|
|
|
|
| Author |
|
|
Registered
|
Changing to an Optima RedTop....
...but does my charging system know the difference between a lead acid and an AGM?
Is it a 'plug and play' affair or will I need to modify the circuitry? Thanks for any help in advance. Neil
__________________
Neil 1987 Carrera, Grand Prix White, 2009 Carrera C4S, Meteor Grey Metallic (X) [B] 2011 BMW X5[B] 'Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts' |
||
02-15-2011, 04:07 AM
|
|
|
Registered
|
I put one in my '87 911 and didn't have to change anything except making the battery mount.
__________________
Alex ‘73 914 1.7 Phoenix Red '99 SPB #79 '16 Cayman GT4 GT silver Gone: '87 911 Blk/blk sunroof coupe, '13 991S Dbm/ag non-sunroof coupe |
||
|
02-15-2011, 05:11 AM
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Northern Chicago suburbs
Posts: 1,399
|
I've had a Red Top in the '73 for the last eight years, without issue (still running strong). Turn the cutoff switch to "off" position when not running and the battery doesn't even need a boost come spring.
__________________
'73 911 Frank 'n Meanie 2002 Boxster S PCA Instructor Circa '95 |
||
|
02-15-2011, 05:19 AM
|
|
|
Recreational User
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: A Mile High
Posts: 4,159
|
It's plug and play. Optima Red Top is probably the most discussed battery on this board, and a very popular choice.
edit: I've had one in my car for the last 6 years and it's still working like new. |
||
|
02-15-2011, 06:47 AM
|
|
|
Registered
|
I have it too. It's a great battery. It's always strong even after a long period of not being started. I'm on my second one. My body shop somehow killed my first one when he had the car for 6 months. (Actually that's the second time he did that to me. He killed the battery on my 944 when he had that as well).
AJ USA has a mount for it so you can use the factory installation bolts.
__________________
Matt. 83 911SC 85.5 944 NA - Sold |
||
|
02-15-2011, 07:01 AM
|
|
|
Jupiter 911
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Jupiter Fl
Posts: 663
|
I also have an 87, just modify or change your mount and its ready to go!
__________________
Lenny-1987 3.2 Targa Guards Red/SW Chip Fabspeed Exhaust/Cat bypass MSDS Inc. intake/Clewetts Euro pistons and cylinders. 2002 Boxster Artic Silver/Wifes ride. |
||
|
02-15-2011, 07:51 AM
|
|
|
|
Registered
|
Good Choice
__________________
83 SC Targa -- 3.2SS, GT2-108 Dougherty Cams, 9.5:1 JE Pistons, Supertec Studs, PMO ITB's, MS2 EFI, SSI's, Recurved Dizzy, MSD, Backdated Dansk Sport Stainless 2 in 1 out, Elephant Polybronze, Turbo Tie Rods, Bilstein HD's, Hollow 21-27 TBs, Optima Redtop 34R, Griffiths-ZIMS AC, Seine Shifter, Elephant Racing Oil Cooling. |
||
|
02-15-2011, 07:53 AM
|
|
|
muck-raker
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Coastal PNW
Posts: 3,059
|
Quote:
My personal experience with this battery is that although it is smaller and lighter, it needs a bit more attention than a regular battery....especially in colder weather, or when the car sits for extended periods. YMMV
__________________
STONE '88 Cabriolet, using EP Slick 20w50 partial synthetic Snake Oil...just as Rommel intended.  Deny Everything; Admit Nothing; and Always Make Counter-accusations 
|
||
|
02-15-2011, 07:58 AM
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,673
|
Had one in my '73.5.
I laid on it's side in the left battery box. In lieu of the 2 small batteries that were stock. THey don't have to be upright. Always started the car... for years... all winters, too. |
||
|
02-16-2011, 03:32 PM
|
|
|
Registered
|
Decision made fellows......thanks for the guidance. I have a query though insofar as why do you need to extend the ground cable? Can't you just turn the battery around so that the +tive pole is nearest the fuse holder/relay box?
...just askin'....... Neil
__________________
Neil 1987 Carrera, Grand Prix White, 2009 Carrera C4S, Meteor Grey Metallic (X) [B] 2011 BMW X5[B] 'Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts' |
||
|
02-16-2011, 04:57 PM
|
|
|
Registered
|
Installed on it's side in the battery box in November of 1997
 Started just the other day Could 13 years be a record? |
||
|
02-16-2011, 05:01 PM
|
|
|
Registered
|
Quote:
__________________
Neil 1987 Carrera, Grand Prix White, 2009 Carrera C4S, Meteor Grey Metallic (X) [B] 2011 BMW X5[B] 'Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts' |
||
|
02-16-2011, 05:04 PM
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Galivants Ferry, SC
Posts: 10,550
|
The orientation of the terminals for Optima for 911 fitment places the postive terminal near the backside of the car...on the battery side closest to the gas tank. The negative terminal is toward the front of the car, but also on the same side...toward the gas tank. The stock negative cable is too short. The new one has to be something like 9" to 14" long. See here-->
__________________
Wil Ferch 85 Carrera ( gone, but not forgotten ) |
||
|
02-16-2011, 06:41 PM
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Galivants Ferry, SC
Posts: 10,550
|
This might be a better angle shot....
__________________
Wil Ferch 85 Carrera ( gone, but not forgotten ) |
||
|
02-16-2011, 06:52 PM
|
|
|
Registered
|
Thanks Will.....I understand fully now.
It's surprising what a picture will do isn't it???? 
__________________
Neil 1987 Carrera, Grand Prix White, 2009 Carrera C4S, Meteor Grey Metallic (X) [B] 2011 BMW X5[B] 'Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts' |
||
|
02-17-2011, 03:58 AM
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Eastern shore MD (Harmony)
Posts: 621
|
Hodgey, Try Sam's Club if you have one near you. About $20 cheaper than AutoZone, at least a year ago. Also, if you do drain it down, do a jump start, then charge it overnight on a regular charger. This seems to be the biggest detriment to this battery. I have had great luck with this battery for about 15 year, boats/Porsches but some people have had problems lately. Good luck. Steve
__________________
Steve 1970 911T SOLD 1989 3.2 Carrera 2013 991 Carrera S |
||
|
02-17-2011, 04:57 AM
|
|
|
The 9 Store
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Wilmington, DE
Posts: 5,437
|
Costco also has good prices.
|
||
|
02-17-2011, 05:25 AM
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northern CA
Posts: 4,703
|
I've had one in my 89 3.2 for almost 8 years now, has worked very well. There are some sleds available so you don't have to make a custom one. I made one from a plastic cutting board.
|
||
|
02-17-2011, 06:49 AM
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Galivants Ferry, SC
Posts: 10,550
|
The biggest problem seems to be that a fairly depleted unit needs a "kick in the pants" to get going again....something like a very high rate charge for a few minutes or so...and then followed by a normal or trickle charge. Look at their website or google it....it seems to come up every once in a while.
Yes...pics help to describe what takes longer in words ! .... ...thnx.
__________________
Wil Ferch 85 Carrera ( gone, but not forgotten ) |
||
|
02-17-2011, 07:04 AM
|
|
|
Registered
|
Quote:
__________________
Neil 1987 Carrera, Grand Prix White, 2009 Carrera C4S, Meteor Grey Metallic (X) [B] 2011 BMW X5[B] 'Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts' |
||
|
02-17-2011, 03:37 PM
|
|
Pippa
1983 Porsche 911SC
1969 912 SWT
1969 911T with S engine
