Optima battery

[Hojack]

I have an older yellow top optima in my 2004 dodge 3500. It hasn't let me down. I heard that these batteries are not as good as they once were as they are made in Mexico. I'm going to be getting a battery soon for the FJ60 4BT swap so would like to know of better alternatives.

 

[gregnash]

Few different battery threads out there with some good info on the main manufacturers of each brand. Since Sears DieHard Platinum is no longer around (Odyssey battery) I would probably go for the higher end Interstate Batteries if you are looking for something that can just be grabbed locally.

 

[Hojack]

Few different battery threads out there with some good info on the main manufacturers of each brand. Since Sears DieHard Platinum is no longer around (Odyssey battery) I would probably go for the higher end Interstate Batteries if you are looking for something that can just be grabbed locally.

Just removed an Interstate from my cruiser for the swap. It's been a good battery for colder starts. In Oregon it rarely gets below 0F. Last winter went backcountry skiing on Northside of Mt. Hood and temps at the parking lot plummeted with no wind. Stayed the night in a Forest Service A-frame cabin. Got back to cruiser with it iced up. Got in and pumped the gas 10 times or so with full choke and the motor fired right up. That's when a dependable motor counts. Let the vehicle idle 10 minutes to properly warm up.

 

[MANUCHAO]

My choice has been (main) Oddysey (Enersys), and (aux) X2 Power (Northstar) both US made...

When comparing batteries look at their weight difference (lead content)... i think height (one inch taller makes a huge diff in battery performance) also plays a big role in RM/AH & CCA ...

 

[AllLC]

I have used Optima and Odyssey for testing at work. Odyssey always outperforms Optima. They're expensive but i think they're worth it. As my personal oem batteries expire i am replacing them with Odyssey. Just my .02. You're results may vary...

 

[Hojack]

I have used Optima and Odyssey for testing at work. Odyssey always outperforms Optima. They're expensive but i think they're worth it. As my personal oem batteries expire i am replacing them with Odyssey. Just my .02. You're results may vary...

With everything I'm doing on the swap I'd like an expedition rig with the battery the least of my concern.

 

[Prairie Swamp]

Unfortunately Optima has gone to crap. Had one fail to crank my 4-cylinder Taco after only 3 years. Might as well buy a cheap WalMart battery every 2 or 3 years.

 

[crashmonk]

This would be a prime opportunity to upgrade to a group 31 battery. This is what semi trucks and industrial engines use. Because of this, everyone has one in stock, and they are significantly cheaper if you know how to look.

My local international dealer sold me a new battery made by exide for 80 bucks.

950 cca and BONUS! Real threaded posts for battery connections! No more lame oh top post BS.

Your new 4BT will appreciate the extra amps.

 

[Benjaman]

I run an Oddysey in my 62, but I think the best value would be a East Penn/Deka AGM. Their around $150. and are made in the U.S of A.

 

[bwesty]

Look at the X2 Power battery, 27f has good spec and US made. Available at Batteries Plus, online coupons sometimes too

 

[Rustic76]

I replaced a red top optima in my 60
recently that was way too new to die on me. Replaced it with the one Les Schwabs recommended. It has high cold cranking amps and has been great.

 

[Michael Hanson]

Hi, Try the Costco Kirland battery. Mike

 

[Michael Hanson]

I think all batteries are made by Johnson Controls ,Exide and Delphi anyway. I always get a battery made in the month I'm buying it in. There is a sticker with manufactures date on the battery case. Mike

 

[Hojack]

Optima shouldn't have stopped USA production. Seems as soon as they stopped producing them here so did their reliability.

 

[Hojack]

This would be a prime opportunity to upgrade to a group 31 battery. This is what semi trucks and industrial engines use. Because of this, everyone has one in stock, and they are significantly cheaper if you know how to look.

My local international dealer sold me a new battery made by exide for 80 bucks.

950 cca and BONUS! Real threaded posts for battery connections! No more lame oh top post BS.

Your new 4BT will appreciate the extra amps.

I'll check this out.

 

[NookShneer]

Look at the X2 Power battery, 27f has good spec and US made. Available at Batteries Plus, online coupons sometimes too

I've had good results from a X2 27F for the last 6 or so years.

When I get the second battery in it will be a X2 31M

SLI31AGMDPM - X2Power Premium AGM Dual Purpose (Starting/Cycling) Battery for Deep Cycle BCI Group 31M Marine and Boat at Batteries Plus Bulbs

 

[Hojack]

This X2 Power premium has a 60 month warranty, maintains free, made in the USA, $30 mail in rebate, and 18- 5 star reviews.

 

[MANUCHAO]

When I get the second battery in it will be a X2 34M

I'm running two 34/78 looking at replacing the X2 brand for an X2 Group 27M.
Only reason is cause the (RC/AH) reserve capacity on the 27 is higher... The X2 Group 34 has been great for the last 6 years as an aux battery running all the electronics and camping equipment...
I bought it in OR after the optima redtop failed on us (in the middle of a month long trip) after only 2 years...

One thing to consider regardless of the battery brand you go with is, battery maintenance... keeping them charged (battery charger) whenever not in use goes a long way for longevity... The main battery is an Oddysey going strong on 7.5 years.. it has one job only....

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

my old Camaro ran a 7+ YO interstate. never let me down. If you can still find lead acid wet batteries, run em. the maintenance free stuff can be easily and irreversibly compromised, while the lead acid batteries give you some fudge room; you can bring em back from the dead...

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

and stay away from the red tops... those things are boat anchors.