodie

[Pink-Shifty]

I've just fitted Poo with an 063 battery out of a 306 diesel, with a discount it cost me £34.

(however it did me no good as Poo isn't charging now!!)

[bnicho]

I reckon a bigger battery is a good idea.

I'm running a Ford Falcon battery in the Moke (big ugly six cylinder or V8 car) as it's teh biggest I coudl find that physically fitted in the carrier. I've never had any problems starting since I fitted this battery, even if I don't drive the Moke for a couple of months.

[mollymoke]

Good idea.
I have a battery from a 1989 325 BMW, 660 amp, similar to the one above, it has a breather pipe, which means the acid/fumes go down through the floor onto the road, not onto the paint....
The 75 amp alternator is a good idea to!

[Admin/Founder 2]

Thanks Guys
im guessing this is most definitely the way to go We went to a Mini Show yesterday and the smallest Batteries they had on Show were 440 amps Cold Cranking so even Mini Specialists think the specified batteries are pants

Im guessing if they thought a pitiful 265 amps was sufficient they would stock them

but as non of them do I'm guessing that answers my question ;D

Im also beginning to wonder if i can get a bigger alternator than the uprated Lucas A127 that will fit maybe 90 amps?

I know deep down its a bit of an overkill but after all the trouble we've had starting Boris lately i want to take the "Belt and Braces" approach

Anybody else fitted a larger Non Mini Alternator with Success?

Huggz
Jodie

[bnicho]

I'm running a Daihatsu Charade alternator, but it's only 55amp. It was chosen for its compact size and light weight rather than outright power.

Cheers,
Brett

[clambod]

I fitted a larger output alternator to the "Phoenix" 80 amps, I think. I got it from Mini sport. It has the 4 front lamps and there has never been a problem. It was cheaper than an exchange 55 AMP

[madaboutcherry]

i,ve recently fitted a bigger battery into my mini but now the battery clamp does,nt fit. is there some sort of universal kit that works because i think it,s an mot requirement?

[notamini]

Don't have a Mini but, looking at the pic, I'd say get longer 'J' bolts and/or move them to the far holes.

[joakwin]

im fitting a group 31 yellow top in my mini, i think its over 1000cca battery, im gonna cut the stock battery box and weld in some metal to make it big enuff to fit and then mount the box back into the car to make it look factory but way bigger

i'll be doing a nice alittle write up and pictures of that soon!!

and i upgraded the stock alt to a gm 105amp unit and it charges great at 14.4-14.6volts

[asahartz]

068, 072 and 075 all fit a standard battery box and will turn over anything you can fit in a Mini no trouble at all. I run 068 right now just because I had one going spare.