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58 or 59 size battery?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Stang338
  • Start date Start date Oct 19, 2018
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Stang338

New Member
Aug 30, 2018
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Milwaukee, WI
Oct 19, 2018
#1
  • Oct 19, 2018
  • #1
So the guy at Advanced Auto parts told me how a 58 size battery was better for my 01 mustang GT (it showed a picture on his computer between size 58 and 59, with the 58 being labeled "better". I was very confused since my car came with the original motorcraft size 59 battery... I guess the only improvement would be a loss in like 10 pounds? (LOL), but really, which would be better? I'm contemplating between exchanging it or just staying with my size 58 autocraft silver. If it helps, I have about 1000 watts of audio system stuff hooked up.
Here's links to both the batteries...

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...2040360-P?searchTerm=AutoCraft+Silver+Battery
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...996785-P?searchTerm=AutoCraft+Silver+Battery#
 

Mattstang04

15 Year Member
Sep 15, 2006
1,152
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St. Louis, MO
Oct 21, 2018
#2
  • Oct 21, 2018
  • #2
The cars do come with a 59 series. They probably stock and sell more of the 58 series. I've replaced using a 58 series before. It does the job fine. May have to shim the battery hold down to make sure it stays in place. It is a bit smaller.

If you have heavy electrical needs, you may want to look into a high performance battery. The 59 and 58 are stock level stuff.
 
A

apple99Mustangdude

Member
Feb 11, 2018
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Jan 15, 2025
#3
  • Jan 15, 2025
  • #3
Mattstang04 said:
The cars do come with a 59 series. They probably stock and sell more of the 58 series. I've replaced using a 58 series before. It does the job fine. May have to shim the battery hold down to make sure it stays in place. It is a bit smaller.

If you have heavy electrical needs, you may want to look into a high performance battery. The 59 and 58 are stock level stuff.
Click to expand...
For those of us not so advanced - what other sizes of battery will fit the 99 Mustang six with no or minor modification? I have the stock radio system, and a back-up camera and air filtration system I use a lot -
 

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
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#4
  • Jan 16, 2025
  • #4
apple99Mustangdude said:
For those of us not so advanced - what other sizes of battery will fit the 99 Mustang six with no or minor modification? I have the stock radio system, and a back-up camera and air filtration system I use a lot -
Click to expand...

Any quality Group 59 will work great for you. Look for 720 CA, 590 CCA, and a 100 min reserve capacity.

I see them in 24 month, 36 month, and 48 month (from NAPA). In general: the longer the warranty, the thicker the lead plates, the more they cost.

You can toss in a physically larger battery that has fewer amps and a smaller reserve.
 
A

apple99Mustangdude

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#5
  • Jan 16, 2025
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I thought a physically larger battery (if it would fit) would give me more options with larger reserve and cold cranking amps?
 

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
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#6
  • Jan 16, 2025
  • #6
apple99Mustangdude said:
I thought a physically larger battery (if it would fit) would give me more options with larger reserve and cold cranking amps?
Click to expand...

Not in all cases. You have to look close.

On a side note: I've had really good luck with dealership batteries.

You [can] out more stuff into a larger battery case but that doesn't mean that they do.
 
A

apple99Mustangdude

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Feb 11, 2018
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Jan 16, 2025
#7
  • Jan 16, 2025
  • #7
I used to have good results with Motorcraft batteries, but I am hearing from various mechanics that batteries seem to be "shrinking" in size, and that they are not lasting 5 years as mine used too. One group is claiming that battery electrolytes are now watered down, and they have a business going draining the electrolyte out of "bad" batteries, and replacing it with their own "batteryguyz" electrolyte liquid. Interesting, because Scotty Kilmer, long time mechanic as his dad was before him - mentioned that batteries USED to come dry, and the solution was only added to the battery when the battery was ready for sale - meaning your battery was "fresh" when you got it. Makes a lot of sense, how much would be saved on battery transport alone if they were shipped dry?
 

Noobz347

Stangnet Facilities Maint Tech... Er... Janitor
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Jan 4, 1985
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#8
  • Jan 16, 2025
  • #8
apple99Mustangdude said:
batteries USED to come dry, and the solution was only added to the battery when the battery was ready for sale - meaning your battery was "fresh" when you got it. Makes a lot of sense, how much would be saved on battery transport alone if they were shipped dry?
Click to expand...

Yep and for the longest time, battery warehouses were the last holdout for this practice. Even that's gone away.

I'll have to look around and see if there are any 'specialty' places that ship dry batteries anymore.
 

weendoggy

5 Year Member
Jan 14, 2019
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Aptos, CA
Jan 31, 2025
#9
  • Jan 31, 2025
  • #9
Get a stock Interstate battery. They work just fine and should be available in your area. Do a search.
 
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