What is the stock battery group size for a '97 SE? The last one put in was at the stealership when the alternator died...they put in a group 24. Most of the listings at the part stores show a group 35 as standard. I'm assuming either group number will work, but would like to go with whatever came with the car if possible....I really don't want to have to mess with customizing the battery hold down clamp. Any difference in CCA in the two sizes?

 

dealer said 24F is the oe size

 

Up at sears we show like 5 different group sizes for A32's. IIRC, 34R (R == reverse terminals) is the OE size. Mine still has the original battery in it, so I'll check it when I get a minute. EDIT: 24F is correct.

 

Thanks to both!

 

Well this came up in the Optima thread. As it turns out just about every battery will fit. Sometimes you need different J hooks which are like $3. I have an Optima with the top and side terminals which fits great. I dont remember the size off hand. The only one that I know of that wont fit with out some modding is the one with terminals on top that are basically in the middle.

Yes CCA's are different for the group sizes. A bigger battery has more reseve capacity and higher CCA rating.

Also the group size recommendation is also based on climate. Maximas do come with a higher CCA on the cold weather package.

 

Ended up getting an OEM battery. Was $62 and the last one lasted 4+ years, so I just went back to that. Looked at the Optimas and I love the design, but can't justify the cost since I most likely will buy something new in the next year or two.