Thinking of new Battery

[QDRHRSE]

Somebody please explain to me what the benefit of an optima is? I can buy the "stereo power" angle eventhough there isn't a significant difference....but why spend more and then have to modify the battery tray. Please.....somebody give me a logical, reasonable, fact based reason for an optima.....especially if you are gonna put it in the stock spot.

 

[Fishhawk]

Somebody please explain to me what the benefit of an optima is? I can buy the "stereo power" angle eventhough there isn't a significant difference....but why spend more and then have to modify the battery tray. Please.....somebody give me a logical, reasonable, fact based reason for an optima.....especially if you are gonna put it in the stock spot.

I think the Optima is supposed to last for up to 7 years. Also, I didn't have to modify my battery tray. It more or less fit right in. Personally I have two amps, plus the head unit. An electric fan with underdrives, plus four extra electrical gauges and radar detector. I had a one year old Diehard that was definitely being over-taxed with everything I was running, and was leaking fluid out of the caps. That won't happen with the Optima.

 

[QDRHRSE]

That's reasonable but an actual Ford battery should surpass an optima as far as capacity and has a better warranty too. Most everybody else gets them because they are in. If I'm not mistaken the optima is smaller than the stock battery and requires mods to work with the factory, track legal, battery restraint. Is this not so? Like I said earlier- I have an optima battery sitting in garage. I bought for my last car and never put it in. It slid around in the stock location so I bought a stainless battery box for the trunk.....

 

[monte87]

"Ford battery should surpass an optima as far as capacity and has a better warranty too"
Dude-i think not... 7 year warranty optima as opposed to a motorcraft 36 month warranty. and Ford doesnt even make an 800 cranking am- battery, not even for lincoln's which are like chritsmas trees.
Like i stated earlier-I have been using them since 1995, way before-people even knew about them and you can get through mail order only, and how i found out about them was the US Govt/miltary had a contract with Ultimate energy in california and used them in some of the bradley armored vehicles during Desert Storm in which i recall.. So i think if they can survive in a harsh desert enviornement like Iraq, Kuwait and all-They can live pretty well-in our Mustangs. But thats just my opinion.

Later Anthony
SEMPER FI

 

[monte87]

I guess-Its all what ya like, ya know.
To each is own. Ant

 

[QDRHRSE]

Fords makes an 850 and possibly a larger one as well. Also, its 3yr replacement and then a prorated amount for a few years after that. The military uses them because they can be put in any position without leaking. Hence the term "Gel Cell". However, I can definitely respect your opinion.

My Optima has a warranty? Who'd a thunk it?

 

[monte87]

I hear ya!
Its all what ya like, ya know. i didnt know Ford made a 850 CA. cool deal though.

Anthony

 

[Shakerhood]

Hey Guys thanks for the input! I have considered a Ford Battery because the Service Manager sales me stuff at cost, so I figured it would not be too bad. I like the Optima idea because it is a sealed Battery. If someone gets a chance can you please measure the height of your Optima for me? The Specs on Summits page says almost 8" Tall, and I cant see that fitting without modifications!

 

[monte87]

What do you need the measurements if your going with the ford unit?
They got'em @ Pep boys, take a tape measure-.

Good luck

 

[Shakerhood]

What do you need the measurements if your going with the ford unit?
They got'em @ Pep boys, take a tape measure-.

Good luck

I never said I was going with the Ford Unit, I said I was considering it, the same way I am considering the Optima. The reason I wanted someone to measure for me was then I would know what they have in their car. My current battery is 6" tall and I cant see how an 8" tall battery will fit in my tray unless I cut a hole in the hood.

 

[ALMOST STOCK]

From the bottom to the top of the battery is 6 ½” in height.
From the bottom to the top of the battery post is 7 ¼”.
Length is 9 ¾”.
Width is 7”.

My red top fits 1 ½” lower at the closest point on the inner fender if that helps?


View attachment 506499

 

[87TTopGT]

My red top just touched the hood liner on the front corner when it was in the stock location. Relo to trunk of course makes it a moot point...


P.S.- Almost stock- that under-hood is just CRAZY!!! Now we know what the engine would look like if Monk drove a Mustang....

 

[TheUser]

I went and took pictures and measurements too just for you man.

Length=10"
Width=7"
Height to top of battery terminal=8 1/4

Here are the specs from the optima site: http://www.optimabatteries.com/publish/optima/americas0/en/config/product_info/automotive/starter/technical_specs.html


Here are some pics from my car:

It says mine is a Red34/78, which is a Dual SAE & GM post battery, so you really could use a 34 & 34R, either will work, but if you ever get a GM.... Also, you might not even need that many amps, but of course I had to get the biggest and baddest they had

All I know is it works very well...and for the $120, it should

 

[Shakerhood]

I went and took pictures and measurements too just for you man.

Length=10"
Width=7"
Height to top of battery terminal=8 1/4

Here are the specs from the optima site: http://www.optimabatteries.com/publish/optima/americas0/en/config/product_info/automotive/starter/technical_specs.html


Here are some pics from my car:

It says mine is a Red34/78, which is a Dual SAE & GM post battery, so you really could use a 34 & 34R, either will work, but if you ever get a GM.... Also, you might not even need that many amps, but of course I had to get the biggest and baddest they had

All I know is it works very well...and for the $120, it should

Is yours in the stock battery tray? Hell my 6" tall battery looks like it sits higher than your Optima!!!

 

[TheUser]

stock battery tray in exact stock location as far as I know. I did measure from the bottom of the battery to the top of the rear battery cable terminal, which isn't flush w/ battery post as you can tell. Mine looks about the same height as ALMOST STOCK's...just mine is closer up and his engine bay is all pretty and stuff

To me, Almost Stock's car is like high maintance drop dead gorgeous chicks...fun to look at, maybe play with for a little bit, but when it comes time to buy/do stuff, probably more trouble than it's worth for me. That car is awesome