CleanCL

iTrader: (4)

Battery Part #: Braille Auto B3121
Install time: 30 minutes

Stock CCA: 550
B3121 CCA: 550

Stock w/ cover, tray, & mount: 39.8lb
B3121 w/ tray & mount (no lid): 22.4lb
Weight saved: 12.4lb

I was looking to remove some weight off this beast, so I took a look around at lightweight batteries. I was surprised to find this one. Same CCA performance, lighter weight, and easy install. They have even lighter batteries, ones that are 15lb and 425 CCA. I did not want to take the risk being in New York in the winters along with all the tech gadgets in this car. Although I will note there are some guys in the 3G TL section running the 15lb battery in warmer climates. The factory mount is offset, so I had to reuse it, but the battery fits snugly in place. Car started right up. I turned on everything I could and did not get any low voltage warning. The car drives fine in partial throttle and wide open throttle. And of course there are pictures.

CGP CL9

any ideas for a custom battery tray? nice add btw.

CleanCL

iTrader: (4)

Braille sells an aluminum mount specifically for this battery. You could bolt it to the metal tray that the stock one mounts to. But at this point I don't see a point to all that extra work. This appears to work fine.

geodude

Ooo i want! Nice job.

CleanCL

iTrader: (4)

For reference, the Braille battery began giving me problems. I switched it out to an XS Power battery after doing a lot of research. I went with the D1200 and Tall Brass Post Adaptors (M6).

blkaspec

So what happened? I ask because i put one in my 3G and it died about 3-4months after installation. My car started shuttering on the freeway when traffic started to slow. I was able to keep the car going by turning off the air and radio...but decided to just throw the OEM back in. Its been running a 1+ years since then with no issues.

CleanCL

iTrader: (4)

You installed a Braille or XS? I did some research, and the inner components of Braille are failure prone. Obviously I didn't research enough upon the initial purchase. Essentially when it got REALLY cold here in the winter, I had an issue where the car didn't want to start right away. I knew this going in and New York never really gets that cold. This particular winter of course was pretty bad. It would eventually turn over after a few minutes, but I didn't like it. I researched and found XS, and I think this is pretty solid.

OEM is generally pretty good and from what I've been reading they use quality components. Of course by the time the winter rolled around, it had been 6+ months of the OEM sitting on a shelf without being charged, so I think it was too depleted to use. I'm hoping the XS to last awhile though.

blkaspec

sorry , it was a Braille

iTzVlad

8 years later.... How was the XS Power battery? Did it work well? I have a sound system but I want a slightly lighter battery. My diehard battery is 50+ pounds. This XS power battery is 34lbs, not extreme but good enough for weight reductions plus it can run my sound system and hit 725 CCA enough to start in the north.

Did it last a least a few years? Thanks.

SoftwareDrone

I had two of the lead acid Brailles in my Ferrari and they died fairly quickly. Of course I was pounding on them with a 3000 Watt car stereo. I replaced them with two of the Braille lithium batteries ($1100.00 apiece) and they are just phenomenal! You can completely dump them and recharge literally 800+ times. Additionally, if you fully charge them and leave them on the shelf for a year, they'll still be fully charged.

losiglow

iTrader: (1)

I think a lightweight battery is a good idea if you're looking to shed weight from the front end, which is definitely advantageous in these front heavy cars. I had the 17lb Braille in my '06 TL and it lasted 2 years until I got rid of the car. Still going relatively strong at that point. I used a Deka in my '12 TL and it lasted a year before it kicked the bucket. I just picked up an XS Power and so far it's doing well, but it's only about 6 weeks old. We'll see how it holds up.

I'd love to get a lithium but they're a bit more than I'm wanting to fork out for a battery. Maybe once day I'll be at that point in my life but right now, spending $1100 for a battery is a bit above my pay grade

Nitin

iTrader: (1)

I just installed a new carbon fiber Braille battery in my car yesterday. So far so good.

KarKraze

Do you have a pic of the fitment ? Link to the battery would be helpful too

Is it this one ? https://www.jegs.com/i/Braille-Batte...3121C/10002/-1

Anicra

Thats is nice, I would love to see someone that lives up north, where winters get to -20F, and see how it handles it in durability. You are in NY so your input after a couple winters will be interesting.
Until then, I am sucker for the massive 850CCA deep cycle batteries.
and Damn, I have to detail my engine yearly and yours is mint, nice job