Optima Battery - Are they any better than a generic from AutoZone?
06-21-2014, 07:39 PM
#21
Team Owner
I would go autozone or Delco they are all over if you need help.
OEM look
Just feel the optima is ugly.
OEM look
Just feel the optima is ugly.
06-21-2014, 10:32 PM
#22
Race Director
06-22-2014, 12:26 AM
#23
Burning Brakes
I just replaced my red top optima after 6 years of use. I replaced it with a duralast platinum (formerly odyssey batteries). I think the optime quality has suffered, now made in china, and I would only use a yellow top if you have a lot of audio/electronics running out of your car. otherwise duralast platinum and call it a day.
06-22-2014, 10:34 AM
#24
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I just replaced my red top optima after 6 years of use. I replaced it with a duralast platinum (formerly odyssey batteries). I think the optime quality has suffered, now made in china, and I would only use a yellow top if you have a lot of audio/electronics running out of your car. otherwise duralast platinum and call it a day.
Now I'm thinking to just give it to a buddy at work to put in an old Ford he's planning to sell. I'm absolutely NFW putting Chicom crap in my Vette. Same for "Heco in Mexico", India, Bangladesh, Guatemala or even Guatepeor. If I wanted to support their economies I'd move my business there. BTW, what have any of them done for us lately?
Last edited by JohnToner; 06-22-2014 at 10:39 AM. Reason: Corrected a typo.
06-22-2014, 01:35 PM
#25
Safety Car
Just say "NO", but they sure are pretty!!
Yes, I have tried the Optima red more than once because of all the hype & good looks, but was disappointed both times. The batteries fell short on durability (did not last long) to my surprise. The first time because I'm a fair guy I gave them another chance. "I" have found the standard Delco to be a top shelf product; more reliable & longer lasting battery. Interstate batteries is another top shelf product that I have found. It lasted 7+ years in my car, than a neighbor needed a battery fast so I gave them my Interstate which they ran for another year or two before it threw in the towel. I had a battery store owner tell me one time that you are better off buying a battery with less capacity because they don't have to pack in more plates in the same amount of space which means using thinner plates that are more likely to short out, more prone to vibration damage and generate more sulfate. So on his word I gave it a shot. Since then I have went with less and found it to be more. I don't think you will ever go wrong with Delco. When our Z3 BMW battery took a dump I went and bought the cheapest, lesser amp battery but still enough rating for the car at a battery warehouse. We let the car sit for weeks at a time outside before using the car again and the battery has been a champ for 3 or 4+ years now. I will buy a less expensive one again. The store owner also said that there are really only a hand full of manufactures anyway.
Last edited by C7/Z06 Man; 06-22-2014 at 01:51 PM.
06-22-2014, 08:56 PM
#26
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Yes, I have tried the Optima red more than once because of all the hype & good looks, but was disappointed both times. The batteries fell short on durability (did not last long) to my surprise. The first time because I'm a fair guy I gave them another chance. "I" have found the standard Delco to be a top shelf product; more reliable & longer lasting battery. Interstate batteries is another top shelf product that I have found. It lasted 7+ years in my car, than a neighbor needed a battery fast so I gave them my Interstate which they ran for another year or two before it threw in the towel. I had a battery store owner tell me one time that you are better off buying a battery with less capacity because they don't have to pack in more plates in the same amount of space which means using thinner plates that are more likely to short out, more prone to vibration damage and generate more sulfate. So on his word I gave it a shot. Since then I have went with less and found it to be more. I don't think you will ever go wrong with Delco. When our Z3 BMW battery took a dump I went and bought the cheapest, lesser amp battery but still enough rating for the car at a battery warehouse. We let the car sit for weeks at a time outside before using the car again and the battery has been a champ for 3 or 4+ years now. I will buy a less expensive one again. The store owner also said that there are really only a hand full of manufactures anyway.
Lesson Learned, the hard way.
06-22-2014, 09:21 PM
#27
Racer
my stock battery leaked after 2 years after buying the car new. so, i purchased a yellow top. no problems yet in one year of ownership. i also listen to the car radio with engine off for about 30 minutes before work. good luck with your decision.
06-22-2014, 11:58 PM
#28
Burning Brakes
I have had 2 Optima Yellow Tops...They work great...Red Tops have higher cranking amps and the yellows are deep cycle if you have upgraded sound system pulling more amps...
Went from D35 yellow top to D75/25 yellow top due to it has top and side posts whick I connected wires from stereo...Sold other YT and it is stilll working well...Only issue is if you drain it completely, it can have issues...I mean completely, not just tough starting...I'll stay with Optimas, good stuff...
Went from D35 yellow top to D75/25 yellow top due to it has top and side posts whick I connected wires from stereo...Sold other YT and it is stilll working well...Only issue is if you drain it completely, it can have issues...I mean completely, not just tough starting...I'll stay with Optimas, good stuff...