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Therefore I bought an X2Power AGM battery (Group 35) to replace my 2nd Optima (given to me as a warranty replacement). This has made a dramatic difference. There is no more hesitation in starting. The engine no longer idles poorly nor runs under load roughly. I did not previously realize that a bad battery can put extra load on the alternator and affect the engine:
However, I have unfortunately ran into this EXACT situation. Bad battery, engine won’t run well under load (idles OK though. Replacing the battery fixed it up just fine. Seems like an odd engineering choice on first glance. But in reality, using the battery as an energy store during load actually seems like you’re using a battery as a… battery, and if it enables you to bring the cost down, well, so be it.
So yes - if I’ve seen this happening under load. Ran fine at idle, but revving it up would cause it to start misfiring.
edit:
Confirmation again - second car (this time, a mini cooper) with a bad battery, causing the engine to run poorly under load. Replaced the battery, engine now running fine. Your battery is part of the electrical system, so if it’s going out, it can cause problems.
Also, Evo X's battery tray can hold a Group 34R battery (bigger) as well. If you are interested in a bigger battery, you can simply get a Group 34/34R tie down (longer) and then you will be able to install the 34R battery.
For now I hope that this X2 Power last for the many years to come!
AGM batteries require a higher voltage its stated on the label on battery.. ill have to take a picture of it when i get a chance.... You will have to up the voltage from the Alt... i have more info on this since im waiting on products to up the voltage.
i work at mechman alternators, we make a 220 amp large case conversion for the sti's[,] plus with with the adjustable boost module you can set your voltage to approx 15.3v cold so when it warms up you put out around 14.8v[,] perfect for a 12v agm battery. i personally have an XS power 3400 agm in my sti. [...]
By the way, many dealerships recommend AGM batteries for the Evo X without increasing the alternator's voltage. While this does eliminate the odor of an in-cabin flooded battery, the AGM battery might last only a couple of years because the Evo's alternator doesn't produce the voltage ideal for AGMs.
I myself have not yet increased the voltage from my Evo's alternator. Instead, I'm using a CTEK charger in the garage for the time being. In the future, it might be wise for me to install a booster module to prolong the life of my AGM battery.
I myself have not yet increased the voltage from my Evo's alternator. Instead, I'm using a CTEK charger in the garage for the time being. In the future, it might be wise for me to install a booster module to prolong the life of my AGM battery.
Maybe car guys like us are a bit too OCD, but NorthStar seems to be really confident with their products:
Will there be a list of vehicles that we do not want to sell product into because of their alternators?
No, the number of vehicles and systems that exist today would make it difficult to identify, manage and update a list on a regular basis. So instead we have set charging the charging parameters of between 14.1 volts and 14.8 volts as an acceptable charging range. So long as the battery charging remains within these tolerances the battery will perform to its engineered specifications. It is recommended that for every application the customer test the charging voltage to ensure it is within the acceptable limits.
Our Evo X's alternator outputs ~14.6 volts when new, so NorthStar AGM batteries should last a few years in the Evo without a voltage booster. That said, having the voltage increased to 14.8 volts could definitely prolong the life of an AGM battery.
The X2Power AGM battery is going out after 3 years. It struggles to start the engine in cold winters. In hindsight, the X2Power/NorthStar battery is still the best and most durable aftermarket AGM battery I've ever had.
I'm replacing it with an Energizer AGM battery. It's more available in my area (in-stock and off the shelf) and supposedly has a better warranty. That said, it might not last as long as the X2Power one. We will see.
X2Power (on a shopping cart) on the way to recycling.
Energizer AGM battery (Group 35).
Energizer AGM battery (Group 35) installed in Evo X.
Installed: X2Power AGM battery group 35
