Upgrading
to 12V batteries on an MGC
A series of useful V8 Workshop Notes has been contributed by
members of the V8 Register which set out ways of improving the
power and reliability of the batteries fitted to an MGBGTV8,
MGB or MGC. The suggested modifications are not difficult for
most enthusiasts to undertake and the cost is less than replacing
tired twin 6V batteries. So in many ways the case for an upgrade
is clear - but what are the various upgrade choices? Here we
set out the various V8NOTES which have developed members' approaches
to an upgrade.
Fitting two 12V batteries in parallel
V8NOTE390
Kai Knickmann developed the idea of upgrading to more modern
12V batteries a stage further by using two 12V batteries - one
in each of the existing battery boxes - but installing them
in parallel as V8NOTE357. Later Bob Owen developed the
idea as a way of curing difficulties he had experienced with
poor starting with a hot engine as V8NOTE390.
(12.10.08)
Fitting an 065 12 volt battery in an MGBGTV8
V8NOTE364
The topic of 12 volt battery conversions for the MGBGTV8 has
been covered in V8NOTE250 by Gordon Hesketh-Jones who installed
the larger 065 battery and then later a detailed installation
note of the marginally smaller 063 battery in V8NOTE329 by Victor
Smith. At the turn of the year 2006/07, Malcolm Venables
decided he wanted to make the change and obtained a 12 Volt
Battery Conversion Kit, but then began pondering over which
battery to fit - an 063 or an 065? His contacts with Gordon
provide a useful sequel to the earlier V8NOTES. (12.1.07)
V8NOTE364
Another 12V battery conversion!
V8NOTE357
Kai Knickmann from Germany looked at the options for
replacing his old 6 volt batteries and an offer from a local
trader produced another 12 volt battery conversion using two
new 12V batteries installed in parallel. BOSCH
offered a good choice for me with a battery called 4FN which
is identical in footprint with the old standard 6 volt ones
using silver technology for a longer lifetime, being
service free and sealed for life and as an additional plus,
having a nice black case as well. Of course, the electrical
values due to the reduced size are less impressive with 360
amp cold start and 40Ah capacity.
(1.6.06)
V8NOTE357
12 volt battery conversion
V8NOTE329
Converting the twin 6 volt batteries to a single 12 volt unit
has a number of advantages - one single 12 volt is less expensive
than two 6 volt batteries and 12 volt battery technology seems
to have moved on so more powerful sealed units are now available,
but also you can remove those wretched "top-hat" battery
terminal connectors which are a cause of many difficulties.
Now this conversion is by no means original but here Victor
Smith describes how he carried out the change using a single
12V 063 battery. (15.6.05) V8NOTE329
Fitting a 12 volt battery to a chrome bumpered MGBGTV8
V8NOTE250
Gordon Hesketh-Jones from Cornwall has changed from the
original twin 6 volt batteries to a single 12V 065 battery and
describes how to carry out this modification. (10.3.02)
V8NOTE250 |
V8NOTE390
View of
new 12V batteries fitted in parallel from the front. The isolator
switch is lower left; new earth strap is upper right of the
driver's side battery compartment. Original earth strap used
in the nearside compartment. This
installation is featured in V8NOTE390.
V8NOTE364
Comparison
of the original 6v battery with the new 065 Bosch 12v battery.
This installation is set out in V8NOTE364.
V8NOTE357
Twin BOSCH 4FNs wired in parallel provide improved
starting performance and have a near original look. V8NOTE357
V8NOTE329
New battery clamping "pegs" will be needed.
V8NOTE329
V8NOTE250
"Some
twelve years ago I decided to replace the pair of 6 volt batteries
in my V8 with a single 12 volt battery and found that with a
little modification to one of the battery trays, a standard
"065" battery would fit. The "065" refers
to the physical size of the battery as defined by UK standards,
and all manufacturers fit different sets of plates - for example
medium-duty, heavy-duty, caravan-duty etc into these standard
cases. The 065 case is no higher than the standard 6v battery,
but is longer so I had to modify the battery tray by flattening
the forward retaining cross-member part of the tray. One standard
battery clamp was fitted to the rear of the battery and a second
was modified so that that it sits across the centre of the battery
." (Gordon Hesketh-Jones) V8NOTE250
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