Battery Replacement---question!

Battery died in the Mrs.' Caddy CTS, probably 4 or 5 years old. Took the battery out to bring it to the parts store and noticed that it physically looks the same as the battery in my Roadmaster Wagon and Cadillac Fleetwood. I took one out of the wagon, installed and she started right up.

I did notice that the CTS area near the battery is pretty cramped, but there is room. I measured the batteries and there is 3/4 of an inch difference in height; everything else is the same. Because the CTS battery is an odd ball it is 75 to 100 dollars more.

So, wondering is there any reason I can't use the cheaper wagon battery. Also, the wagon battery has more cranking amps.

thanks

Tom

I think I've seen that much physical difference, in the same group number, between batteries from different manufacturers. As long as the the clamp tightens properly, the cables reach, and there's no interference at the top with the hood closed, there should be no reason not to use the "non-custom size" battery.
I imagine that the local "Caddy" dealer would frown on it though! ($$$)

That's the answer I'm looking for! It fits, doesn't hit the hood and the terminals are side mounted.

thanks

Tom

If it fits, go with it. I keep batteries that are good from parts trucks as spares, since it seems GM used the same size battery for decades.

Same here.

It fits... no sparks... I'm happy.


Dave

The original Delco CTS battery has provisions for external venting. The B-Body batteries do not.

if the battery is under the hood,. i wouldn't worry about 'external venting",..
if its under the back seat of the trunk,. then external venting is definitely necessary,.
JM2C

The battery is under the hood. I posted the same post on the Cadillac CTS Forum. As it is here, there is always someone that has had this problem. Two guys posted and they said they have run the 78 size batteries without any problems. Looked at the battery that I am replacing, it's not vented either.

Heading out to get a battery.

thanks

Tom

""if the battery is under the hood,. i wouldn't worry about 'external venting",..
if its under the back seat of the trunk,. then external venting is definitely necessary,.""

All true.

CTS-V is inside.

80s full size Caddies spec'd Group 75. Bigger/stronger 78s are a drop in. Use the biggest battery with the best specs that fits in the hole, especially in places that go below freezing!