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Thread: Battery Help

  1. #1

    Default Battery Help

    I went to buy a replacement battery for my 82 and the updated motor craft version is shorter and wider and looks crappy in my opinion. What are you guys installing? If I have to reuse my motorcraft stickers I will. Pretty bummed.

  2. #2
    FEP Senior Member Matt J's Avatar
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    I've had good luck with NAPA batteries (buy the premium one). They'll look it up and give you an exact fit for the car, I think it will use a type 55 or 56 for exact fit.

  3. #3

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    Thank you. Any other suggestions before I try out napa? I am very particular about getting the most correct look possible. If i go aftermarket, my motorcraft stickers are definitely going on.

  4. #4
    FEP Super Member sowaxeman's Avatar
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    I have not seen/heard of this "upgrade". It almost sounds like you are describing a 56 vs a 58 for the 86+ cars? In my experience Motorcraft batteries are no different than McPart store batteries, just different labels. I have used AutoZone for their Group 56 batteries and they are exact....just bought one in October and it was perfect. I peel the labels and add my Motorcraft labels for originality.
    Jason Smith
    MCA #65481

    '82 Capri RS Resto-Mod
    '88 #400 Saleen Coupe "Mean Machine" Legal Guardian
    '93 LX Yellow/Black Summer Feature - 2,800 Mile Original Survivor (Foxtoberfest 2019 Best Original 87-93)
    '05 S-281 Mineral Grey

  5. #5
    FEP Member James2488's Avatar
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    In my 85 I put an Optima Redtop into here and I think it looks and fits well.
    I finally got my dad a Redtop for his 93 Cobra because he has terrible luck with batteries (it only has 4200 miles on it so that might do it too) but hopefully this will last him as long as he needs it to.
    Last edited by James2488; 02-28-2018 at 03:33 PM.
    2015 F350 6.7 CCLB Platinum
    2008 Taurus 3.5
    1997 F250 7.3 RCLB ZF5
    1985 Mustang GT T-tops 5.0/T5
    1968 Pontiac LeMans 400/ST-300

  6. #6
    FEP Power Member
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    The current Motorcraft replacement is a group 56 at least for 84-86 models.
    Fox Body/3rd Gen MCA Gold Card Judge
    84 SVO 24K miles, 85 Mclaren Capri Vert. 84 GT Turbo Vert.
    88 Mclaren Mustang Vert 20K miles, 89 Mustang LX Sport Vert,
    03 Mach 1 7900 miles, 74 Mustang II, 69 Mustang, 67 Mustang, 07 GT500,
    14 Mustang CS/GT, 15 F150 FTX Tuscany, 16 F250 Crewcab, 67 Tbird 47K miles

  7. #7
    FEP Super Member escogt's Avatar
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    Just picked up a Motorcraft BXL-56A last week at a Ford dealership.
    '85GT Bright Atlantic Blue
    '92LX Bimini Blue-sold
    '93 COBRA Teal Metallic-sold
    '86SVO Oxford White-sold
    '86GT 'Vert True Blue-sold
    '81'GT' Medium Red-sold

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by escogt View Post
    Just picked up a Motorcraft BXL-56A last week at a Ford dealership.
    How is the fit? I guess it should be ok iif it’s smaller.
    Fox Body/3rd Gen MCA Gold Card Judge
    84 SVO 24K miles, 85 Mclaren Capri Vert. 84 GT Turbo Vert.
    88 Mclaren Mustang Vert 20K miles, 89 Mustang LX Sport Vert,
    03 Mach 1 7900 miles, 74 Mustang II, 69 Mustang, 67 Mustang, 07 GT500,
    14 Mustang CS/GT, 15 F150 FTX Tuscany, 16 F250 Crewcab, 67 Tbird 47K miles

  9. #9
    FEP Senior Member Matt J's Avatar
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    The 56 in the model number is the size of the battery, I recall a 55 was an exact fit for my 84, I'm not sure what size is exact for your 82. If you look it up online on one of the parts sites it will tell you which size is an exact fit for your vehicle. I'm not sure if the 55 and 56 are very different in terms of external dimensions, they might be. But the point is, if you get the prescribed size for the car, the fit should be pretty much perfect.

  10. #10
    FEP Super Member gr79's Avatar
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    BCI GROUP NUMBERS, AND DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATIONS
    https://www.jegs.com/Sizecharts/bcigroup.html

    Currently have a group 96R installed like the later 2000's Mustangs have.. Battery is on pass side.
    While back, changed to largest battery tray that would fit to allow more battery size choices.
    Tight fit but is fine. Lower profile batteries allow more hood to terminal clearance (like if it came loose).
    Battery is Exide Classic from Menards. Tested 12.7v new fresh off shelf. Recharges quickly w/70a alternator.
    Acts like a Motorcraft as to holding a charge for weeks out in the cold, unlike walmart JC neverstarts.
    An onboard Exide 1.5a charger is hardwired to keep battery maintained as needed, especially below 20°.
    Nothing but Motorcraft (BXT-65-750 from dealer) in the Ranger. That size is easy to get, good price too.

  11. #11
    FEP Super Member escogt's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by KevinK View Post
    How is the fit? I guess it should be ok iif it’s smaller.
    Fits perfect as that is the proper size for an '85.
    '85GT Bright Atlantic Blue
    '92LX Bimini Blue-sold
    '93 COBRA Teal Metallic-sold
    '86SVO Oxford White-sold
    '86GT 'Vert True Blue-sold
    '81'GT' Medium Red-sold

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