Biggest battery I can fit?

[lee gsi]

Any idea what the biggest battery is I can fit to my Signum CDTi?

[GazVXLINE170]

As big as the electrical load required and one which will not stress the alternator - obviously depending on the alternator rating (105A-hr?) so the largest battery the one which is closest to that amp-hour rating to be safe.

[lee gsi]

How can you stress the alternator.

It will only give out its maximum output.

Having a bigger battery will just store it for longer.

[2wheelstu]

I just replaced the battery on my 1.9cdti. Assuming that the battery housing is the same on your model. I put a Varta F18 silver on. Purchased from battery2u for £95 inc next day delivery. It has 85ah with an 800 cold crank rating. Makes a huge difference to my cold starting. The silver range is designed for vehicles with lots of equiptment and aftermarket sound systems. The dimensions of this battery are 315mm x 175mm x 175mm. Fits perfectly. Hope this helps

[2wheelstu]

I just put a new high load battery on my 1.9cdti. Got a varta F18 silver for £95 including delivery from battery2u. 315mm x 175mm x 175mm. The varta silver range is designed for cars with lots of equipment and aftermarket sound systems. It is 85ah with 800 cold cranking. Hope this helps.

[Tinks]

Completely agree with Gaz, if the battery you install on the car is too high for the alternator it will cook the alternator - seen it so many times.

The solution : if you want to power additional items like big audio system, etc then the correct way to go would be with a split charge system - not overly expensive and real simple to install and you can retain the standard unfried alternator and a happy standard battery powering just the car.

Hope this info helps.

[bembo449]

im struggling to believe you can overdraw on an alternator , it will only give out what its meant too at any given rpm surely ?? i have fitted bigger than needed batteries on several cars without any problems

[GazVXLINE170]

How can you stress the alternator.

It will only give out its maximum output.

Having a bigger battery will just store it for longer.

never mind

[GazVXLINE170]

im struggling to believe you can overdraw on an alternator , it will only give out what its meant too at any given rpm surely ?? i have fitted bigger than needed batteries on several cars without any problems

point taken

But you can stress an alternator with excessive electrical load.

[John LE]

Nothing wrong with fitting a higher rated battery mate.

I towed my caravan on the last Vec meaning it technically had 2 batteries and had no problems what so ever.

Your not increasing the the load on the alternator as you are drawing the same amount of power as you did before.