Optima Redtop or Interstate model/size? (1 Viewer)

[Last Flight Out]

I looked and looked for this and saw some conflicting information but figured I’d ask here. What red top or interstate model or size are you using in your 40?

Its either an Optima or Interstate for me…and need to get one this weekend.

 

[SteveH]

Group 24 or 27 are should fit. 27 is a bit higher capacity (but make sure it will fit your FJ40 battery tray - it's longer than a 24). I would get the Interstate or CostCo version of Interstate.

 

[Last Flight Out]

Group 24 or 27 are should fit. 27 is a bit higher capacity (but make sure it will fit your FJ40 battery tray - it's longer than a 24). I would get the Interstate or CostCo version of Interstate.

Thanks @SteveH. I’ll measure now but have the IB MT-27 on my list.

 

[trainbufftony]

I run the group 27.
In my experience as a mechanic I've been unimpressed by the cranking power, and long term durability from optima batteries.
They're not as good at twice the price, but they're light, and in some forms of motorsport weight is everything!
Weight is the only advantage I see to the absorbed glass matt style battery over a conventional (massive) flooded battery.
The idea that spending big money in the hot rod catalog, gets you the best of the best needs to be discredited and abandoned.
It's hogwash.

 

[Tigerstripe40]

I have an Optima Red Top that has been in my FJ40 since 2002 or so. When I parked the truck 3 years ago, it started the truck every time without any worry. That battery has 'Made in Ohio' stamped in the top...

But, I will never buy another AGM battery for any car I drive.

That said, get whatever non-AGM sealed battery with the best warranty is available at the closest national chain auto parts store. Keep the receipt in the glove box, and replace it every 3-4 years.

 

[DeskJock]

I’ve had 4 yellow top optima batteries fail in me in the last 10 year. First two failures were around 3 years of age. The last two, dual battery setup - no separator - just cabled together- failed at 12 months.

Can’t recommend Optima.

Added: these were on everyday drivers.

 

[B y r o n]

Have you gone to the Interstate and Optima sites and seen what they recommend?

 

[rex in bama]

I looked and looked for this and saw some conflicting information but figured I’d ask here. What red top or interstate model or size are you using in your 40?

Its either an Optima or Interstate for me…and need to get one this weekend.

I run this model in my 82 - great fit, no trouble, really like the smallish size. I hear the noise on Optimas, but my history with them over the years has never had any disappointment

 

[Mike Shull]

I’ve had 4 yellow top optima batteries fail in me in the last 10 year. First two failures were around 3 years of age. The last two, dual battery setup - no separator - just cabled together- failed at 12 months.

Can’t recommend Optima.

Added: these were on everyday drivers.

Same here.

 

[Last Flight Out]

I run the group 27.
In my experience as a mechanic I've been unimpressed by the cranking power, and long term durability from optima batteries.
They're not as good at twice the price, but they're light, and in some forms of motorsport weight is everything!
Weight is the only advantage I see to the absorbed glass matt style battery over a conventional (massive) flooded battery.
The idea that spending big money in the hot rod catalog, gets you the best of the best needs to be discredited and abandoned.
It's hogwash.

Thanks man for the advice.

 

[Last Flight Out]

Have you gone to the Interstate and Optima sites and seen what they recommend?

Yes and each have 4-6 options with different sizes for my application.

 

[B y r o n]

Yes and each have 4-6 options with different sizes for my application.

Then which of the options gives you the most capacity?

 

[White Stripe]

I think agm batteries are supposed to have a slightly higher charging voltage.

 

[Tigerstripe40]

I think agm batteries are supposed to have a slightly higher charging voltage.

They do require higher voltage to charge, and i think thats part of why they die so quickly in automotive systems.

You can get a modified voltage regulator for your alternator that bumps up the charge voltage, however, I'd be concerned with other components down stream of the alternator that aren't able to cope with the higher voltage long term (ECU if running EFI).

 

[Last Flight Out]

So I went with the interstate battery MT 27 and a pretty big beast of a battery compared to the last one I had! Had to slightly modify the steel battery tray, but only took about five minutes and sits really well clearing some of the AC lines as well as the alternator lines off the back.

But then the weirdest thing happened, and I have no idea on how this happened… Put the battery in - connected it correctly made sure again that no wires were loose. I had to possibly stretch some wires in the process of putting the new battery … I went back to start the car, Everything turned on like normal in accessory position, but when turning key to engage starter….but would not click or even activate the starter. This is so strange because this was all working fine before the battery died….Ive installed a ton of batteries in my life. WTH.

Went back and checked all the wires, made sure the engine fuse was good…including the main fuse as I simply unplugged and plugged that back again. Checked the small wire on starter and recommended positive lead on new battery…And the thing that made me laugh is when I went back to start the truck, I pushed the clutch in automatically because it was that’s what I have to do for some of my other manual cars, and it started right up! I was scratching my head thinking, this is not a clutch lockout vehicle, because that didn’t start until late 80’s?

Any idea what could have happened?

 

[ryanwk628]

I got this because it is an AGM for my 8274 with good CCA, then realized it was short. $9.99 Odyssey 22201251 Spacer G34-24 spacer from Amazon and it fits great