optima batterys....worth it?

82 GT · 01-13-2005, 04:03 PM

I'm thinking of going with an optima battery(red top). Are they everything they claim to be or are there other name brand batterys that are just as good?

andy669 · 01-13-2005, 04:53 PM

I have a couple friends with the reds. My Optima Yellow as been taking my abuse since 98!

Andy

9TOFIVER · 01-13-2005, 08:10 PM

i have a red, definatly worth it,if you havent already, change your stock 32 amp alternator also.

82 GT · 01-13-2005, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9TOFIVER

i have a red, definatly worth it,if you havent already, change your stock 32 amp alternator also.

Already have a 100amp powermaster alternator. Not too many stock parts on this car anymore!

9TOFIVER · 01-13-2005, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 82 GT

Already have a 100amp powermaster alternator. Not too many stock parts on this car anymore!

right on, just noticed your signature thing right now..haha

later

procharge94 · 01-14-2005, 12:38 AM

Everyone I know who owns a mustang, including myself, runs a red top. The abuse they handle makes them worth every penny.

Hozer 88GTConv · 01-16-2005, 12:25 PM

Absolutely worth it.

PonyCrazy · 01-20-2005, 05:11 AM

i was under the impression, optima batteries were used in alot of cars so at the track, the alternator could be taken off, and just chagre the optima between runs. That seems to be the only reason, besides heavy stero equipment, that you would need one. I mean, a Duralast Gold or Interstate would do the same at half the price.....i may be wrong, but thats my extent of knowledge on them.

Hozer 88GTConv · 01-20-2005, 04:44 PM

It is a luxury, I agree.
However, it does charge faster, can sit unused longer, and re-charges completely versus a standard configuration lead-acid battery.
It has been proven to last twice as long as a comparable CCA battery. It also supports high draw circuits like a full fog light/ac/stereo with underdrives and a Powermaster better than a standard battery. Standard batteries generally don't hold up as well over time and don't ever re-charge fully.
My .02

k. putman · 01-20-2005, 11:17 PM

plus, they are sealed so if the car goes dirty side up it will not leak

82 GT · 01-20-2005, 11:22 PM

How about mounting the battery on some sort of gyro device? That way, the battery will always be right side up now matter what position the car is in

LOL.....I'm just being silly.....it's late

USMC302 · 01-21-2005, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k. putman

plus, they are sealed so if the car goes dirty side up it will not leak

I wanna say that's also because it's a Gel Cell battery. I love mine.

Ackbar00 · 01-21-2005, 05:03 PM

6 years strong in mine

Capri306 · 01-26-2005, 01:43 AM

I have mixed feelings about the Optima batteries. Working at a parts store, I had several come back with what were apparently shorted cells. I mean, the dang thing would basically cook itself right there on the parts counter!

However, these all came back from people who knew nothing about keeping the charging system up to snuff, so I'm more inclined to believe that THEY messed it up somehow. In short I think they are, as said previously, a luxury. Kinda like powder coated control arms.

Ieatcamaros · 01-26-2005, 09:17 PM

To me, the price differential to big to just have a luxury. BTW, why are the lead-acid batteries sold with a longer warranty than the optimas? I got a duralast gold battery from Autozone with 3 years free replacement and 8 years pro rated. The red top did not have but a 2 year free replacement and only 6 or 7 year pro rated warranty. Of course, I got the guy who just had a job there and did not really belong in the parts stores. And I did not really care to ask anyone else at the time. I'm impatient, especially in a busy store.

nastyn8 · 01-27-2005, 11:30 AM

The way my diesel tech instructor talks gel cell batteries aer going to soon be the only thing out there. They can be mounted anywhere in any position. Like any gel cell they have to have a low charge. Thats prolly why those ppl were boiling them. My dad sales gel cells but not Optima and he usually put a motorcycle battery charger on the gel cells. Make any sense to you guys?
Later

Ieatcamaros · 01-27-2005, 10:02 PM

Seems like I remember reading somewhere that they had to charged slow, now that you bring that up. That's another down side of them if you ask me.

nastyn8 · 01-28-2005, 02:45 AM

Yeah it is a slight downside but they need constant charge like a wet type. We had a whole pallet of gel cells but they weren't optima they were made by Excell. But anyway we had them for nearly 6 months and didn't sell a damn one of them basically b/c most of my dads customers are farmers and dont understand a lot of technology and a gel cell is really what they need for diesel trucks and tractors. They have more vibrations than most gasoline engines.
But yes I asked my dad if you put a fast charge on a gel cell will it have bad results then he admitted to me he had one explode, then he called his distributor and they explained to him why it happened.
but anyway theres for 2 cents

nastyn8 · 01-28-2005, 02:47 AM

I'm sorry I meant to type they dont need a constant charge like a wet type

Capri306 · 01-29-2005, 02:53 AM

That explains the 'countertop cookin' specials I received. Thnx for the input, man.

01-13-2005, 04:03 PM	#1
82 GT Import Slayer Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 2,241	optima batterys....worth it? I'm thinking of going with an optima battery(red top). Are they everything they claim to be or are there other name brand batterys that are just as good? __________________ '82 GT 351W (.060)Comp Cams 274* Extreme Energy cam, ported & polished heads w/ 1.94/1.60 valves 10.3:1 flat top pistons,stealth intake, Mallory dizzy,Holley 750dp carb, BBK shorties,Flowmaster exhaust,C-4 with 3700 stall converter, B&M pro shifter,8.8 rear, 4:10's, subframes, electric fan, powermaster alternator, 4 core radiator.

01-13-2005, 04:53 PM	#2
andy669 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Moline Il Posts: 901	Re: optima batterys....worth it? I have a couple friends with the reds. My Optima Yellow as been taking my abuse since 98! Andy __________________ 88 coupe 91 LX NMRA Pure Street 5120

01-13-2005, 08:10 PM	#3
9TOFIVER Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: California Posts: 37	Re: optima batterys....worth it? i have a red, definatly worth it,if you havent already, change your stock 32 amp alternator also.

01-14-2005, 12:38 AM	#6
procharge94 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 103	Re: optima batterys....worth it? Everyone I know who owns a mustang, including myself, runs a red top. The abuse they handle makes them worth every penny.

01-16-2005, 12:25 PM	#7
Hozer 88GTConv Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 706	Re: optima batterys....worth it? Absolutely worth it. __________________ 1988 GT Convertible 331 10:1 TW heads, GT-40 intake, MSD, TRW flattops, B Cam w/ 1.7's, MAC exhaust, 24's, 70 TB, 76 MAF, 3.73's, Pro 5.0, Koni's, Anderson PMS, Wideband 02, yatta, yatta... One week with new motor, two speeding tickets...joy

01-20-2005, 05:11 AM	#8
PonyCrazy Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Rockford Posts: 4	Re: optima batterys....worth it? i was under the impression, optima batteries were used in alot of cars so at the track, the alternator could be taken off, and just chagre the optima between runs. That seems to be the only reason, besides heavy stero equipment, that you would need one. I mean, a Duralast Gold or Interstate would do the same at half the price.....i may be wrong, but thats my extent of knowledge on them. __________________ " I only got two things in this world man, and dat's my word, an my balls. And i dont break'em for nobody" -Tony Montana

01-20-2005, 04:44 PM	#9
Hozer 88GTConv Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 706	Re: optima batterys....worth it? It is a luxury, I agree. However, it does charge faster, can sit unused longer, and re-charges completely versus a standard configuration lead-acid battery. It has been proven to last twice as long as a comparable CCA battery. It also supports high draw circuits like a full fog light/ac/stereo with underdrives and a Powermaster better than a standard battery. Standard batteries generally don't hold up as well over time and don't ever re-charge fully. My .02 __________________ 1988 GT Convertible 331 10:1 TW heads, GT-40 intake, MSD, TRW flattops, B Cam w/ 1.7's, MAC exhaust, 24's, 70 TB, 76 MAF, 3.73's, Pro 5.0, Koni's, Anderson PMS, Wideband 02, yatta, yatta... One week with new motor, two speeding tickets...joy

01-20-2005, 11:17 PM	#10
k. putman Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Homewood, AL Posts: 30	Re: optima batterys....worth it? plus, they are sealed so if the car goes dirty side up it will not leak

01-20-2005, 11:22 PM	#11
82 GT Import Slayer Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 2,241	Re: optima batterys....worth it? How about mounting the battery on some sort of gyro device? That way, the battery will always be right side up now matter what position the car is in LOL.....I'm just being silly.....it's late __________________ '82 GT 351W (.060)Comp Cams 274* Extreme Energy cam, ported & polished heads w/ 1.94/1.60 valves 10.3:1 flat top pistons,stealth intake, Mallory dizzy,Holley 750dp carb, BBK shorties,Flowmaster exhaust,C-4 with 3700 stall converter, B&M pro shifter,8.8 rear, 4:10's, subframes, electric fan, powermaster alternator, 4 core radiator.

01-21-2005, 05:03 PM	#13
Ackbar00 Rebel Fleet Commander Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Huber Heights, OH Posts: 1,003	Re: optima batterys....worth it? 6 years strong in mine __________________ 1993 Mustang GT, PTK w/ T-64 - My Cardomain Webpage 11.25@123.5 on only 8 psi. 10.84@121 on only 1 headgasket "The Truth is, Your the Weak, and I am the Tyranny of Evil Men!"

01-26-2005, 01:43 AM	#14
Capri306 Moderator Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA Posts: 1,001	Re: optima batterys....worth it? I have mixed feelings about the Optima batteries. Working at a parts store, I had several come back with what were apparently shorted cells. I mean, the dang thing would basically cook itself right there on the parts counter! However, these all came back from people who knew nothing about keeping the charging system up to snuff, so I'm more inclined to believe that THEY messed it up somehow. In short I think they are, as said previously, a luxury. Kinda like powder coated control arms. __________________ Capri306, Moderator The Mustang Works Online 1979 Mercury Capri 1987 5.0L Mustang LX Notchback 1993 5.8L Eddie Bauer Bronco

01-26-2005, 09:17 PM	#15
Ieatcamaros Domestic Rice really sucks! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: KY Posts: 973	Re: optima batterys....worth it? To me, the price differential to big to just have a luxury. BTW, why are the lead-acid batteries sold with a longer warranty than the optimas? I got a duralast gold battery from Autozone with 3 years free replacement and 8 years pro rated. The red top did not have but a 2 year free replacement and only 6 or 7 year pro rated warranty. Of course, I got the guy who just had a job there and did not really belong in the parts stores. And I did not really care to ask anyone else at the time. I'm impatient, especially in a busy store. __________________ The sig says it all.

01-27-2005, 11:30 AM	#16
nastyn8 Smokes The Dope Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Eldorado, Illinois Posts: 144	Re: optima batterys....worth it? The way my diesel tech instructor talks gel cell batteries aer going to soon be the only thing out there. They can be mounted anywhere in any position. Like any gel cell they have to have a low charge. Thats prolly why those ppl were boiling them. My dad sales gel cells but not Optima and he usually put a motorcycle battery charger on the gel cells. Make any sense to you guys? Later __________________ 88' coupe with a 2.3, displacement replacement in near future. 46' f1 My page

01-27-2005, 10:02 PM	#17
Ieatcamaros Domestic Rice really sucks! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: KY Posts: 973	Re: optima batterys....worth it? Seems like I remember reading somewhere that they had to charged slow, now that you bring that up. That's another down side of them if you ask me. __________________ The sig says it all.

01-28-2005, 02:45 AM	#18
nastyn8 Smokes The Dope Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Eldorado, Illinois Posts: 144	Re: optima batterys....worth it? Yeah it is a slight downside but they need constant charge like a wet type. We had a whole pallet of gel cells but they weren't optima they were made by Excell. But anyway we had them for nearly 6 months and didn't sell a damn one of them basically b/c most of my dads customers are farmers and dont understand a lot of technology and a gel cell is really what they need for diesel trucks and tractors. They have more vibrations than most gasoline engines. But yes I asked my dad if you put a fast charge on a gel cell will it have bad results then he admitted to me he had one explode, then he called his distributor and they explained to him why it happened. but anyway theres for 2 cents __________________ 88' coupe with a 2.3, displacement replacement in near future. 46' f1 My page

01-28-2005, 02:47 AM	#19
nastyn8 Smokes The Dope Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Eldorado, Illinois Posts: 144	Re: optima batterys....worth it? I'm sorry I meant to type they dont need a constant charge like a wet type __________________ 88' coupe with a 2.3, displacement replacement in near future. 46' f1 My page

01-29-2005, 02:53 AM	#20
Capri306 Moderator Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA Posts: 1,001	Re: optima batterys....worth it? That explains the 'countertop cookin' specials I received. Thnx for the input, man. __________________ Capri306, Moderator The Mustang Works Online 1979 Mercury Capri 1987 5.0L Mustang LX Notchback 1993 5.8L Eddie Bauer Bronco

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