• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

So i chose the Optima Yellow Top..

  • Thread starter Thread starter 85_SS_302_Coupe
  • Start date Start date Mar 7, 2007

85_SS_302_Coupe

it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end
15 Year Member
Nov 11, 2003
6,945
1,598
223
Northern KY
Mar 7, 2007
#1
  • Mar 7, 2007
  • #1
I originally bought a Red, but after reading through their web site, i decided that the Yellow would probably be better due to the deep cycle and because they say it's better suited for vehicles with lots of electronic draw. It did cost me a little more and it's only got a 1 year replacement vs. the 3 year on the Red, but it's piece of mind and i like that


Also, i don't know if it's just me, but i think my car revs quicker with the Yellow vs. the Red, but that's probably all in my head.
 

Ozz

I think I have a problem here.
Founding Member
Jul 27, 2001
3,514
66
109
Canton, MI
Mar 7, 2007
#2
  • Mar 7, 2007
  • #2
No clue about revving response

What's the big elec. draw on your ride? I use the red and let it sit over winter without even touching it and it cranks right up when I finally break it out. It also pumps my system w/everything else going at the same time w/no problem. Well, that and my 130A alternator.
 

Flavadave4

Active Member
Nov 28, 2003
1,044
21
49
Utica, NY
Mar 7, 2007
#3
  • Mar 7, 2007
  • #3
Too bad, the red looks so much better. Why the need for a top of the line battery?
 

90blacknight

Member
Apr 11, 2006
136
0
18
Mar 7, 2007
#4
  • Mar 7, 2007
  • #4
Didn't we see the red catch fire in a previous thread?
 

5.0's 4 ever

The #1 Stunna
Founding Member
Jan 22, 2000
5,794
0
76
Orlando, FL
Mar 7, 2007
#5
  • Mar 7, 2007
  • #5
My yellow top only lasted a little over a year, kind of pissed me off so I went back to the red top.
 

85_SS_302_Coupe

it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end
15 Year Member
Nov 11, 2003
6,945
1,598
223
Northern KY
Mar 7, 2007
#6
  • Mar 7, 2007
  • #6
mansonozz said:
No clue about revving response

What's the big elec. draw on your ride? I use the red and let it sit over winter without even touching it and it cranks right up when I finally break it out. It also pumps my system w/everything else going at the same time w/no problem. Well, that and my 130A alternator.
Click to expand...

Well so far just the ignition and electric fan but i'm toying with running an electric water pump and some serious audio in the future. The whole thing about the red top catching fire kinda freaked me out too...plus you really can't go wrong with either and the price difference was only $20.

Flavadave4 said:
Too bad, the red looks so much better. Why the need for a top of the line battery?
Click to expand...

See above

90blacknight said:
Didn't we see the red catch fire in a previous thread?
Click to expand...

Yeah....gives me the willies. I hope it was something specific with that car though.

5.0's 4 ever said:
My yellow top only lasted a little over a year, kind of pissed me off so I went back to the red top.
Click to expand...

If this thing croaks any sooner than 3 years i'm going to be super pissed off. I've had Walmart batteries last that long under normal car driving conditions so if $200 doesn't get me a battery that i never have to worry about, then i might have to convert to plutonium power or something
 

Ozz

I think I have a problem here.
Founding Member
Jul 27, 2001
3,514
66
109
Canton, MI
Mar 7, 2007
#7
  • Mar 7, 2007
  • #7
85_SS_302_Coupe said:
Well so far just the ignition and electric fan but i'm toying with running an electric water pump and some serious audio in the future. The whole thing about the red top catching fire kinda freaked me out too...plus you really can't go wrong with either and the price difference was only $20.
Click to expand...

Ouuch that sucks. I'd be leary of Optimas all together in that case, not just the red top. If it happened to me, anyway.

Oh, my red top feeds my electric fan too. No extra noticable draw when I added that to the setup either, btw.
 

grey5.0beast

Cookies should never be DUNKED!!!
Aug 3, 2004
0
1
0
atl ga
Mar 7, 2007
#8
  • Mar 7, 2007
  • #8
I have a bosch that I bought with pep boys gift cards from my dads discover points(basically free) and it works awesome, I have an E fan, and I pump the music pretty loud around town and it has no trouble keeping up. Plus you get like a 3 year warranty where if it dies they'll come jump you, I have AAA so I don't need it, but its cool.
 

85_SS_302_Coupe

it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end
15 Year Member
Nov 11, 2003
6,945
1,598
223
Northern KY
Mar 7, 2007
#9
  • Mar 7, 2007
  • #9
mansonozz said:
Ouuch that sucks. I'd be leary of Optimas all together in that case, not just the red top. If it happened to me, anyway.

Oh, my red top feeds my electric fan too. No extra noticable draw when I added that to the setup either, btw.
Click to expand...

Yeah i see what you're saying....i probably would've been fine keeping the red but i figured if $20 will get me a step up, then i'm down with that. Hell what can i say, i was sold by their website
 

Ozz

I think I have a problem here.
Founding Member
Jul 27, 2001
3,514
66
109
Canton, MI
Mar 7, 2007
#10
  • Mar 7, 2007
  • #10
I hear ya. From what I read the red was more like a traditional battery but without the drainage crap and more cold crankin' amps. I've seen both in cars so either way is surely good!
 

Aryan15

Member
Sep 22, 2003
236
0
17
CA
Mar 8, 2007
#11
  • Mar 8, 2007
  • #11
I'd go for one of those battery disconnect swithes too if you don't have one already.
 

smokin91'

New Member
Feb 19, 2006
204
2
0
Mar 9, 2007
#12
  • Mar 9, 2007
  • #12
Ive had my yellow top for over 3 years. If you have a stereo this IS the way to go. YELLOW TOP=DEEP CYCLE... RED TOP=EXTRA CRANKING AMPS. I can run my stereo at the beach until it totally kills the battery, try and start it you only get a click click.

Heres where the yellow tops are special. If you turn off the car and let it sit for 5 mins, you will be able to start the car right up. Also since the yellow top is a deep cycle draining the battery Right to nothing and charging it again wont ruin the battery or its charging capacity. You can do this OVER and over and over and over and over.

Discharge a red top to that level its a bad thing because red top arent deep cycle and arent meant to be discharged to nothing. Youll have a pooched battery on your hands in no time. So unless you have a engine that requires a big starting amp capacity or live in a very cold climate where you need a battery with a higher CCA rating a yellow top IS the best battery for 95% of stangs.

There that settles the RED TOP vs YELLOW TOP discussion. So much discussion about facts that are CLEARLY found on the manufacturers website.

Dont belive me, get optima on the phone and talk to one of their guys. They will tell you the same thing.
 
G

GTSETGO

New Member
Feb 12, 2007
0
0
0
Cincinnati, Ohio
Mar 9, 2007
#13
  • Mar 9, 2007
  • #13
85_SS_302_Coupe said:
Yeah....gives me the willies. I hope it was something specific with that car though.
Click to expand...

It was my car and it wasn't the car. It was a manufacturers defect with the battery. I am sure it was a one and a million thing, but I will never put another one in any of my cars.
 

85_SS_302_Coupe

it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end
15 Year Member
Nov 11, 2003
6,945
1,598
223
Northern KY
Mar 9, 2007
#14
  • Mar 9, 2007
  • #14
GTSETGO said:
It was my car and it wasn't the car. It was a manufacturers defect with the battery. I am sure it was a one and a million thing, but I will never put another one in any of my cars.
Click to expand...


In that case there are some other companies that make dry cell batteries if you wanna go that route, otherwise my last battery was a Diehard Gold and it lasted almost 4 years...that's pretty good. I just wanted something a little better and i had the cash so i splurged.


Next on my list is a 3g
 

Strype

Cuthbert catcher
Founding Member
May 11, 1999
61
34
104
Huntsvegas, AL
Mar 9, 2007
#15
  • Mar 9, 2007
  • #15
We don't need no water let the mother f'r burn...


I would go with a different company
 
G

GTSETGO

New Member
Feb 12, 2007
0
0
0
Cincinnati, Ohio
Mar 9, 2007
#16
  • Mar 9, 2007
  • #16
85_SS_302_Coupe said:
In that case there are some other companies that make dry cell batteries if you wanna go that route, otherwise my last battery was a Diehard Gold and it lasted almost 4 years...that's pretty good. I just wanted something a little better and i had the cash so i splurged.


Next on my list is a 3g
Click to expand...

Like I said, I am sure they are excellent batteries, otherwise you wouldn't see them in most show cars, off road vehicles and drag cars. I am just scared to death of them now.
 

85_SS_302_Coupe

it sucks (I know) to be on the receiving end
15 Year Member
Nov 11, 2003
6,945
1,598
223
Northern KY
Mar 9, 2007
#17
  • Mar 9, 2007
  • #17
GTSETGO said:
Like I said, I am sure they are excellent batteries, otherwise you wouldn't see them in most show cars, off road vehicles and drag cars. I am just scared to death of them now.
Click to expand...


You just need to look into one of these beauties:
http://store.summitracing.com/egnsearch.asp?N=700+4294925234+4294844941+4294844940+115+4294786699
 

Ozz

I think I have a problem here.
Founding Member
Jul 27, 2001
3,514
66
109
Canton, MI
Mar 9, 2007
#18
  • Mar 9, 2007
  • #18
GTSetGo, you hear of these?

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/
 
G

GTSETGO

New Member
Feb 12, 2007
0
0
0
Cincinnati, Ohio
Mar 9, 2007
#19
  • Mar 9, 2007
  • #19
I like those!! Doc recommeded some local shops here in Cincy. I have an appointment with one of them at lunch today. I will go with whatever he suggests.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Rear Disc and Rims Offsets
  • TripleYellow
  • Nov 11, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
19
Views
1K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jan 9, 2026
TripleYellow
SN95 Desktop 363 Engine Combination - Looking for input
  • WhiteCobra95
  • Sep 8, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
11
Views
1K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Oct 6, 2025
Habu135
My Optima YellowTop
  • 1hot87gt
  • Aug 25, 2023
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
18
Views
2K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Oct 21, 2023
1hot87gt
J
Hello all, I have returned from a hiatus... Update and Questions
  • JackH
  • Aug 13, 2025
  • 1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech
Replies
6
Views
321
1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech Aug 15, 2025
JackH
J
J
Progress Thread Family member 1989 GT- Backstory and updates
  • JRC99
  • Apr 19, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
15
Views
1K
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Oct 26, 2025
JRC99
J
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?