Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Plus 8 Tiny battery tray

On my 99 car the battery tray and securing clamp is really very small for something expected to kick over a V8, sited behind the drivers seat .
I have a 300cca battery in there but feel that 550cca would be more like it , do I have to go for a special AGM race car type or.....
What do you guys use?
I was going to make a bigger tray and a new clamp system but it is welded to the chassis so a bit of a carry on to do.

New small batteries pack a real punch these days. I would keep the size as is and do some research....there will be a battery available to meet your needs.

I agree. I noticed a Odyssay PC 680 in one of Bill Fink's +8+. "Does this really work" I asked Bill. I have used this Battery for about 10 Years and 50,000 miles on My +8 Bitsa. It is about the size of a College Dictionary and sits on the Bulkhead just above the starter. The first battery lasted 7 years and I replaced it just because it was old. Now 3 years use and no problems.

I don’t have a +8, but can also recommend the Odyssey range of batteries.
My 4/4 has a PC925 mounted under the bonnet, against the bulkhead.
My last one, still had life when I changed it after 8 years.
Well worth investigating their range.

Another recommendation for Odyssey batteries

Fantastic batteries and probably perfect for your tray

Easily powerful enough for a Plus 8

The PC 925 is a bit larger than the one I use PC-680. But I suspect it will fit better and give more cranking power. My +8 Bitsa is not a Morgan that was assembled by MMC and I did not want a battery behind the seat, thus a smaller battery, and cheaper, on the bulkhead. I also have very limited need for a large battery. No AC, Radio, Driving Lights etc.

You can modify the battery tray if you wish BUT be prepared to have to move other items around if you do, as there is a domino effect.

The Rover V8 with 9.35:1 compression ratio fitted to a 1999 +8 is not a difficult engine to start. It requires a bit longer cranking than some, but should fire up easily and positively if all the settings are correct.

I think it is more important to keep the battery in tip top condition than worry about the ultimate cranking power. I use a battery conditioner whenever the car is in the garage, and I do inspect it whenever I do any routine maintenance at the rear end and have the parcel shelf removed.

I changed the battery on my 1999 Plus 8 last month, the guy at Andrew Page’s also couldn’t believe that it was for 3.9, in fact he told me it was the same battery used in the old BL Mini’s

Murray, I have kept to the standard battery on both the Plus 8's and never had a problem I don't ever charge them but always throw the Red Isolator switch when parked up to remove any current drain. I have left it for 10 weeks on a long holiday and it started ok, a frost is a bit of a rarity down here.

I have a '99 Plus8 and the battery is fine at the moment, but when it is time to change it I'll be buying an Optima Red Top. Why ?? I bought an Austin Healey 3000 in from the States last year and they need some grunt to start them. The car had stood un-charged or started for 12 months. Started perfectly to get it to the docks but then took over 4 months to get to the UK. On arrival the battery had no problem starting it straight out of the container and it hasn't needed charging since. They are popular in the US but I have never seen a battery as good as this, it's as if one is plugged into the mains ! I know they are expensive, but if there is one that fits the battery tray, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. No connection with Optima, just very satisfied.