Dumb optima red top question
 

Guys,

I've been reading about batteries and I need to replace my old carrera 60-pounder with a new one. I know the red top gets a lot of good reviews, but there are a couple different variations of it available. Can someone point me in the right direction as far as a part number? I have the adaptor bracket from AJ-USA, just need an actual battery. 720 amps vs. 800? different lip/base sizes? is there a difference as far as our application?

Thanks very much.

Not a dumb question there is no such thing. I dont think there is any size difference but you should be able to confirm on the optima website. Checked, there is a size difference but is not huge.

Here ya go...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?threadid=328799&highlight=battery+i nstallation

The only thing you're probably going to have to address (other than mounting) will be the ground strap to the negative side of the battery. Most of us had to get a strap that was about 3 inches longer than the original one. No big deal.....readily available at Pep Boys, Auto Zone, etc.

Steve

Wow, this info is very much appreciated. Never would have anticipated the ground strap issue.

I don't think the Optimas are substantially lighter than other batteries. I installed one "for lightness" and was surprised by how heavy it was. It went tits-up in little more than a year and I put a small Interstate into the smuggler's box holder that I'd installed for the Optima. Waste of time.

Optimas are not considered lightweight batteries. The usual red top is about 36 lbs. However, there is a correlation between CCA and battery weight. So far, no one makes a lightweight battery with a sizeable CCA spec.

The attractiveness of an Optima is its cranking power, shelf life and that it's sealed.

Sherwood

Optima's will never win a lightweight contest, for certain.

Under the right circumstances, they are very durable batteries but do not like sitting. Both of mine have lasted well over 5 years but they stay on battery maintainers for maximum longevity.

Ture, they are not light, but COMPARED to the original Porsche battery that weighed 58-60 lbs, it is light. The Optimas are also warrantied (pro-rated) for 72 mos I believe. I think it's full replacement first 3 years and pro-rated after that IIRC.

I've got 10 years and going strong on the Optima in my Targa.

Installed 11/10/97.

Just thought I'd throw in a longevity data point.;)