Optima Batteries
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 44
From: Folsom Ca
Originally Posted by c6vette
Have used Optima's batteries in my boat. They have plenty of power (used 900CCA) but diappointed with longenity. Have no experience in my Vett or any other vehicle.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by calemasters
My OEM AC Delco battery was fine, but I decided to install a new Optima battery as preventative maintenance. The Optima was the most expensive battery I have ever purchased, but I have read only good things about the Optima. High capacity, and cold cranking amps, resistance to heat and vibration, spiral cell technology, will not leak, etc.
So I install the new Optima and the car will not crank. I charge the battery over night and the engine just barely turns over this morning.
I re-installed my original AC Delco battery, and it lights right up. I don't get it. I thought the Optima was about the best automotive battery money could buy.
So I install the new Optima and the car will not crank. I charge the battery over night and the engine just barely turns over this morning.
I re-installed my original AC Delco battery, and it lights right up. I don't get it. I thought the Optima was about the best automotive battery money could buy.
The date code is a letter and number. The number is the year and the letter is the month.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,611
Likes: 5
From: Thousand Oaks California
Battery was produced in September 2006. The battery would not accept a charge. As per the Midtronics Battery Tester, my "new" Optima Yellow top battery was defective. The dealer did not have a replacment. I called Optima Customer Service and asked for them to located another battery for me with in a 50 mile radius. They declined. So, I am now happy with my new AC Delco Professional Series battery.
I doubt that Optima cares.
I doubt that Optima cares.
Last edited by calemasters; Dec 5, 2006 at 08:57 PM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 18,396
Likes: 169
Man, that's bad about the Optima customer service, I did go to Costco and paid about $165, inc. tax for my red top. Took 5 minutes to install it, and the car fired right up. Guess time will tell if I made a good choice.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,682
Likes: 3
You can install several ways.. I just drilled 4 small holes in the bottom of the batter holder and used bundgee cords... The reaseon I did that was so I can put the large battery back in if I ever need to....
http://www.odysseybatteries.com/battery/pc680t.htm
PC 680T Specs:
680 cranking amps for 5 seconds
595 cranking amps for 10 seconds
525 cranking amps for 20 seconds
Short circuit current over 1800A
17 amp hours
24 minute reserve capacity with 25amp load
With metal jacket
Length 7 1/16"
Width 2 15/16"
Height 7 5/16"
Weight 15 lbs
http://www.odysseybatteries.com/battery/pc680t.htm
PC 680T Specs:
680 cranking amps for 5 seconds
595 cranking amps for 10 seconds
525 cranking amps for 20 seconds
Short circuit current over 1800A
17 amp hours
24 minute reserve capacity with 25amp load
With metal jacket
Length 7 1/16"
Width 2 15/16"
Height 7 5/16"
Weight 15 lbs
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
From: Naperville IL
I have a red top in my 1995 Pontiac Firebird Formula. It is always dead. I won't drive the car for a few days and it has to get jumped. Never had a problem with the car sitting for 2 weeks with a Delco battery.
I put a yellow top in my 2001 Acura Integra since the stock battery needed to be replaced after 4 years (daily driven with a 3 amps and a sub). I put it in and it was dead and wouldn't start my car. I brought it back and they tested it and sure enough it was bad (only two weeks old according to the stamp on the battery). I put another one in and it lasted just under 12 months and left me stranded. It barely let me jump the car and the car soon died out after I tried to move the car. I went back to the place that I bought it and got a regular 72 month battery and they gave me the difference back since the battery was less that one year old (free replacement). My new 72 month battery has a 2 year free replacement too!
Come the spring, I will NOT be using an Optima battery for The 'Bird. Just a Delco battery will be fine.
A couple of my friends have have problems with the Optima as well.
I put a yellow top in my 2001 Acura Integra since the stock battery needed to be replaced after 4 years (daily driven with a 3 amps and a sub). I put it in and it was dead and wouldn't start my car. I brought it back and they tested it and sure enough it was bad (only two weeks old according to the stamp on the battery). I put another one in and it lasted just under 12 months and left me stranded. It barely let me jump the car and the car soon died out after I tried to move the car. I went back to the place that I bought it and got a regular 72 month battery and they gave me the difference back since the battery was less that one year old (free replacement). My new 72 month battery has a 2 year free replacement too!
Come the spring, I will NOT be using an Optima battery for The 'Bird. Just a Delco battery will be fine.
A couple of my friends have have problems with the Optima as well.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 134
From: merritt island fl
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Originally Posted by calemasters
Wow! Sounds like the Optima battery is not as good as I originally thought.
Try searching there for many more experiences.
