ammcinnis Posted March 23, 2019 Share Posted March 23, 2019 (edited) For future reference, the Duracell Platinum 24/34AGM battery sold at Sam's Club (and by other retailers) is manufactured by East Penn (a major U.S. battery manufacturer) and is identical to the Deka 9A34. This is a BCI group 34 battery, but it comes with a clip-on 22mm spacer that will raise it to the same height as a group 24 or 25 battery. With the spacer attached, this battery is an ideal drop-in replacement for the OE Subaru (group 25) battery. In my experience you do need to use the spacer, otherwise the battery hold-down bracket may not fully tighten. Sam's Club price (2019) is about $154, occasionally discounted $20 to $134. Relevant specs: Model = Duracell Platinum 24/34AGM Type = flat-plate AGM/VRLA BCI Group = 34 (24 when spacer is attached) Capacity (20 hr rate) = 55 Ah Reserve Capacity (25 A rate) = 120 minutes CA (32 F) = 890 A CCA (0 F) = 775 A Weight = 42.5 pounds Warranty = 3 year free replacement See: https://www.driveduracell.com/pub/media/wysiwyg/1692.pdf Edited November 18, 2020 by ammcinnis "If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there." ~ The Cheshire Cat (Alice in Wonderland) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hkshooter Posted March 23, 2019 Share Posted March 23, 2019 I put a group 34 Interstate in my 2016. The clamp tightened with close to zero room to spare. The battery did not come with a riser. Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmoney468 Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 Thanks for the note, I can’t get over how low the CCA are on the stock Legacy battery. I replaced the battery on my 2012 Impreza with a Duracell AGM and was more than happy with it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gathermewool Posted March 24, 2019 Share Posted March 24, 2019 (edited) Thanks for the info! How common are Group 24 batteries. When I need a new battery I'd prefer to go after that extra 70 cubic-inches of space for more lead. I've checked online, but not locally to determine how available each size really is. For reference (and why the OP says you need a 1" space to lift the group 34 battery to make it a group 24. Group-----L/W/H/in^3 24-----10.3/6.8/8.9/623 34-----10.3/6.8/7.9/553 25------9.1/6.9/8.9/559 Note: Stock Group is 25 Edited March 24, 2019 by gathermewool '15 FB25 Magnatec 0W-20 + FU filter (70,517 miles) RSB, Fr. Strut Bar, Tint, STI BBS, LED er'where Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ammcinnis Posted March 25, 2019 Author Share Posted March 25, 2019 (edited) How common are Group 24 batteries. At the current time, Group 24 seem to be considerably less common than Group 34 but possibly more common than Group 25. Group 34 has been used for decades in many different Chrysler Corp. vehicles. Some (many? most?) battery manufacturers these days appear to offer either Group 24 or Group 34 batteries, but not both. Either will usually offer substantially higher capacity than the OE Subaru Group 25 battery. When I need a new battery I'd prefer to go after that extra 70 cubic-inches of space for more lead. Me too, but larger physical size doesn't guarantee higher electrical capacity, and then there is the relative value (cost vs. performance) to consider. I'm certainly not advocating one battery over another. Choice is good. Edit: Your comment about lead content is worth expanding on. Within any BCI Group number, battery weight is a good indicator of relative lead content. As a rule of thumb, the higher the lead content, the greater the AH (amp-hour) and Reserve Capacity numbers. On the other hand, CA and CCA numbers are more highly correlated with plate geometry (i.e. surface area) than with plate mass (i.e. weight). Edited October 13, 2019 by ammcinnis "If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there." ~ The Cheshire Cat (Alice in Wonderland) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gathermewool Posted March 25, 2019 Share Posted March 25, 2019 At the current time, Group 24 seem to be considerably less common than Group 34 but possibly more common than Group 25. Group 34 has been used for decades in many different Chrysler Corp. vehicles. Some (many? most?) battery manufacturers these days appear to offer either Group 24 or Group 34 batteries, but not both. Either will usually offer substantially higher capacity than the OE Subaru Group 25 battery. Me too, but larger physical size doesn't guarantee higher electrical capacity, and then there is the relative value (cost vs. performance) to consider. I'm certainly not advocating one battery over another. Choice is good. Agreed. I never want to be surprised so I keep a spread-sheet of available Group 24, 25 and 34 batteries offered by the majors that I update every few months. It's interesting that some will offer a lot of information while others offer almost none. '15 FB25 Magnatec 0W-20 + FU filter (70,517 miles) RSB, Fr. Strut Bar, Tint, STI BBS, LED er'where Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Painless Posted May 4, 2019 Share Posted May 4, 2019 Just replaced mine @ 160k miles as I was getting intermittent starting issues which I can't take a chance on with by daily driver and needed quick replacement. After research I went with O'Reilly Super Start Extreme Part# 34EXT: https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/extreme-5361/battery-accessories-16452/battery---automotive-16864/battery-12836/aa237490c00e/super-start-extreme-group-size-34-top-post-battery/34extj/4742603/2016/subaru/legacy?manufacturer=true&pos=3 Could have chosen the size 24 but it only had 750 CCA and weighed 43.7 lbs. The size 34 had 800 CCA and weighed 41.0 lbs. Even though their website states that "Part Doesn't Fit 2016 Legacy", it fit just fine. It comes with a spacer on the top of the battery that you remove and snap on the bottom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wi_legacy2016 Posted October 13, 2019 Share Posted October 13, 2019 I think Farm and Fleet is specific to Wisconsin and surrounding states, but I got a 7 year "platinum" group 34 battery from there today for $95. Came with a spacer so it fits great. 800CCA, 985CA, and 3 yr free replacement (prorated refund after 3 years). Hard to beat that! Since the 34 battery has a larger perimeter than the stock 25 battery, I cut the little heat shield that was around the original battery, and essentially expanded it by taping some pipe insulation to the ends so that it could fit around the new one. I arranged it so that part is by the headlight since I doubt that side does much anyway as it's furthest from the engine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRu17 Posted October 15, 2019 Share Posted October 15, 2019 (edited) I went with an Optima Batteries 8025-160 25 RedTop Starting Battery Model: 25 Weight: 31.7 lb C20 Capacity: 44 Ah Post Type: SAE Post CCA: 720 Amp Width: 6.75 in Length: 9.38 in Height: 7.69 in Reserve Capacity @25 Amps: 90 Minutes Voltage: 12 Volts Case Material: Polypropylene Case Color: Dark Gray Cover Color: "OPTIMA" Red Group Size: BCI: 25 Internal Resistance: 0.003 CA: 910 Amp I have not one complaint. The first thing I noticed was that it's about 10 lbs lighter than stock. There have been some frigid cold mornings and the car fired right up no issues. Edited October 15, 2019 by JRu17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyShackleford Posted August 17, 2020 Share Posted August 17, 2020 (edited) Wondering if anyone here does much car camping, where they need deep-cycle capability ? I've used a couple Optima Yellowtops over the past 10 years, worked fine, and I'm ready for another. Have read that Optima has gone downhill recently, so I'm looking at alternatives like Northstar AGM or Duralast Platinum. Some of those mention that car alternators aren't good at charging them back up after deep discharge, maybe even causing alternator damage, but like I said I've had no problem with the Optima. Mine car isn't Gen 6, but I imagine the issue are the same, except my car specs a Group 35 (same size as 25, but terminals on opposite side). Edited August 17, 2020 by RustyShackleford Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PATS4LIFE Posted August 17, 2020 Share Posted August 17, 2020 Wondering if anyone here does much car camping, where they need deep-cycle capability ? I've used a couple Optima Yellowtops over the past 10 years, worked fine, and I'm ready for another. Have read that Optima has gone downhill recently, so I'm looking at alternatives like Northstar AGM or Duralast Platinum. Some of those mention that car alternators aren't good at charging them back up after deep discharge, maybe even causing alternator damage, but like I said I've had no problem with the Optima. Mine car isn't Gen 6, but I imagine the issue are the same, except my car specs a Group 35 (same size as 25, but terminals on opposite side). Check out Full Throttle batteries! Heard good stuff about them,I will be trying them out once my red optima craps out. Also Limitless batteries but they aren’t cheap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyShackleford Posted August 17, 2020 Share Posted August 17, 2020 Check out Full Throttle batteries! Heard good stuff about them ... Thanks, but don't think I want to spend that much. They don't seem to have a Group 35 either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aki334 Posted August 22, 2020 Share Posted August 22, 2020 I will have to change my battery soon, which size battery will use up battery tray 100% and still be able to be secured using OEM setup? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PATS4LIFE Posted August 22, 2020 Share Posted August 22, 2020 I will have to change my battery soon, which size battery will use up battery tray 100% and still be able to be secured using OEM setup? Red optima fits right in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ammcinnis Posted August 22, 2020 Author Share Posted August 22, 2020 (edited) ... which size battery will use up battery tray 100% and still be able to be secured using OEM setup? Summarizing information previously posted: OE battery is BCI Group 25. Group 24 is the largest drop-in replacement. Group 34 is a common size that will fit, too. Edited August 22, 2020 by ammcinnis "If you don't know where you're going, any road will take you there." ~ The Cheshire Cat (Alice in Wonderland) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seiyasun Posted December 21, 2020 Share Posted December 21, 2020 Thank everybody for the information. I was able to change the battery in the cold northeastern weather as the stock one died amid the storm. After several times of jump starts in the morning, it just won't start itself anymore. It lasted for five and a half years. Bought some tools from a local parts store like the 12V extender, setting saver, deep 10mm socket, brush, and sprays, etc. Hooked up the setting saver to another car with 12V first. All settings seemed carried over. As for the battery, saw group 25 at local Costco but bought a group 24 because of the higher CCA. Had to put aside the OEM group 25 battery wrapper. Wondering if it can still be used for a group 24? Thanks again for everyone's input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gathermewool Posted December 21, 2020 Share Posted December 21, 2020 How did the terminals fit? Did you have plenty of room for the wiring? I put a group 24 in my Forester and it’s a very tight fit wire-wise. Physically, the battery fit just fine. '15 FB25 Magnatec 0W-20 + FU filter (70,517 miles) RSB, Fr. Strut Bar, Tint, STI BBS, LED er'where Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seiyasun Posted December 21, 2020 Share Posted December 21, 2020 How did the terminals fit? Did you have plenty of room for the wiring? I put a group 24 in my Forester and it’s a very tight fit wire-wise. Physically, the battery fit just fine. I had to move the battery to the right side so the negative wire can reach the terminal. I don’t think there is any tension on it but it’s tight fit like you said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted December 22, 2020 Share Posted December 22, 2020 Just saying years ago Consumer Reports rated the Walmart Maxx Everstart as one of the top batteries. I have been using them since my 2005 needed a battery. Price is around $90, I replace them after 5 years, before the 6th Winter. My wagon has never failed to start even in the cold VT mornings at -29F. Sorry I'm cheap and just can't see spending the $$$ for those red top batteries. When our 18' Outback 3.6R needs a battery it will get one from Walmart. How many years do you guy's get out of the Optima's ? 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Przemek Posted December 23, 2020 Share Posted December 23, 2020 How many years do you guy's get out of the Optima's ? Mine lasted 5 years, but I would never buy another. There is simply no reason they cost so much compared to what you get from normal battery. But I would highly recommend Costco. Warranty is better than Walmarts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PATS4LIFE Posted December 23, 2020 Share Posted December 23, 2020 I always use optima,always lasted me 4-6 years Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Capacity Posted December 23, 2020 Share Posted December 23, 2020 Mine lasted 5 years, but I would never buy another. There is simply no reason they cost so much compared to what you get from normal battery. But I would highly recommend Costco. Warranty is better than Walmarts I always use optima,always lasted me 4-6 years Sorry to hear they don't last any longer then a $90 battery. FWIW, my 1086 F150 has gone 9 years on a battery from Advanced auto parts back when my son worked there. It was there top level battery. The truck sits on the lawn from Dec. to April. 305,600miles 5/2012 ej257 short block, 8/2011 installed VF52 turbo, @20.8psi, 280whp, 300ftlbs. (SOLD). CHECK your oil, these cars use it. Engine Build - Click Here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pronkie1 Posted January 15, 2021 Share Posted January 15, 2021 Got AAA to replace my battery March of 2020....Tuesday was at the dealer to check the brakes which were fine but battery was bad....Got home and called AAA....45 minutes later they were out installing another battery....Group 25 batteries the tech said aren't a big turnover ...My old one had a date of 1/20 on it.....The new one says its 11/20....First three years free replacement and then two years after that prorated....2016 Legacy Premium 2.5 with 89800 miles..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gathermewool Posted January 15, 2021 Share Posted January 15, 2021 Got AAA to replace my battery March of 2020....Tuesday was at the dealer to check the brakes which were fine but battery was bad....Got home and called AAA....45 minutes later they were out installing another battery....Group 25 batteries the tech said aren't a big turnover ...My old one had a date of 1/20 on it.....The new one says its 11/20....First three years free replacement and then two years after that prorated....2016 Legacy Premium 2.5 with 89800 miles..... How much did that initial battery cost? Did March battery replace the OEM? What mileage? '15 FB25 Magnatec 0W-20 + FU filter (70,517 miles) RSB, Fr. Strut Bar, Tint, STI BBS, LED er'where Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pronkie1 Posted January 16, 2021 Share Posted January 16, 2021 How much did that initial battery cost? Did March battery replace the OEM? What mileage? AAA charged 143.00...Came out and in less than 20 minutes new battery was installed...Yes it replaced the original battery and had 81k miles on it then, due to being retire I only drove it 8k last year.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now