optima batteries

[nate68]

it's time for a new battery and i am considering switching to an optima battery. I've done a little research on them so far. aren't they smaller in size than "regular" batteries? the optima site mentions something about height adapters. i'm still not sure on wheather to get a yellow or red top. the truck has a decent stereo but nothing extreme.
experiences, part #s, etc. are appreciated.
there's an article on them in the new super chevy on them as well.

[Mudder]

I have the red. I like it.

[68cajun]

I put a red top in my wifes navigator and am very pleased with it.

[Fred T]

Get the red top 34/78. It's closest to the original size for these trucks. Best price that I've found around here is Autozoned, better than anything I found mail order when I added in shipping.

[gonebad2]

Been running em for a few years now.....That's all I will use in the future too.

[texascowboy593]

I got a red top in my 71 and I cant kill it. Advance Auto approx $120.00 had it 2 yrs now. Ill have the radio playing w/ engine off for hours while im working on my 67

[djracer]

I have them in everything I own! Just don't let them sit discharged it will kill them! I Love them!

[68w/sbc406]

my car has a red top and my truck has a yellow top. my alternator went after i had the battery for 4 years. killed the battery. then i recharged it and it just didnt seem to have the cranking amps. it looked new still so i took it back and they gave me a new one. yellow tops only have a free replacement for 1 year and reds have one for 3 years.

[LUV2XCLR8]

Will have one in GQ as soon as I get some extra money

[70 net440]

I've had a red top in my Coronet for about 7 years and it works great. This car sits all winter, doesn't get driven a lot and the battery does fine. If it goes dead, use a slow charge to bring it back up, and it should last quit a while.

[4x4Poet]

I've used red top Optimas for a decade now. I like the following features:
1. No acid corrosion. Very, very little metal to metal corrosion.
2. Strong cold weather starts. Extreme cold doesn't affect Optimas much.
3. Strong starting amps, in general.
4. No spill potential on rough roads or rollovers (haven't tested the latter yet.)
5. Pretty good guarantee, but beware of shops that pro-rate from the *list* price which is ~$189. Pro-rate only applies after the first 3 years.

I don't like the following things:
1. Expensive. The expense factor is mitigated some by the lack of corrosive damage to refurbished battery trays, inner fender skirts, rad support, etc.
2. Red top Optimas don't like to die completely. If you run one dead, they don't come back well even with trickle charging. One trick I learned from a battery shop is to hook a charger (set on trickle) to a second battery and then hook the dead red top Optima to the second battery. The resistance created by the second connection reduces the trickle charge enough to bring back the dead Optima. Sometimes.

I've found both the Optima 800U and the Optima 925 are good batteries. The 925 is smaller. You can get dimensions from Optima's site or some suppliers. Easy search.

For comparison purposes, look at Enersys Odyssey batteries:
http://www.batterymart.com/battery.mv?c=odyssey

[72MARIO]

I have a red top in my 67 I love the fact they will not rot out the battery tray. I have mine mounted behind the passanger side cab coroner on the frame.