At One Place

BCI Group 78 battery

What replaces a BCI Group 78
Group 78, 78-, Group 34/78 (dual terminal)
12 V lead-acid, 260 × 179 × 186 mm

The BCI Group 78 is a rechargeable 12 V lead-acid prismatic. The codes below are the same physical cell sold under different manufacturer names, and any of them will fit.

Specification

IEC designation
BCI Group 78
Nominal voltage
12 V
Chemistry
Lead-acid
Size
260 × 179 × 186 mm
Rechargeable
Yes

Codes that mean the same battery

Different manufacturers, one physical battery. Voltage, chemistry and dimensions all match.
Code Fits?
Group 78 Yes — same cell
78- Yes — same cell
Group 34/78 (dual terminal) Yes — same cell

Codes that look close but are not

Code Why it is not a substitute
Group 34 Same footprint, top posts rather than side terminals. The 34/78 dual-terminal battery has both and is the safe buy when you are not sure which the car uses.
Group 65 Longer and wider. Both are GM and Ford fitments and the trays differ.

Where it turns up

  • GM cars and trucks with side-terminal cables
  • Chevrolet Silverado and Tahoe of many years
  • Buick and Oldsmobile sedans
  • Older Chrysler models

Side terminals take a bolt rather than a clamp. Overtightening strips the lead insert, and that is not repairable — snug is enough.

Common questions

What is equivalent to a BCI Group 78?
Group 78, 78-, Group 34/78 (dual terminal) — all the same 12 V cell under different manufacturer codes.
Can I use a Group 34 instead of a BCI Group 78?
Same footprint, top posts rather than side terminals. The 34/78 dual-terminal battery has both and is the safe buy when you are not sure which the car uses.
Is the BCI Group 78 rechargeable?
Yes. Use a charger made for its chemistry and never substitute a primary cell of the same size.

Related pages

Sources

  1. Official vendor product documentation — At One Place

How these figures are compiled and checked