PiSCaRGoT
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- Jun 24, 2011
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Hi all,Not sure where to post this, this is probably the closest match as it has something to do with weight reduction (thus a bit related to chassis hehe).Anyway, thought I would write up a review as some of you might have considered a lightweight battery before as a performance/handling mod.I researched for a long time, and in the end decided on a Voltphreaks VPH900.Its basically a Lithium battery (similar like those used in your phones), so that is how it can achieve super light weight but with no loss in battery capacity.The only downside is its expensive (its about $1k USD depending on which model you buy), but I'll touch a bit on it in a while.For those who are interested to learn more about the battery technology, or would want to buy one, go to http://www.voltphreaks.com1. Buying experience - TOP NOTCHRather painless, I basically emailed them directly and the boss Tony Hwang replied.Tony was nice enough to advice on which battery would suit my car better, as there are a variety of batteries including a recently launched cheaper, lighter range now.A few email exchanges later, it was confirmed. Payment was via credit card directly using their website, so rather painless.There's a 2 week-ish wait as the batteries are made to order, but once its done, DHL takes about 4 working days to get it to your doorstep. And no, I didn't get taxed for it.View attachment 229282. Packaging - PROFESSIONALUnboxing it revealed 3 things : The manual, the battery itself, and an accessory pack. Everything was professionally packed and goods came in perfect condition.Can't get better than this. Yeah I know, I'm a sucker for packaging. 
View attachment 229293. Included accessories - COMPLETEWell, the manual ended up being pretty important. Besides notes on how to ensure your battery life is maximized (it can last you more than 5 years if you take good care of it), it also told me how to use the On/Off button.Its located on top, and lights up green when its "On". It automatically turns off when the battery gets drained below a certain threshold, so it doesn't leave you stranded. All you need to do is turn it on again and it will have enough juice to let u crank the engine a couple of times. Also, its good that you can turn it "Off", meaning you can do maintenance on the car without having to keep removing your negative terminal. View attachment 22930Another thing worth mentioning is that Tony was nice enough to send me 2 sets of terminals. One set of aluminium ones, and the normal brass ones. Guys, the aluminium ones weight almost nothing, it cost a bit more but you should get that. I know it might not be that significant, but if you're going for weight savings, might as well go all the way right? Plus its not that much more anyway. :top:Another thing to note is the aluminium SAE terminals can also fit other lightweight batteries like Oddysey, so you can purchase them seperately if you already have lightweight batteries in your car. I'm estimating about 70g weight savings on the terminals alone. Not a lot of weight, but it doesn't cost a lot more than brass/copper terminals. In your hands, you can REALLY feel the difference.Voltphreaks is currently having a promotion on them now, you can check it out by clicking here.View attachment 229324. Weight difference - Level : OMGWTFBBQMore than 23kg weight savings with just one mod, and without compromising battery capacity!!Carbon fibre bonnets and lids won't give you this kind of weight savings, plus they cost a bomb. Changing seats to race seats might, but you sacrifice on comfort (and they cost a bomb).I would say this is the BEST kg/ringgit weight loss ratio mod that you can do to your car (besides kicking your girlfriend(s) out of the car :thefingerIf you already have lightweight rims & tyres, this should be your next step.View attachment 22946 View attachment 22931In terms of dimension, VPH900 is just slightly lower than the stock BMW battery, but much thinner and shorter.View attachment 22938 View attachment 22939 View attachment 22941 View attachment 229405. Installation - Intermediate, 1 to 2 hoursI'm not going to go into details on how to remove the battery, there's plenty of information on how to remove your particular BMW model's battery on the Internet already. I drive a E93, so its a bit more uncomfortable to work on with all the roof mechanism, but it was relatively straightforward.Here is where the battery is, and how it looks like after you remove the panels. Took me like 5 minutes (i've done it before a few times).Its a beyatch to get out, and be very very careful with your back as you're lifting a 26kg monster in an awkward position. Best if you had some help with it.View attachment 22933 View attachment 22935 View attachment 22934When you remove the terminals, please make sure you remove NEGATIVE first, then followed by POSITIVE. When putting the Voltphreaks in, just ensure that it is turned "Off", it doesn't matter which order you put the terminals back then.Turn it "On" when you have all the terminals secured firmly and you double check no wires are touching and that you got the polarities right (double check it again!).The most complex thing about the installation is probably figuring out how to secure the battery in place, and protect it from vibration.Mine is pretty ghetto la I have to admit, as you can see here I used zipties and some foam cut to fit to prevent it from moving/jumping.Its good enough as the battery is very light so its not gonna do a samba when you throw the car around (I tried this hehe. My tyres didn't like it very much)If you're anal and want a more professional job, I'm sure your neighbourhood accessory shop will be able to fabricate something with some sheet metal.View attachment 22936 View attachment 22937 View attachment 22942So here's the end product, before I put back all my panels. I would advice to start the car and drive it around just to make sure everything is ok and its securely in place, before you embark in putting everything back together.View attachment 22944 View attachment 22943 View attachment 22945Overall I'm pretty happy with the product, its expensive but the product is very well built and its definitely one of the most cost efficient weight loss mod you can do to your car.Its too soon to know if there's any positive impact to fuel consumption (only been 1 day), but I definitely feel the car lighten up significantly.Feels good when you throw it around corners, and also slight improvement on acceleration responsiveness off the line (caveat - my butt dyno might be suffering from placebo effect).Will report in further as the weeks go by on the battery performance, and also on fuel consumption.Thanks for reading, I hope it helped you in some way!If you're deciding to buy a Voltphreaks as well, mention to Tony that "Mike from Malaysia" introduced you and you might score yourself some discount!Cheers,MikeBMW E93 335i (He's one heavy mafaka. Not me, the car.)
View attachment 229293. Included accessories - COMPLETEWell, the manual ended up being pretty important. Besides notes on how to ensure your battery life is maximized (it can last you more than 5 years if you take good care of it), it also told me how to use the On/Off button.Its located on top, and lights up green when its "On". It automatically turns off when the battery gets drained below a certain threshold, so it doesn't leave you stranded. All you need to do is turn it on again and it will have enough juice to let u crank the engine a couple of times. Also, its good that you can turn it "Off", meaning you can do maintenance on the car without having to keep removing your negative terminal. View attachment 22930Another thing worth mentioning is that Tony was nice enough to send me 2 sets of terminals. One set of aluminium ones, and the normal brass ones. Guys, the aluminium ones weight almost nothing, it cost a bit more but you should get that. I know it might not be that significant, but if you're going for weight savings, might as well go all the way right? Plus its not that much more anyway. :top:Another thing to note is the aluminium SAE terminals can also fit other lightweight batteries like Oddysey, so you can purchase them seperately if you already have lightweight batteries in your car. I'm estimating about 70g weight savings on the terminals alone. Not a lot of weight, but it doesn't cost a lot more than brass/copper terminals. In your hands, you can REALLY feel the difference.Voltphreaks is currently having a promotion on them now, you can check it out by clicking here.View attachment 229324. Weight difference - Level : OMGWTFBBQMore than 23kg weight savings with just one mod, and without compromising battery capacity!!Carbon fibre bonnets and lids won't give you this kind of weight savings, plus they cost a bomb. Changing seats to race seats might, but you sacrifice on comfort (and they cost a bomb).I would say this is the BEST kg/ringgit weight loss ratio mod that you can do to your car (besides kicking your girlfriend(s) out of the car :thefingerIf you already have lightweight rims & tyres, this should be your next step.View attachment 22946 View attachment 22931In terms of dimension, VPH900 is just slightly lower than the stock BMW battery, but much thinner and shorter.View attachment 22938 View attachment 22939 View attachment 22941 View attachment 229405. Installation - Intermediate, 1 to 2 hoursI'm not going to go into details on how to remove the battery, there's plenty of information on how to remove your particular BMW model's battery on the Internet already. I drive a E93, so its a bit more uncomfortable to work on with all the roof mechanism, but it was relatively straightforward.Here is where the battery is, and how it looks like after you remove the panels. Took me like 5 minutes (i've done it before a few times).Its a beyatch to get out, and be very very careful with your back as you're lifting a 26kg monster in an awkward position. Best if you had some help with it.View attachment 22933 View attachment 22935 View attachment 22934When you remove the terminals, please make sure you remove NEGATIVE first, then followed by POSITIVE. When putting the Voltphreaks in, just ensure that it is turned "Off", it doesn't matter which order you put the terminals back then.Turn it "On" when you have all the terminals secured firmly and you double check no wires are touching and that you got the polarities right (double check it again!).The most complex thing about the installation is probably figuring out how to secure the battery in place, and protect it from vibration.Mine is pretty ghetto la I have to admit, as you can see here I used zipties and some foam cut to fit to prevent it from moving/jumping.Its good enough as the battery is very light so its not gonna do a samba when you throw the car around (I tried this hehe. My tyres didn't like it very much)If you're anal and want a more professional job, I'm sure your neighbourhood accessory shop will be able to fabricate something with some sheet metal.View attachment 22936 View attachment 22937 View attachment 22942So here's the end product, before I put back all my panels. I would advice to start the car and drive it around just to make sure everything is ok and its securely in place, before you embark in putting everything back together.View attachment 22944 View attachment 22943 View attachment 22945Overall I'm pretty happy with the product, its expensive but the product is very well built and its definitely one of the most cost efficient weight loss mod you can do to your car.Its too soon to know if there's any positive impact to fuel consumption (only been 1 day), but I definitely feel the car lighten up significantly.Feels good when you throw it around corners, and also slight improvement on acceleration responsiveness off the line (caveat - my butt dyno might be suffering from placebo effect).Will report in further as the weeks go by on the battery performance, and also on fuel consumption.Thanks for reading, I hope it helped you in some way!If you're deciding to buy a Voltphreaks as well, mention to Tony that "Mike from Malaysia" introduced you and you might score yourself some discount!Cheers,MikeBMW E93 335i (He's one heavy mafaka. Not me, the car.)
