Can anyone recommend a specific make and type of battery, such that there will be no fitting/venting issues?

Thanks,

Rob.
2006 X Type Sport Wagon.
1987 XJ6 Daily driver.

 

1100me, you are after a 94R style battery. As for make of battery, you only have 2 companies that make batteries in the US. I know what you are thinking, there are 100's of different battery brands out there. That is true, but they are all made by these 2 companies (Exide and Johnson Controls) and then a different sticker is put on the outside. What separates a $100 battery from a $400 battery is the warrantee associated with the battery. Yes, there are a few styles of batteries that are unique and don't fall into this generalization (ie, the spiral wound batteries). So, look around and see what you can find in available options for your area. The length of time that the battery will last is really a roll of the dice as you can get two batteries made hours apart and one will last for many, many years and the other will fail after a year, even though they were both treated the same way.

On a side note, you don't need a deep cycle battery or a marine grade battery. These are overkill for your car and also will more than likely fail in a short period of time as they are meant to be deeply discharged periodically. To not treat them that way causes the battery to build up "moss" on the inside of the battery, leading to its early failure.

 

+1, what he said. Even Bosch batteries are not made by Bosch, so save your money.

I went with the Advance Auto Gold battery and it's been running solid 2+ years now.

 

I have a red top Optima battery, works well.

 

I went with the Advance Silver (same battery as the Gold, slightly shorter warranty).

Watch for the online deals; got mine online with a 25% discount and a $25 giftcard for later use. Pay online, pick it up at the store; free installation.

Throw in a spiff for the installer and you're looking at about $135 net or so (6% sales tax in PA).