Optima Battery question - size does matter...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 925
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From: Cape Cod Peoples Republic of Massachusetts
Optima Battery question - size does matter...
Everyone seems to be replacing their battery with an Optima Red Top. I think my AGM is starting to go and would like to replace it before heading out to Carlisle.
Which # is everyone using? I checked the Optima website and they do not list one to fit 2001 and newer. They do list one for 1997-2000. Is there any difference? Will one for a 2000 fit an '01?
And what about the "adapter plates" they talk about?
Thanks in advance - GT
Which # is everyone using? I checked the Optima website and they do not list one to fit 2001 and newer. They do list one for 1997-2000. Is there any difference? Will one for a 2000 fit an '01?
And what about the "adapter plates" they talk about?
Thanks in advance - GT
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,215
Likes: 344
nhis, I posted the question earlier this week about what kind of battery to use. Everyone seemed to answer Optima Red or Yellow. I've decided to go with the yellow. I emailed Optima and this is what they said I need for my 2000 coupe:
model D34/78
part # 8014-045
Group 78 puck adapter. I think this positions the battery better or raises it up somehow.
Hope this helps.
model D34/78
part # 8014-045
Group 78 puck adapter. I think this positions the battery better or raises it up somehow.
Hope this helps.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,108
Likes: 755
From: Bridgewater NJ
Originally Posted by nhisfan
Everyone seems to be replacing their battery with an Optima Red Top. I think my AGM is starting to go and would like to replace it before heading out to Carlisle.
Which # is everyone using? I checked the Optima website and they do not list one to fit 2001 and newer. They do list one for 1997-2000. Is there any difference? Will one for a 2000 fit an '01?
And what about the "adapter plates" they talk about?
Thanks in advance - GT
Which # is everyone using? I checked the Optima website and they do not list one to fit 2001 and newer. They do list one for 1997-2000. Is there any difference? Will one for a 2000 fit an '01?
And what about the "adapter plates" they talk about?
Thanks in advance - GT
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
The Yellow Top is a deep-cycle battery while the Red Top is a starter battery for general purpose daily use. The Yellow Top is great for folks who take their cars to shows, for instance, and run their battery with accessories like lights and stereo for long periods and run the battery down and then back up again through full discharge/charge cycles. The Yellow Top is more tolerant to deep discahrges like that while the Red Top is a strong battery for normal daily usage that most people need. That's why the Red Top is so popular here.
I've been running the 75/35 for 18 months and it's a great battery. The older model 34/78 has slightly higher ratings and is physically larger.
Here's my 75/35 with the Optima hold-down block.
And here's a 34/78. It's rated just a bit higher than the 75/35.
I've been running the 75/35 for 18 months and it's a great battery. The older model 34/78 has slightly higher ratings and is physically larger.
Here's my 75/35 with the Optima hold-down block.
And here's a 34/78. It's rated just a bit higher than the 75/35.
Last edited by Patches; Aug 17, 2004 at 10:03 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: San Diego CA
Generally-speaking, deep-cycle batteries have a shorter life span than standard batteries, whether they be AGM or lead-acid. Therefore, if you do NOT plan to drain down your battery frequently, a standard battery is the way to go. I have tried both inexpensive Walmart batteries and expensive, highly-rated Motorcraft batteries in my other cars and they all last about 5 years. The deep-cycle batteries that are used on our boats at work rarely last more than three years.
Keep this in mind before choosing which type of battery you buy.
Keep this in mind before choosing which type of battery you buy.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Hells Sister City Phoenix AZ
St. Jude Donor '03
I just put in a red top this weekend. I got the 75/35 and it has a protective cover for the top posts. It allows me to use my chrome battery cover which is on with velcro. I had the Delco AGM and let me tell you when it goes it goes! Mine was fine till I went to start it and of course it wasn't at home when it happened! 
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I've got the 34/78 one in mine. 
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Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Framingham MA
Originally Posted by Dave68
Generally-speaking, deep-cycle batteries have a shorter life span than standard batteries, whether they be AGM or lead-acid. Therefore, if you do NOT plan to drain down your battery frequently, a standard battery is the way to go. I have tried both inexpensive Walmart batteries and expensive, highly-rated Motorcraft batteries in my other cars and they all last about 5 years. The deep-cycle batteries that are used on our boats at work rarely last more than three years. Keep this in mind before choosing which type of battery you buy.
The deep cycle batteries in my diesel auxiliary sailboat each lasted a good 5 seasons before I replaced them simply as a precautionary measure. In fact, the last ones I replaced (purchased from Sam's Club) appeared to be absolutely as strong and reliable as the day I bought them. 
But I will concede that most power boaters I know using "off-the-shelf" batteries (starting or deep cycle) replace theirs every three years. If they don't start the engine, they are screwed. If I don't start, I merely sail home!
Monk
Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 569
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From: Venice Florida
Deep Cycle optima (yellow top) should last as long as red top if the battery isn't cycled (discharged,recharged) repeatedly.
If you car sets for extended periods without a tender or you have aftermarket audio with amps I would definitely use the yellow top.
The red top will stand some cycling but the yellow top is designed for it.
Your OE type battery won't stand many cycles.
If you car sets for extended periods without a tender or you have aftermarket audio with amps I would definitely use the yellow top.
The red top will stand some cycling but the yellow top is designed for it.
Your OE type battery won't stand many cycles.
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Originally Posted by Corvette Poor
Where's the best or cheapest place to purchase the red top 75/35 ?
I have seen them on Ebay and in local Sears stores ? Any comments ?
I have seen them on Ebay and in local Sears stores ? Any comments ?
It was the very first mod I did to my car - and I took out a practically brand new Delco that the previous owner had installed.
I think Pep Boys also sells them - and they have a 10% discount on the web site or something like that. Might be worth checking into!
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: DFW Tx
Just replaced the Delco leaker with Red Top 34/78. Fit perfect in the tray and you reuse the factory tray clamp. I'd think with the 75/35 you'd need the Optima extensions as it is a little bit smaller. Anyhow, extensions should come with the battery, either 34/78 or 75/35.
