Hi all.
i know this subject has prob been asked more than once.
But was wondering what was the best batt for my cosworth 4x4.
Have just got a cheapy unipart at the moment.
But the cold spell has killed it.
I was told by ford they now dont do the correct terminals.
And the last ford batt didnt last anyway.
Any advise would be welcome.

 

www.carbatteryshop.co.uk
still do the ford terminal ones, there are various sizes, in pure performance terms the ultimate would be a AGM(gel) battery but around £140, but there are very many to choose from, the latest issue of Car Mechanics magazine has a battery shootout feature in it.
I always use Varta Blue, the largest size that fits in the std sierra battery tray is a 095, which is 70ah and 640CCA, the std one by comparison is a 085 of 44ah and 360CCA.
You would be able to get a gel type in there around 100-110ah and 1000CCA, but not needed if car is being used, their main benefit is lack of use cars as they have very very low self discharge so hold charge a huge amount better, they also don't sulphate like ordinary ones.
It might be worth trying a battery conditioner like the C-TEK, these really can bring back a lot of the lost performance.
tabetha

 

who still does the square post batteries?
i still get asked for them fairly regularly, havent been able to get 1 for best part of a year now,
tbh i think most people are happy to convert to round post, especialy when they see how much dearer the square post is for the same size battery,
but there is still a few old sticklers who complain and want to keep they're l reg escort equippe original, batt worth more than the car

 

i got a square post for my 3 door from my local motor factor. Was for some big diesel engine and mine cranks instantly. Didn't cost much either. About 45 quid if i remember right. Then again i get massive trade discount there though. I'll have look what make mind is tomorrow

 

I got my 095 square post one from Multicell in Norwich, Norfolk, was a new old stock one, happened to land a bit lucky there, got it for £50 cash, still with 5 year warranty.
I even have a ford one on the astra, that takes round post, I simply opened up the split in the clamp a bit and it clamps either side of the ford post now, works perfect.
tabetha