Optima battery opinions..

Jon350

Founding Member

Mar 12, 2001

201

0

0

SoCal

Nov 17, 2004

#1

• Nov 17, 2004

• #1

I was wondering who runs them and whether they like them or not. I've gone through two in the period of four years. Which makes me wonder if they're really all that great. I like the dry cell idea but shouldn't the charge last longer? Which actually makes me wonder if my alternator is the problem. Either way i'm getting a PA performance version next week......Let me know what you guys think of the batteries.

 

thehueypilot

Active Member

Feb 25, 2004

1,084

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37

Medina,Tennessee

Nov 17, 2004

#2

• Nov 17, 2004

• #2

I run a dry cell with no issues at all. No free acid eating away at my fender apron area. Mine has lasted five years so far. I have an Optima in my 76 Landcruiser which is about eight years old with no problems so far. (I hope they both don't go out tomorrow!)

 

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Sicarius428

Active Member

Jan 6, 2004

2,085

5

49

Nov 17, 2004

#3

• Nov 17, 2004

• #3

Have had 3 optima red tops between both of my mustangs. One I killed myself by accidently not closing one of my doors open for a week or two in my garage. So far I have been really pleased with them. They do have a 3 year warranty so you may want to look into that. When I do get another one I will probably be getting a yellow top because they are better suited for normal use and nice stereos. I honestly dont need 700 cold cranking amps because nothing I have is over 10.6:1 compression. I'd rather have a more durable and one that maintains a charge longer.
Kevin

 

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GaPonyFarm

New Member

Jan 2, 2004

663

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0

Columbus, GA

Nov 18, 2004

#4

• Nov 18, 2004

• #4

I have the yellow top and and it saved my bacon on a trip where the alternator went out, without me noticing. It kept the electric fan running long enough for me to get safely off the highway...about 30 minutes. The only reason I noticed was that it got time to turn on the headlights and they were dim. It took a full 24 hours to recharge, but I'll never use a regular battery again.

 

Great68

Founding Member

May 16, 2002

691

0

16

Victoria BC

Nov 18, 2004

#5

• Nov 18, 2004

• #5

I have an Optima red top in my stang, the price was not much more than getting a conventional starting battery so it was an easy decision.

I have heard the red tops really don't like deep cycling, so for winter storage I took it out of my car and put the charger on it to top it up once a month.

 

TIGGER

Founding Member

Mar 6, 2000

877

244

104

Portland, OR

Nov 18, 2004

#6

• Nov 18, 2004

• #6

I currently have 3 red tops and have only had one go bad on me so far. The oldest one is pushing 8 years now and the other is about 6 years old with no problems. The one that went bad on me was my fault as I over charged it. Even after I cooked it, it still took 6 months to self destruct I think they are great batteries and will continue to purchase them as needed.

 

rbohm

Founding Member

Apr 12, 2002

6,698

550

204

tucson,az

Nov 18, 2004

#7

• Nov 18, 2004

• #7

so far i like the optima in my car. it is only a month old though,

 

crushnut

New Member

Apr 27, 2003

870

0

0

Oregon

Nov 18, 2004

#8

• Nov 18, 2004

• #8

Ive had my red top optima for 1 1/2 years with no complaints yet.

 

1

10secgoal

Active Member

Dec 1, 2003

2,801

3

49

San Diego

Nov 18, 2004

#9

• Nov 18, 2004

• #9

1 year and ticking with the red top. I had a budding the service that had one in his jeep for over ten years. And last time I talked to him it was still going. I would lean towards a charging problem. Weak alternators are hard on any battery.