I need a new battery. What size battery are you guys using for your 442's. I think they originally came with R71S batteries which are a group 27 (big ones). I think alot of guys are using the smaller R59 type which are a group 24. Any real difference other than size and looks? I was looking at an AC Delco 27-7yr or should I just go with the 24-7yr,smaller one ?

 

I don't know specifically about the 442, but why would you put in a smaller battery when you can fit a bigger one (unless you're racing)?

When I replaced my Delta battery, I measured the space, went to the store, checked the guide, it said Group 24 (which was the size in there already), then I measured the batteries and found that Group 27 seemed to be the right size.
I bought the Group 27, and it fit like a glove, with about 1/16" to spare.

2 weeks later, I had an alternator wire break (the one for the idiot light). I'm not sure when it broke, but I'm guessing it was days before I noticed it. When I noticed, I was coming from an hour away from home, at night, with the top down, the radio blasting and the heat on High.
About 10 miles from home, I noticed that the lights seemed dim an turned off everything but the low beams.
When I got home, the lights were distinctly dim, but the motor was running fine. I found the broken wire, fixed it, and charged her back up.
I'm not sure whether a smaller battery would have gotten me all the way home, in the dark, with heavy accessory use before I noticed the problem, when my alternator failed.

- Eric

 

The Delco catalog call for 27-7yr (750 CCA / 135 min reserve capacity) The 24-7yr is rated at 700 CCA / 130 min. I've used a 24R-7yr for years. I use the 24R as opposed to the 24 because the posts are on the opposite side. Not sure about 69 but 70-72 pos battery cables sometimes rub against the w/w jug and after I replaced it with a NOS part I didn't want it to happen again. Additional clearance is probably why some of us use the smaller battery.

 

Battery Tray tip:

Before installing a new battery, always remove the old battery tray and inspect the metal under the tray for "Acid damage".


I recently removed my battery tray to perform a routine inspection and painting of the battery tray. I was very surprised to discover a noticeable amount of acid erosion to the metal parts under the battery tray. The metal that supports the headlights and radiator is made of very thin metal. A significant portion of this framework was eroded by the acid dripping out of the drain holes in the bottom of the battery Tray.
I will need to spend some time this summer treating the metal that remains to slow down the damage.

I would actually recommend you remove your battery tray every year and inspect the condition of the metal frame underneath.

 

The reason people are using the 24 as opposed to the correct 27 or 27F is because the vast majority of battery catalogs incorrectly specify the 24.

Most also specify the 24 for 66-70 Toronados (joke, believe me), 65-70 B/C cars, and 63-64 big cars- which if you've ever tried to fit a 24 in a 63-64 car's 60K-sized battery tray, you will understand the catalogs are just plain wrong and cannot be relied on. A 29NF Ford style battery fits fine and is readily available. A 24 does not fit in any shape form or fashion and is almost impossible to properly secure in the car.

Doesn't make sense to me, when the 27/27F and 29NF are still easily found though usually listed for Ford and Chrysler.

 

Thanks, took all your advice. Just bought the Delco 27.