Well I just picked up a interstate mt51r for $100 today, and will install it tomorrow.. Just to be sure before I start, I don't need any terminal extensions or anything , correct? I'm trying to find the thread I was looking at as a reference , but there are so many threads on this topic its getting confusing lol


I was all excited to see a thread where the 51r drops right in, but then realized it was on the first gen :/

 

Looks like the OP took the tray out, dropped it in diagonally and tightened it up.

Post #26 confirms this as well, unless I'm missing something. Let us know how the install goes.

 

Yea I saw that too! I've seen 3 different ways of it being done so far, so if I didn't have to hack up the tray like seen in the video in page 2 that would be great

 

Preventively I run multiple grounds on the battery and engine, always make sure battery distilled water level is at the full mark, so far my battery shows no signs of weakness. I wish I could buy the Panasonic batteries stateside, those last forever. Every car I've had that came with the Japanese made Panasonic battery lasted 7-8 years reliably.

 

Do you have to modify the tray or drill new holes when you turn it sideways?

 

Well.. I got everything in pretty easy, but the positive terminal is way to loose so I need to find a shim... I found a set of these at orielly, will they be ok, or are they too big??


Super Start® 08584 - Battery Post Shims | O'Reilly Auto Parts

 

Battery shims work fine. I have them on my '07 with a 51r. They "crush" to fit when you tighten the connector.

 

thank you!

 

pics (or it didn't happen ).

 

After going thru about 10 dremmel cut off wheels, I just brought out the sawzall.... Problem solved, but just diving into it I realized all you really have to do is shim the battery up about 1/4-3/8, and everything will clear without any cutting.

Either way I still need some post shims to finish, but very easy thing to do.. As long as you have the right cutoff wheel.

 

Mine is still on the factory battery after almost 6 years. Still going strong.

 

Home Depot sells a 51r exide extreme battery for $89 510 cold cranking amps, has anyone tried this battery? Heading to PA for Christmas don't want the little battery to leave me stranded- seriously the little battery is the same specs as my riding mower battery the posts are just different. Also someone help me out I'm almost 40 years old and I've never seen a battery you add water to, except in old car magazines, so what's up with Honda using 1960's technology? All that being said, I love the 2nd gen fit, it starts and runs great, everyday.

 

The battery in our 2010 is 5 yrs old and has never had a single issue. Has been killed twice with forgotten lights but it just keeps on going.

The setup with bigger battery looks unclean. The OEM battery is more than sufficient.
The OP should have replaced the weak original battery with another original and not mistakenly interpret that the causes of his problems were the "size" of the battery.

 

Glad yours has worked out so well, do you live in a northern or southern region?

 

Here! Here! I replaced mine after 4 yrs as I really abused it screwing with some lighting that caused multiple kills. Other than that I found the original to work quite well in northern clime.

 

I'm sure you're right. However, on my '08, I had to replace the battery approx. every two years. Always with OEM. Car was stock, by the way.

 

I picked up the 51R from home depot last night, will try putting it in tomorrow - we will see

 

My 2011 Fit had less than 30K miles on it when it needed its battery replaced by the dealer for the second time. If this one dies before it hits 60K, I'll be looking at other options.

 

Do let us know how the install goes.

What year is your Fit, btw?

 

2011 Sport about 45k miles, completely stock except 205/50/16 tires, Ill let you know how it goes