Who has bought a Jump Starter Pack & used it on their B series?

GlenW · 06-09-2009, 10:16 PM

Im going to buy a Jump Starter Pack (those things that dont require another car to jump start yours) and Ive had conflicting advice on how much grunt I need to start my GT/RX2. I tried a 600 amp one on my RX2 a few months back and that barely cranked it over and Im imagining a V8 with high compression will be even harder to start.
So, what size pack do I need and do they have protection against frying electronics?

Im getting sick of dead batteries.

tufLTD · 06-09-2009, 10:28 PM

I bought an el-cheapo one from Autobarn about 4 years ago, cost about $80 & it works a treat. Cranks over the Clevo 351 with ease. Just need to make sure the jump-pack is fully charged.

snappy · 06-09-2009, 10:38 PM

I bought a cheap gmc one around $70 dollars from memory to crank over my bikes works a treat on the bikes , I tried it on my xr8 nothing not enough juice to turn it over.
Sorry i know it does not help much

Scott · 06-09-2009, 10:49 PM

I bought one about 10yrs ago from an Auto Electrician, will dig it out of the shed and tell you the specs on it. It got used a bazillion times as I had a habit of going to lots and lots of B&S Balls and running my stereo all night. Never had to worry because in the morning I just used the Jolt to get running. Probably the smartest money I spent at that age.

1LOUDXFUTE · 06-09-2009, 11:04 PM

how long do they hold their charge for?

**watejs06** · 06-09-2009, 11:10 PM

i bought one from supercheap about a year ago , cost $120 used to start my BF GTP.

BigAL_250 · 06-09-2009, 11:18 PM

I believe it is usually recommended to have a 1200 CCA jumper for Large capacity engines, V8's, etc. A 600 is only useful for small 4-pots.

Get a 900 for a Six, though that being said, one day when I left my lights on in my old XE 4.1, it took a jump starter, the RAA guys jump starter and the engine in his van to get her to turn over.

GlenW · 07-09-2009, 06:03 AM

Thanks for helping out guys, this is more help than the stores I went to asking about them to staff who didnt really want to help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by watejs06

i bought one from supercheap about a year ago , cost $120 used to start my BF GTP.

Was that the SCA brand? I looked at them yesterday in Supercheap, seem decent but dearer than the rest. No bad stuff happen to your car?

XR Martin · 07-09-2009, 07:39 AM

Bought a Supershit one a little ago and it was useless. A couple of months after buying and only a few uses the battery could only hold 5 volts.

GlenW · 07-09-2009, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigal_250

I believe it is usually recommended to have a 1200 CCA jumper for Large capacity engines, V8's, etc. A 600 is only useful for small 4-pots.

Get a 900 for a Six, though that being said, one day when I left my lights on in my old XE 4.1, it took a jump starter, the RAA guys jump starter and the engine in his van to get her to turn over.

I got the feeling 1200 amps is about what Id need, cheers.

cosmo20btt · 07-09-2009, 09:14 AM

Most of the start packs on the market are nothing more than an extra cell,so if you battery is low or one cell in it is packing it in then it will help start your motor. it is best from experience to purchase a good quality one, like a blue point from snap on but can be pricey.

terri tx · 07-09-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6 Martin

Bought a Supershit one a little ago and it was useless. A couple of months after buying and only a few uses the battery could only hold 5 volts.

Gold

I think I got the same one..... Now it wont charge.

BigAL_250 · 07-09-2009, 10:56 PM

I picked up my 900 from Kmart a few years ago now, around $100-120 i think, hasn't failed me yet. I'm not sure if they still make this particular unit anymore, but it has an inbuilt LED worklight, TWO 12v outlets, a 200w Power Inverter & a 260 PSI compressor. Great for any occasion.

**data_mine** · 07-09-2009, 11:19 PM

I've got a supercheap 900Amp model, it kicks over the GT-P just fine.

GlenW · 08-09-2009, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by data_mine

I've got a supercheap 900Amp model, it kicks over the GT-P just fine.

Good to know. Since a couple of you now have posted them being used on your GTs Id say there is no problem with them overloading the electronics.

**data_mine** · 08-09-2009, 12:38 PM

I think that fried electronics thing is a urban myth. Never heard of it actually happening.

Worst thing you can do is hook it up backwards. (that could be how the myth started, someone wanting to save face, said he didn't hook it up backwards, "it was a spike")

GlenW · 08-09-2009, 02:10 PM

Last time I jump started the RX2 off the Telstar I killed the Telstars alternator So I was just checking a jump starter pack wont do that to the GT.
I think I'll get myself a 1200amp one to be sure though, the ol rotang takes a bit of cranking sometimes.

cheers for everyones input.