Optima Red Top battery Group 35

Peaty · 12-08-2004, 05:19 PM

The Optima Red Top battery Group 35 is pretty much a drop in replacement. It's slightly shorter (about 1.5") but with a few spacers you can use the OEM mounting hardware. The install is simple.

I got the battery here:

http://www.remybattery.com/ PN is 8020-164

the price was good and no problems with the order, standard Fed-X ground shipping took about a week.

Tools:

10mm Open end - To loosen battery terminals and hold down clamp nuts

Eye protection - Care should be taken when working with any car battery

Disposable rubber gloves - Again you can get acid on you when removing OEM battery. Best to put on some gloves and wash hands afterwards.

Optional:

10 mm Deep Socket - To remove the hold down nuts easier

The swap is straight forward however, always, when disconnecting a battery undo the Negative first then the Positive pole.

When installing a battery or hooking it back up. Do that in reverse order the Positive first then the Negative pole.

The reason for this is it reduces the possibility of the tool you are using hitting a part of the car and creating an arc and sparking. Batteries produce Hydrogen and Oxygen gas and they can explode with a spark.

Peaty 12/8/04

Peaty · 12-08-2004, 05:20 PM

Some advantages of an Optima battery:

* Optima Batteries typically last several years longer than a traditional battery
* Vibration Resistant...Providing a longer lifespan in Marine and Off-Road Applications
* Maintenance Free...No water needed
* Battery Terminals do not corrode
* Can be mounted in almost any position
* Completely sealed case so they don't spill or leak acid
* Handle for easy installation

Here it is installed

Peaty · 12-10-2004, 03:10 PM

Well, I went to the local AutoZone today and got some 8" hold down rods. They are the perfect size. The cost was 2.50 USD and I think it looks nicer is all. The OEM rods worked fine with the spacer. This just makes it cleaner is all.

Peaty 12/10/04

Peaty · 12-11-2004, 11:03 AM

There is another type of Optima batterie. Based on your particular use you may opt for a deep cycling yellow top or something like that. For more info you can check their site here:

http://www.optimabatteries.com/publi...nfig/home.html

Cut and Paste from above link

The OPTIMA RedTop

The looks alone generate plenty of buzz. But it's the patented SPIRALCELL® Technology in OPTIMA RedTop batteries that's truly worthy of praise. OPTIMA RedTop batteries are built to withstand the abuse Trucks, SUV's and 4x4's experience on and off-road. SPIRALCELL Technology immobilizes the internal components of the battery, enabling OPTIMA batteries to withstand incredible amounts of vibration.

Vehicles modified for better engine performance demand more from a battery. OPTIMA batteries withstand the high underhood temperatures associated with these Performance vehicles. The sealed cells make the battery spill-proof, even if you install it on its side! This prevents external gassing and leaking which can damage engine components and limit battery performance.

If your battery is used in vehicles that demand extra reliability and performance, or if you just take pride in getting the best performance out of your vehicle, OPTIMA RedTop batteries deliver the performance you demand.

The OPTIMA YellowTop

Demand more from your vehicle? Then get more from your battery. OPTIMA YellowTop batteries are made for the extremes. If you have an extreme vehicle, you expect high performance. Whether your vehicle is made to take the abuse of off-road driving or cranking out decibels, you need more from your battery. OPTIMA batteries with patented SPIRALCELL® Technology deliver that performance. The deep cycle characteristic of this technology coupled with its extreme resistance to vibration provides performance vehicles with the repetitive power they need in a spill-proof package.

If your vehicle has a lot of accessories like running lights, high-performance stereo/AV system, winches, or hydraulics, your vehicle demands more from its battery. OPTIMA YellowTOP batteries provide the extra performance and deep cycling capability that your vehicle demands.

Peaty · 12-20-2004, 09:44 PM

Just to follow up on how the battery is working out. So far it's been starting very well. I haven't had any times where when I started the car it turned over more times than I was comfortable with. It catches right away even when it's cold out and has been sitting all day. Something else I noticed. The volts seem to stay higher longer as I drive. I have the digital gauge and normally after I drove for a half an hour the volts would drop to maybe 13.8 - 13.5 ish. Now like before when I start they are higher say 14.7 but after a half hour or better it only goes to maybe 14.5 - 14.3, never below 14V. Not sure it's a function of the battery or not. I was under the impression that once the battery started the car the regulator and alternator really took over and the battery didn't do much else but get charged and go along for the ride. Anyway, so far so good. I'm glad I swapped it out, it's getting colder here lately.

Peaty 12/20/04

Peaty · 03-21-2005, 01:14 PM

Just an FYI - I ordered another Optima Red Top battery for my wife's Outback. I decided to try another vendor as they had good prices and included shipping:

http://www.batteriesareus.com/

I'm sad to say in my opinion this vendor should be avoided. I placed an order 1/30, my credit card was charged on 2/6 and as of today 3/21, I have not recieved the battery. The purchase is now in dispute with the CC company. First I was told it was on back order (only after I called two weeks after ordering), then it would ship that week, next it had shipped last week, so far nothing. I have dealt with 100's of vendors and this has to be my worst experience to date. Just a heads up.

Peaty

Peaty · 04-08-2005, 02:13 PM

Just a follow up to my last post. It seems batteriesareus.com went and cancelled my order (w/o my knowledge) and asked me to order again.

They were supposed to have my CC credited the money that has been in dispute. The Credit did not show up till April 1 (appropriately enough). So after about 3 months of hassle I've given up and will order a battery from another source. One nice thing was how good my Credit Card Company, Discover, was about the whole ordeal. Very helpful and understanding.

Peaty 4/8/05

Peaty · 04-13-2005, 03:34 PM

OK a follow up to the follow up, with a happy ending

Thanks goes to OneOBS for passing on the following vendor:

http://www.remybattery.com/

I ordered a red top battery for under 100 USD including shipping on Sunday afternoon and low and behold it showed up today Wednesday. No muss no fuss, exactly the same battery pictured above.

I will be installing it in my Outback VDC Wagon soon

Nice to work with a good vendor

Peaty 4/13/05

Side note, this battery also included the little spacer you can install on the bottom to raise up the battery so you do not need to get new hold down rods or space the nuts. This is something places usually charge extra for and it was included in the price. Nice touch.

Peaty · 04-17-2005, 12:00 PM

Here are some shots of the battery I got from Remy with the extension that brings the batteries height up to the OEM level. That way you won't need shorter hold down rods (or spacers) This came free with the Remy battery I ordered:

Peaty · 08-04-2007, 06:08 AM

Some good info from SASniper:

Optima have added a 75/35 model just to confuse things. Unfortunately it has the wrong terminal orientation.

Anyway, something to watch out for.

Cheers,

SA.

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