Optima VS Stock for street application?

[zippy_gg]

My 3 year old standard battery does not charge past 52% capacity and I have the option to pay $80 on the pro-rated warranty to get the exact same replacement.
Should I go that route or spend more and get an Optima?
If an Optima is desired what model should I get? Their web site does not list anything for my 86 Carrera. I realize I will need a mounting kit. I also like the much smaller size as the original is pretty cramped and tightening the terminals is challenging; on the flip sire I won't touch it very often.
Thanks for all suggestions!

[Kidasters]

Yes. Get an optima. Some people have had bad experiences with them, but what you really need is any other type of "sealed" battery, so you don't have to worry about fluids urping out of the battery and rotting your trunk from the inside out.

This is the one I have - no problems with it at all:

Optima BatteriesOptima Batteries 8004-003 34/78 RedTop Starting Battery

I also used the optima battery kit from the host, and it was easy. Others have made their own. Do a search - you'll see.

Good Luck.

[zippy_gg]

Thanks Kid!
When I took my battery to Autozone to be checked they could not find the right model of Optima. Your link provided that info: Optima Batteries 8004-003 34/78 RedTop.

[WilShel]

The Optima I put in my 930 is a 34R which reverses the pos and neg terminals. I also bought my mounting plate at Zim's Autotechnik for $38.00. There is so much more room and no leaking!

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by WilShel

The Optima I put in my 930 is a 34R which reverses the pos and neg terminals. I also bought my mounting plate at Zim's Autotechnik for $38.00. There is so much more room and no leaking!

Did you run into any issues with the length of the original positive and negative cables on the car?

[Kidasters]

Some people feel better with the 34R - it's more like a conventional battery.

On the 34/78 - the terminals are more in the middle of the battery. I have no problems with the stock wires reaching.

The big deals - again - you should get a sealed battery of some kind. Also - you will need a mount, either home made or store bought, so it doesn't jump around.

[WilShel]

Originally Posted by zippy_gg

Did you run into any issues with the length of the original positive and negative cables on the car?

Yes, without the 34R I would of had to replace the cables for longer ones. There just wasn't enough length for the 34/78 for my car.

[nineball]

optima batteries are no where near the build quality they were years ago. this is also one of the worst cases of "buying the name" as there are several other agm or sealed battery choices on the market that do exactly the same thing for sometimes half the price.

i am a big fan of kinetik batteries. don't let their marketing fool you, they are the same thing as any other agm battery. you can see my install here:

another battery install thread

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by nineball

optima batteries are no where near the build quality they were years ago. this is also one of the worst cases of "buying the name" as there are several other agm or sealed battery choices on the market that do exactly the same thing for sometimes half the price.

i am a big fan of kinetik batteries. don't let their marketing fool you, they are the same thing as any other agm battery. you can see my install here:

another battery install thread

Thanks Kris! A lot of good info in your thread!

[Mitch Leland]

I like the Optima because it's a sealed battery, no lead acid... I've had an Optima battery in my car for 5 yrs. It just gave up and I replaced it with another Optima. I did a little research and this time I got a "34R- R=reversed poles which puts the negative post forward.)

My local parts house ordered the 34R and they sent a 35/78 which is what I had before. The 35/78 has GM connectors on the face of the battery that you don't need.

Anyway, I canceled the order and found AutoSports carried the 34R, it was less money, $157.87, no tax, no shipping... However they said it could take 2-3 weeks, I got the battery in about week.

You'll want to do the tray mod if you get your Optima. I believe Rennsport carries a tray for the Optima.

AutoSportCatalog.com - Products For Everyone Who Drives! 800-953-0814

[nineball]

depending on how much you are willing to spend, and what you value for local purchases vs online, sears has the best warranty of any agm style battery on the market - 4 year free replacement and 100 months pro-rated - and they are local to everyone. all of the platinum line are agm and occasionally go on sale. last year during an online sale i got one for $169 after tax and coupons (bought online to use more than one discount, picked up at store).

Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

[cdrik915]

I have had an Optima Red , positive & negative reverse.

2 years later , i was obliged to replace it : dead , completly dead.

Even shocked , like explained , nothing.

My car storage is heated , i used a battery maintener ......and a cut-off on the ground wire.


So , bad luck ???

The Optima France boss contacted me , explaining he'll do the necessary to analyse my dead Optima..............that was just promises.............nothing has been done , and i finally replaced it with a Bosch unit .


Just my experience with Optima ,

Cheers ya.

[Danimal16]

Take a look at an Odyssey. If you get one make double sure you get the proper charger.

ODYSSEY Batteries - Official Manufacturer's Site

[chuckr]

I went with an Odyssey 1200 and made a mounting plate from Ed's post using a cutting board from Target. I had to get a longer ground cable, glad I did ! The factory one is not very good.

[Mitch Leland]

I looked at the Odyssey, but decided that while it weighed about half of the Optima and didn't have the umph that I wanted for a driver. If I was tracking the car regularly I think it would be a good choice. Anyway it's been sometime since I looked at the specs, but review them and make your choice.

[zippy_gg]

Originally Posted by nineball

optima batteries are no where near the build quality they were years ago. this is also one of the worst cases of "buying the name" as there are several other agm or sealed battery choices on the market that do exactly the same thing for sometimes half the price.

i am a big fan of kinetik batteries. don't let their marketing fool you, they are the same thing as any other agm battery. you can see my install here:

another battery install thread

How important/necessary is it to get the steel mounting sleeve for the Kinetik battery? You seem to be using one in addition to the tie-down bracket.

[nineball]

Originally Posted by zippy_gg

How important/necessary is it to get the steel mounting sleeve for the Kinetik battery? You seem to be using one in addition to the tie-down bracket.

it is not crucial but i believe they all come with the sleeve for free, so i used it. i know it came with my battery. the only thing it doesn't come with are terminals.

[byfdinky]

I have a red top in my targa for 3 years and no issues. Have the dual yellow tops in the truck for 4 years and no issues there. Got tired of losing all the power in lead acid batteries in the winter when the nights get down below zero in Northern Michigan. I hear the love and hate for Optimas but to me they are great.

[Mitch Leland]

Originally Posted by byfdinky

I have a red top in my targa for 3 years and no issues. Have the dual yellow tops in the truck for 4 years and no issues there. Got tired of losing all the power in lead acid batteries in the winter when the nights get down below zero in Northern Michigan. I hear the love and hate for Optimas but to me they are great.

+1 - If the batteries weigh the same I find it hard to believe that they are any less of a battery now than a few years ago. The one big plus for me is the way the battery mounts to the mounting board. No hooks or rod tie downs, the battery comes with the bottom mounting holes...

Maybe this discussion really doesn't have much relevance, more like arguing over motor oil.

[Mitch Leland]

Just in case someone is looking for the Optima tray fabrication drawing by Ed Hughes, here it is:

Optima power!

Also another store bought tray. I believe our hosts carries these trays as well? What ever you do, remember as has been said previously, be sure the positive battery post is covered...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110668812107?item=110668812107&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MESE:IT&vxp=mtr