This post concerns the search for an Interstate battery for my F430, and the differences between the several choices currently available. My F430 has a 5 year old Interstate MT5 AGM 30 month 48/H6 size battery in it now. It fits well with the bracket located properly on the top, aft edge and 1/4" thread protrusion on the J-hooks. Interstate has replaced the MT5 AGM with the MTX AGM 36 month battery. The top of the line Interstate battery is the MTZ (possibly previously the MT7) line (48 month), an AGM battery with a ribbed white body and green top. The next model down is the MTX line (36 month), an AGM battery with a smooth gray body and black top. From my searches here, it looks like most choose either a 48/H6 size battery (apparently close in size to the OEM Euro spec S6 size) or the slightly bigger, and more powerful, 34R size battery. Those who have chosen the 34R size MTZ report having to place the bracket below the top edge (though still engaging the ribs on the side) just to get enough threads to put the nuts on the J-hooks. Although this method of fitment hasn't had any reported problems, in my opinion, it is not ideal and isn't securing the battery properly. The Interstate site shows the top of the line MTZ available in the 34R size, but in the 48/H6 size, they only offers the MTX version. I decided to go the Interstate store to physically compare the options. The first thing I found is that they do indeed offer the top of the line MTZ in the smaller 48/H6 size. As the site says, they also offer the MTZ in the 34R size and the shorter-warranty MTX in the 48/H6 size. These are the three I compared. The slightly shorter 48/H6 MTZ has the same appearance of a ribbed white body and green top as its bigger brother 34R. Whereas the 48/H6 MTX has the previously-mentioned smooth gray body and black top. The length and width of both sizes are similar but the 48/H6 has flanges extending out from the bottom edges on both long and short sides for optional mounting in other applications, whereas the 34R has only a small flange on the long sides. This gives the 48/H6 a bigger footprint, but doesn't seem to be a problem in the F430. Where the differences really are is in the top. From the bottom to the top mounting edge, the 48/H6 is shorter. The terminals on the 48/H6 are recessed and the top extends up above the top mounting edge. This provides for a better fitment in the F430 with the stock brackets, as I have witnessed with my current 48/H6. The MTX has similar dimensions to the MTZ in the 48/H6 size. Of note, both the MTX and MTZ in the 48/H6 size have a vent hole on each side and come with one plug to put in the side not plugged into a vent tube. Some say AGM batteries do not require venting, an argument which is bolstered by the fact that the 34R MTZ has no vent holes. If true, why the vent holes on the 48/H6? One reason may be that they are a holdover from the body design of that type of battery in the flooded (wet) versions. The 34R vs. 48/H6 in the top of the line MTZ series: the 34R is more powerful, a little taller and only one pound heavier. I believe the 48/H6 fits better, but the 34R can be installed as well. I haven't gotten my replacement yet, but thought I would share what I have learned. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Excellent report. H6 is the way to go. Note for 360 owners: H6 is still a bit too tall. A T6/L2 fits better, but people have been able to get H6s fit. Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat
Just installed the MTX-48/H6, fit fine, but had a tough time getting hold down bar over top corner....just barely made it after some struggle and help.
