Lexmex

This is the front picture of my battery clamp. If I had used the adaptor platform, my battery cables would not reach, thus we had to bend this clamp to make everything fit right.

Lexmex

On the rear portion of the battery bracket we had to use a few washers as the threads were up to high to screw the clamp down.

Lexmex

This it the rear portion of the battery bracket going behind the battery. I pulled up the battery cover to show that there is no platform and that the Red Top fits inside the battery tray.

LiqrSicc

[QUOTE=Lexmex]Unless you are are going to run a lot of aftermarket stereo equipment, stick with the Red Top. Only on car audio sound competition cars do I see the Yellow Top. For instance, the Blue Top is for marine uses but works just fine in cars.

You are going to get more cranking amps (1000) out of the Red Top 34/78 than the Yellow Top 34/78 (870) and more cold cranking amps, too (800 versus 750).

I'm running a 1500 watt amp 2 dvd players and 5 screens... so im better off with the yellowtop right? do you know which size/model? thanks LexMex, seems like you answer just about every question I have.

Lexmex

Definitely the Yellow Top D34/78. Same size as the Red Top 34/78 that I have.

nopcbs

Best (and cheap) were the Wal-Mart house brand (forgot the brand.

TunedRX300

My 4 year old Duralast battery made by Johnson Control is dying. Yesterday I got Kirkland battery from Costco for $55, 3 year free replacement and 100 month pro-rated warranty.
I was thinking of Braille battery that Lexmex told me but need something quick. I guess I have to live with the 40 pound dead weight for another 4 years.

Lexmex

It's a weight that too many of us have to live with. My Optima Red Top weighs 38.8 lbs.

rbtamms

My OEM battery just died last month & I took it to the dealer to make sure if it's the battery or something else. They say it's gone & it's time to replace it because it's already 6 years old. I was thingking of getting a battery somewhere else, but I heared some size & fitting issues with other batteries.
Since I don't have time to shop around, I just took the battery from the dealer. It cost me $90 & the brand is Lexus...I don't know who really is the manufacturer. Anyway, the size is exactly OEM & the warranty is 84 months.
I don't know if I made a good decision or what?

TunedRX300

OEM battery is made by Panasonic, at least that is what came with my RX300 factory installed.
Size and fitting is not an issue, I got better CCA, CA, and RC with Kirkland. Even my $50 Duralast lasted longer 6 months longer than OEM.
Look for the date sticker, pick the one that is fresh. At Costco, the older batteries are placed up front, I just went to the back and pick one that is made in September instead of August, that shaves one month off the time for sulfation build-up, which occurs when battery sit uncharged on the shelf.

bob2200

Panasonic car battery is OEM on Japan-made cars but not available as a replacement, according to previous discussions on this forum. I think it has also been said here that the Toyota replacement battery is made by Johnson Controls, the same people who make the Costco battery.

TunedRX300

Thanks, that makes little functional and performance between OEM and other aftermarket brands made by Johnson Controls. Only difference is price.
Kirklank has better warranty, 3 year free replacement and pro-rated refund/credit up to 100 months.

Lil4X

Deep cycle batteries such as the Optima Blue Top (Marine) battery are great for running air pumps, trolling motors, and a long list of appliances. They are built with a heavier plates and more solid internal grid that allows repeated deep discharge cycles without the internal damage that would soon destroy an automotive (Red Top) battery. As a trade-off, they only deliver about 90% of the initial power of an automotive battery, but they can deliver usable power for considerably longer. They are also slower to recharge, meaning they do not recover as quickly as an automotive battery.

They are commonly used in high-current applications such as operating 12v appliances in boats and campers, but are not able to deliver the quick burst of power that a starter requires, thus they are somewhat sluggish turning the engine over because they produce about 11.8 volts under load, rather than the 12.8 that standard automotive batteries do. If you have a high-performance engine, a deep-cycle battery may not spin it hard or fast enough to light it off. For most automotive applications, they are perfectly adequate.

The Optima Yellow Top occupies sort of a middle ground, offering some of the advantages of both, delivering a higher cranking voltage with some deep-discharge resilience. It is a good choice for anyone draining their batteries for an extended period of time without starting the engine, as in playing a power-hungry stereo or using that power inverter. Otherwise, it offers no real advantages in normal service, and could be at a disadvantage if routinely used for short trips of a couple of miles duration.

Without doubt, Optima produces an excellent product that is rugged, lightweight and powerful. It can be well matched to the service you expect from it. The only question seems to be whether it is worth nearly double the price of a conventional battery. That decision you have to make for yourself.

zombie

iTrader: (1)

im thinking about trying an odyssey PC680 dry cell battery. it weighs less then an optima or stock battery and still provides more then enough power.
on the odyssey battery web site it says the pc680 is,

"Recognize that the reserve rating is small, so storage time with computer draw can discharge the battery in a few weeks. Ideal for Street Rods up to 5.7 liter V-8. Can be mounted in the glove box flat on its back - only 3 1/8 inch high."