"Red Top" Optima Battery

[utahindie]

I finally got around to getting a picture of my install on this little gem. It took a little work and a bit of customization but i think it turned out just perfect. First off i had to bend the clamps that attach to the battery. Then i had to remove and reinstall the ignition wire-bundle clamp-clips so that the wire-bundle would stretch enough to fit. Probably the hardest part of it. Then i took the battery tiedown and used a bench-vice and some assorted tools to bend it to the new shape since the Optima is a shorter battery then the stock version. I had to use a different j-hook to reattach it to the vehicle, but that was easy enough to find in a pile of old parts. That is all there is to it! A picture of the finished product and no need to use extension adaptors!

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[Raven]

It looks good, I've got one in my truck but it was a direct fit. I was wondering why you had to replace your battery already.

[JohnC]

Nice work. What was the group size (or part number) of the Optima? Our COSCO store only stocks the size 15 in the red top.

[Ponyota]

Real good job utah... I can't imagine doing that much work just to change the battery.

[utahindie]

Group size was 34/78. Part number 8004-003. It isnt a direct fit, thus the cusomization. As far as doing all that work.... it was a REALLY slow day at work and the boss even helped me out! Master level technician! I work for a really great dealership that is really giving me a chance to gain experiance. And they are obsessed about doing everything right the first time, so everyone helps everyone and the dealer grows! Why the replacement you ask? I was having hard starts at 60-70 F with the stock battery! It was ubsurd! That, and im planning to do some stereo modifications later on. Why use another crappy stock battery when you can just go for the gold? I have not had any problems yet with my 800 CCA's

[DavidPIL]

The 35R is a direct fit. Not always easy to find but would aleviate any need for adaptationDave

[AKLGT]

here's mine. i'm hoping it'll fit in that subie since i just bought it in Nov!

[Ponyota]

Quote, originally posted by trdvibe »here's mine. i'm hoping it'll fit in that subie since i just bought it in Nov! Is yours the 35R and did you have to so any modification to put it in. Reason I ask is because I want one of the Optima batteries

[utahindie]

You might notice that there are 2 slots on the batteries where the posts actually fit onto the battery. Might even be some sort of venting system but i dont know the scematics on the darn things(do they even vent?) Mine arent in the correct slot for the bends in the clamps. trdvibe has a direct fit you'll notice she's still able to use the red cover. Just check before you pay for it if you dont want to do any customization. As stated above apparently 35R is direct fit. I ordered mine and doing a return vs. just installing it .... well i chose the install. And Optimabatteries.com isnt very helpful with thier "vehicle selector" either. So best to look at the one that looks like it belongs ie. the battery shown above.Oh. and if you are looking for a yellowtop instead http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=10463 51R seems to work.Hope that helps!

[AKLGT]

i have the 35R. it's not EXACT, a little shorter so you need the spacer and it's also a bit thinner, but it still works great! no problems what so ever this winter!

[Stang2Vibe]

Can anyone enlighten me on the benefits of the Optima batteries? I realize that they have a much higer CCA rating (which is enough benefit itself), but are they supposed to last longer, put out more power, do something better than other batteries, etc? And what's the difference between red and yellow tops other than price? Is it better to have one of these in the car if you're powering a big aftermarket audio system?I've always had good luck with Delco batteries. They usually lasted me about 6 years before needing replacement. With the way my Vibe starts in the cold and my considering putting subwoofers in the car, I'm wondering if I should change batteries sometime this summer.

[utahindie]

If you go on over to thier official websight they explain it pretty well. Basically they are a deepcell sealed battery. Deepcell batteries can hold more of a charge so if you are using alot of accessories it can power them for longer. Redtop is for all around use, but the Yellowtop is more geared towards stereo systems. The Bluetop is for marine/boat use(or to match a blue car)http://www.optimabatteries.com (source, copyright, ect.)The OPTIMA RedTop"The looks alone generate plenty of buzz. But it's the patented SPIRALCELL® Technology in OPTIMA RedTop batteries that's truly worthy of praise. OPTIMA RedTop batteries are built to withstand the abuse Trucks, SUV's and 4x4's experience on and off-road. SPIRALCELL Technology immobilizes the internal components of the battery, enabling OPTIMA batteries to withstand incredible amounts of vibration.""Vehicles modified for better engine performance demand more from a battery. OPTIMA batteries withstand the high underhood temperatures associated with these Performance vehicles. The sealed cells make the battery spill-proof, even if you install it on its side! This prevents external gassing and leaking which can damage engine components and limit battery performance." "If your battery is used in vehicles that demand extra reliability and performance, or if you just take pride in getting the best performance out of your vehicle, OPTIMA RedTop batteries deliver the performance you demand."The OPTIMA YellowTop"Demand more from your vehicle? Then get more from your battery. OPTIMA YellowTop batteries are made for the extremes. If you have an extreme vehicle, you expect high performance. Whether your vehicle is made to take the abuse of off-road driving or cranking out decibels, you need more from your battery. OPTIMA batteries with patented SPIRALCELL® Technology deliver that performance. The deep cycle characteristic of this technology coupled with its extreme resistance to vibration provides performance vehicles with the repetitive power they need in a spill-proof package.""If your vehicle has a lot of accessories like running lights, high-performance stereo/AV system, winches, or hydraulics, your vehicle demands more from its battery. OPTIMA YellowTOP batteries provide the extra performance and deep cycling capability that your vehicle demands."

[Stang2Vibe]

Thank you for the info!

[DavidPIL]

Hey,In my post I didn't meant to imply an exact fit. Just that the posts were direct fitting without the need to extend anything. For me, I just bought a rubber tie down from Advance Auto Parts. Seen em at Auto Zone as well. Cut down the hook posts thingies so the wouldn't stick up so high. Fits well and securely.THe holes on top are vents though I think in manufacturing, they used the same top cover for non-R batteries, just used the spare holes as vents. BTW, the R in the 35R just means reversed posts, which is what you'll need for a direct fit Optima battery.Dave

[Ponyota]

Yes, that helps alot, thank you! I can't decide if I want the yellow top or the Red top. I'm into music but at the age that I don't need a loud powerful system anymore. So I might just go with a red top for now.