ronb01ws6

iTrader: (3)

Time to change out the battery but i heard optima batteries quality has gone down, is this true? I would like the optima because it has more cca and the red top matches my fuel rail covers Any input would be great. Thanks

heavymetals

iTrader: (3)

Check out the ODYSSEY batteries.

kl2onik

iTrader: (3)

neither both are overpriced, look at interstate megatrons they are cheaper and crank way more

Skidmarcx

I went with an Interstate Megatron... Beast battery

Dmax/04V

The only reason to buy optima is if you need to mount the battery in a precarious position, or if you need a high level of amperage in a smaller package.

Zexell

iTrader: (1)

Optima's quality plummeted after being bought out by another company, Johnson Coontrol IIRC.

itsslow98

iTrader: (18)

I run interstate in everything even my boat.

rjoffe

Anyone have any more input on the Optima quality issues ? When Optima's came out they were really quite good, I did quite a bit of battery testing back in the day. Haven't really kept in touch with the current status (didn't even know they were purchased by Johnson Control).

ram59

iTrader: (1)

I've tried two Optima red tops and they both **** the bed within eighteen months, one on a daily driver and the other on a show car and kept on a trickle charger. I will never use them again. Went with Odyssey and couldn'nt be happier. They do cost, but my cars aren't cheap either.

NeverSatisfied02

iTrader: (12)

I'm a fan of the optima red tops. Ran a yellow top in my old truck with a huge audio system. Never had an issue with them. Red top in my old V and a red top in my current one too

Greed4Speed

iTrader: (7)

I'd stay away from Delco. The one in my Camaro got bloated and the one in my wife's Grand Am did the same except it cracked and started leaking. One was 5 and the other was 4 years old. I got 7 years out of the next battery (not a Delco), and no bloating or leak.

CamminV6

iTrader: (33)

My V had an Optima Red Top when I bought it, was in the car for 4 years based on the sticker. I put another red top in when it finally started to give out over the winter and haven't had any issues.

ronb01ws6

iTrader: (3)

Looks like the cheapest I can find the interstate for is 160 and delco 141. Both have the same cca. Optima is 177 with more cca. I would rather find a place on the internet that ships since I have the money in paypal already and it doesn't feel like I'm actually using my money that way. Anyone know where I can get one cheaper?

etcts-v

I've had my Optima red top (paid $160) running in my car for 2 years with multiple full cycle discharges (stereo drain) and it's still running like a champ. I love Optima and will always stick with them, with that said I am a stereo guy so I have high crank and long run time needs.

I also have an Kinetik in the trunk running my amps which is linked through a relay. Both work together perfectly.

kyoytey1693

iTrader: (7)

I haven't had good luck with my red tops. My current one is 4 years old. It was about 1yr old when I bought it, so only 3 yrs to me. And it wont hold charge more than about 4 days w/o a battery tender. Previous red top in different car did the same thing. My delco lasted 6 years until the post just sheared off while sitting in the parking lot. Otherwise there was nothing wrong with it. I would go with whoever offers the best warranty plan.

rjoffe

The first Red Tops I worked with was in '92 We used to get them by the pallet full. I grabbed one for my Jeep. I used it daily including off road till about '99. So that was 7 years before it got weak. If they are only lasting 4 years now then they have really lost allot.

gearhead68

iTrader: (2)

I just went with the Autozone Duralast 78 series ($99). It has a nice red top too. Can't see spending for the sealed optimas or the 101 series.

meatyCTS-V

I used to run an (old) Optima in my Miata. Had it in there for something like 5-7 years? It's only now stopped holding a charge after not driving the car daily every day.

I once went in to work with it, accidentally left the accesories on in the Miata, (stereo, etc.), came back out 12 hours later, car started up just fine.

Not sure what to do, I have to get a new battery for it, and I'm still trying to decide if I should do another Optima in it or not.

-meaty

gearhead68

iTrader: (2)

I've had good luck with these Exide sealed units in my cars that sit for months. Sam's club used to have them for $99 but recently they are $149.

BackNBlue

I've had an Optima in my TBSS for a couple years no issues and it sits sometimes a month or more between starts.