Optima Battery in an 88 911

chuckr · 08-10-2011, 07:41 AM

OK, did the search... read most of the 22 pages on this. Just need to clarify a few things. The extremely hot summer here in Louisiana has about killed my Interstate battery. Read up on my choices, decided to go with the Optima. If I understand right, I need the 34R Optima to insure that I will NOT have to get longer ground cable.
Also read the posts regarding Optima mounting and will probably go with the Target cutting board method. Any other suggestions or advice greatly appreciated !
oh, yea... The going price for the Optima red top 34R $189.00 !

Thanks,
Chuck

RSTarga · 08-10-2011, 07:43 AM

costco has them for less

hcoles · 08-10-2011, 07:50 AM

I think there are better parts out there now that replace the cutting board approach. I had to make a new ground cable, my Optima model is 34/78. You might spend enough time trying to save $20 than it is worth. I try to support local small auto part stores, if we don't they will go away. Usually if presented with a price from another place they will work with you. My car is an 89 3.2.

cdrik915 · cdrik915's Garage

I had an Optima red top.

This battery was paid 167 euros , and has just lasted 2 years before dying.

After somes emails and contact with Optima France , nothing has been done .

I've tryed to shock it (like said on their website) , nothing better.

I precise i totally respected the Optima using advices.

My Optima is really dead.

At the first contact , i enjoyed the serious of their after-sale , but that was just promises...........they said they will take back the battery to analyze the cause of the issue.........nothing.

I've gone with a normal battery since this issue.

I'm very despited by this brand i thought to be THE brand to buy.

My opinion has now changed.

hcoles · 08-10-2011, 07:56 AM

That's the only bad experience I can remember reading about, my Optima has worked excellent without any issues for (sort of lost track) 8+ years? No manufacturing process is perfect.

RSTarga · 08-10-2011, 08:00 AM

Nice install, The main problem with any of the gel batteries or gas mat , as the Optima, is that you cannot let them go dead. Keep a very light trickle charger on them when not in use and they are good for many years.

hcoles · 08-10-2011, 08:04 AM

I bought one of those special trickle chargers (BatteryMINDer 12118) just for gel batteries and use when the car is parked for more than 2 weeks. So far so good.

cdrik915 · cdrik915's Garage

I used a little trickle charger .

My car was just used on WE , a battery cut-off was installed , no radio ............. yes , i readed some threads , all positives feedback.

I think i was just not very lucky with my purchase , and like said "nothing is perfect in a manufacturing process" , but i regret that they haven't done anything , for example a reduction for a new Optima...............nothing.

On my opinion , a little - 20% for a new one could have been reasonnable.

dad911 · 08-10-2011, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hcoles

That's the only bad experience I can remember reading about, my Optima has worked excellent without any issues for (sort of lost track) 8+ years? No manufacturing process is perfect.

I have 2 in my garage, all 2-3 years old that are junk. Old ones (1990's) would last 7-8 years+ in the same application for me.

Read more, there are more of us that are no longer enamored with them.

hcoles · 08-10-2011, 08:14 AM

I think Optima is now owned by Johnson Controls. They may not be as customer focused as we would like.

hcoles · 08-10-2011, 08:21 AM

here is some light reading on the subject of care and feeding of an Optima

http://www.batteryminders.com/batterycharger/optima/optimize-your-optima-type-battery.pdf

equality72521 · 08-10-2011, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dad911

I have 2 in my garage, all 2-3 years old that are junk. Old ones (1990's) would last 7-8 years+ in the same application for me.

Read more, there are more of us that are no longer enamored with them.

Talking to some local parts guys and they said the earlier ones were great but anything in the last 3-4 years are junk and they wouldn't buy them. I learned this after my <2 year old Optima died and had to replace it under warranty.

chuckr · 08:32 AM

No Costco here in Northeast Louisiana... local auto parts store, Advance Auto Parts has the
34R in stock.Like I said... I've read most ALL the posts regarding Optima batteries and that is what I have decided to go with. Looking for specific advice on model...like the 34R with the reverse posts not needing a new ground cable.
I just had over $2,000.00 worth of battery acid damage repaired. No more regular batteries for me !

Pazuzu · 08-10-2011, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dad911

I have 2 in my garage, all 2-3 years old that are junk. Old ones (1990's) would last 7-8 years+ in the same application for me.

Read more, there are more of us that are no longer enamored with them.

Yup. mine is dated 2005, and probably one of the last of the good ones. I've had the car drained to nothing twice, and both times it came back to life just fine.

I had an old red top that I actually moved from car to car as I bought and sold them, it went 6 years EASILY over 3 vehicles, one of which was an offroad truck that got abused like few vehicles.

If my current red top failed, I'd have to go with an Odyssey instead.

hcoles · 08-10-2011, 08:31 AM

Probably coincides with the Johnson Controls acquisition - I'm not surprised, cost "controls" and design changes are likely contributors.
What do we get now or is the Yellow Top made any better?

hcoles · 08-10-2011, 08:45 AM

yes, the Odyssey batteries look good, what model (34/78-PC1500?) are people using for a 85-89 Carrera?
When needed I'll probably get an Odyssey.

Kidasters · Kidasters's Garage

I don't agree.

I've had an optima in my 2002 for 4 years now - no problems. But I also keep the car on a battery tender all of the time.

I put an optima in the 911 earlier this year. Used the mount kit sold by pelican. It's fine too. I don't remember which one I bought, but I used the stock cables just fine.

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

I've had my Optima 34/78 since March 2007. Last winter I let it sit too long and it was down to <8 volts but after charging it is doing great.
You can buy a $30+ AL adapter plate if you don't want to make one from a cutting board. Be sure to cover the positive battery post when done. If our host doesn't sell one, there is another company that does.
You will need a new ground cable (very easy job).
The "trick" to an AGM battery is to keep it properly charged and know how to charge it (using a second battery) if you let it go dead.

Dixie · Dixie's Garage

I've had my Optima since '05. And the cutting board install is still doing fine. I concur keeping it charged is the key.

JHanson · 08-10-2011, 03:39 PM

I bought my first Optima in 1993, when no one had heard of them, because I was leading trips into remote Mexico beaches and was tired of having Die Hards die on me in my Land Cruiser. That first Optima lasted eight years.

Unfortunately the rumors are true - quality control has definitely slipped at Optima with the new ownership. I'm hearing of more and more early failures. The best automotive batteries available right now are Odyssey and Deka. I'm looking for an Odyssey with the end mounting flanges right now to fit the stock clamps on my 1982 911SC. It looks like the PC1220 will work. I'll report back.