Battery Choices....

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coupe69

New Member

Apr 12, 2010

4

0

1

Dec 31, 2012

#1

• Dec 31, 2012

• #1

I know a lot of this is probably opinion based, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask. I am trying to find a battery for my '70 coupe. It has a 351 Windsor. It has an electric fuel pump, fan, and a pretty decently sized stereo system (subs and amp). The last step is finding a battery. I found a Les Schwab battery, 800 CCA w/ 1000 CA and 84 month warrenty for $121. I can also get an Optima red-top battery with the same CCA and CA for $151. A yellow top would be slightly more than that.
I have only had experience with DieHards, so I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction with these batteries. Are Optima's really worth the extra money? and would you go with a red top or yellow top if it is an Optima?

 

mtaqua

Member

Oct 7, 2006

345

4

19

Dec 31, 2012

#2

• Dec 31, 2012

• #2

I had a Deka Intimidator, several people on the bullet highly recommended it and I got is pretty cheap. Well I toasted it on the charger and it didn't last long at all. I needed a batter and couldn't wait, so I got a redtop. I've had it for over a year now, no issues. I know a lot of people complain about them, but mine has been good. I would highly recommend one of these with what ever you get http://batterytender.com/battery-tender-junior-12v-at-0-75a.html

Probably why I've had no problems. My battery is in the trunk, and I've got the pig tail hanging down below the trunk and I hook it up when ever I park the car in the garage.

 

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coupe69

New Member

Apr 12, 2010

4

0

1

Dec 31, 2012

#3

• Dec 31, 2012

• #3

Thanks for that link, that will help out a lot. My old battery used to drain like crazy in the cold garage. Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

 

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2+2GT

10 Year Member

Apr 25, 2009

3,333

10

79

Southeastern Pennsylvania

Jan 1, 2013

#4

• Jan 1, 2013

• #4

coupe69 said:

It has an electric fuel pump, fan, and a pretty decently sized stereo system (subs and amp).

Click to expand...

This does not matter. Starter and engine compression matter, but accessories are alternator-driven.

 

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coupe69

New Member

Apr 12, 2010

4

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1

Jan 1, 2013

#5

• Jan 1, 2013

• #5

Sounds good. I had just noticed that the Optima yellow top is used for deep cycle, so I thought that would play in with the stereo system. Thanks for the help!

 

rbohm

Founding Member

Apr 12, 2002

6,698

550

204

tucson,az

Jan 1, 2013

#6

• Jan 1, 2013

• #6

one thing you need to look at when selecting a battery, beyond the CCA, is the RC or reserve capacity. you want as close to 90 minutes as possible.

 

iskwezm

10 Year Member

May 24, 2005

4,159

20

79

Rowland Heights,California

Jan 2, 2013

#7

• Jan 2, 2013

• #7

I have had better luck with Walmart batteries then Optima. I now use Stinger AGM batteries in everything.

 

rbohm

Founding Member

Apr 12, 2002

6,698

550

204

tucson,az

Jan 2, 2013

#8

• Jan 2, 2013

• #8

iskwezm said:

I have had better luck with Walmart batteries then Optima. I now use Stinger AGM batteries in everything.

Click to expand...

yeah, the last two optima batteries i had were junk.

 

coolblue65

Founding Member

Jul 26, 1999

1,224

2

39

Algonquin, IL

Jan 3, 2013

#9

• Jan 3, 2013

• #9

My last Die Hard battery lasted 13 years, being discharged and recharged countless times. I am in on my 3rd red top Optima, in as many years, (they have all been replaced completely free) from what I have learned, Optima's do not take well to standard chargers and it can actually damage them (which I believe is the cause of my first two going bad). Optima actually began selling there own charger to help with this problem. I just put on a quick disconnect under the hood and just disconnect the battery when the car is going to be sitting for more then a couple weeks. Since doing that I have not had any issues with the Optima.

So all that being said get a Die Hard.