Optima battery, Is it worth it?

[mancinator]

so who is the vendor of choice to buy a red top from?
portland area

 

[Texican]

Given your rich and illustrious history, I'm sure there's a good story behind this statement!

No story other than in most racing sanctioning bodys back when I was involved, it was the only battery you were allowed to install inside the driver compartment.
Butch

 

[Lucy_FJ55]

I have had a red top Optima in my Cruiser for about five years now-with absolutely no complaints or problems. I love it. I can play the stereo while parked for hours with no fear. I can park my truck for a month in the blazing sun or freezing winter and it fires right up-partly I believe because of my Optima. There are no more acid leaks or battery terminals to clean. The small size will allow me to run another when I eventually need it with basically no mods or snafus. I bought mine on sale at G.I. Joe's for maybe $75 or $80. Well worth it!

 

[Dan_J-spec_fj62]

well i'll throw my $.02 in.... the USAF use redtop optimas in almost every figggin piece of equipment whith wheels and an engine.... we use other stuff in the airplanes but anthing that stays on the ground optima optima optima..... ever and always

some of the AGE (aerospace ground equipment) takes real abuse starting diesel engines without warming gloplugs cranking engines for 5minutes at a time when you have the fuel cut off pulled then opening the fuel and cranking again.... s*** like that .... they never seem to die

dan

 

[mancinator]

bought a red top today...99 bucks at gi blows...put the other battery into the trooper since it needed on. both trucks start up easier then ever now.
thanx for the convincing

 

[Romer]

It seems pretty clear that an Optima Red Top battery is a great choice for a 40. You convinced me.

 

[BMAN]

Kinda at a loss on the not for a non-dd truck statement. I've owned Optima red tops for over 10 years now. I WILL NOT buy anything but optima. I've got a red top in my 67 bug that has been in 3 other cars over the past 10 years. I bought it in 93 for my 62 bug. I have never replaced an Optima either. In my opinion, there is no other battery. Arizona heat kills conventional batteries within a year or two. The Optimas just keep going. My 40 sat in the garage from nov.03 to May of this year w/o being cranked 1 time. After doing the body mounts and X-member she fired up just like the day I put it in. One of my best friends has an Optima red top on his car hauler that has been in service as a winch battery for over 12yrs that I know of. That battery gets beat on hard, to the point of deep dead drains, and pops right back to life every time after a short charge. Again in my opinion there is nothing else.

Here in AZ, Costco wholesale stores sell Optimas for $99 every day.

 

[Landpimp]

I would look real hard at the Excide Oritals, they have better side terminals(aka they won't melt down) and IMOP just a better value. Also the top terminals are spaced so you can turn the battery either way(as in a 80 series)

just my opinion.

It seems pretty clear that an Optima Red Top battery is a great choice for a 40. You convinced me.

 

[drohweder]

I had a red top that went bad after about a year. Nice thing is they took it back no questions and gave me a new one. I've been happy. My major question is what is the diff between the red and yellow. Can you use either or is one preferable?

 

[TJDIV]

I use Blue. Does this mean I suck? Blue Balls.

 

[Chef BoyarDEE]

i've been running a red top for over a year now and i like it very much. but when it goes, i plan on going for either a yellow top or perhaps try an orbital since they seem to be getting good reviews. i think the difference between a red top and a yellow top is that the yellow has more CCA's and is usually used when running a lot of accessories (ie. winch, lights, etc.) i've never thought of running a blue top as i thought they were for marine use like in boats and stuff.