So, after spending some time with searching the forum to find out the correct Optima Red Top battery, I still got confused about which one will FIT without any mod, so I can still use the stock battery cover.

I've seen forum users debating about the one that fits is the Group 35 model, or plain 35, or 34, or 34R so I am so confused here. Can anyone correct me which one is the correct one? Thanks guys.

 

Group 35

 

35 is what mazda says. I'm running a R34 RedTop, no issues, battery lid fits fine. Just make sure to get the battery tray too if you decide to get one.

 

You mean the group 35 right?
And the battery tray is the one costs what 80 bucks or something?
If so, why would you buy the R34 plus the cost of the battery tray instead of the group 35? because the higher cold cranking AMP worth the price?

 

Yes- Group 35.
No- Optima R34 Battery Comes with some type of battery tray, you put it on the bottom of the battery so it sits at the right height. (See pic its the red part) If you do not use the tray you will have to likely cut the cars battery box for the connections to reach because it will sit too low in the box. Sorry I don't have a pic with it off.

 

official size is group 35. But you can use whatever fits in there, i personlly tried 34 and 35. 35 fits tne best of course. If i were u i would get at least the yellow top. Red top is bot bad but yellow top would last a bit longer.

Or even better, just get die hard platimum and be done with it.

 

To answer your PM HotBrothers, The tray should come with the battery, in the pic below the tray is on top the battery (this is how it will come when you buy it) Just take the tray off the top then place it on the bottom of the battery.



I do think the R34 blocks some air flow, But I also think the tray helps air flow because of the hole it makes on the bottom of the battery. Mine survived the summer in Louisiana just fine.

This is a pic with the terminals installed, I have changed terminals since this pic, I didn't like the condition of these. Sorry no pics with new terminals, but they fit no problem.

-Shawn

 

A bit OT but I have a redtop and am completely unimpressed with it.

 

Why is that?

 

Beside Optima, are there any alternative batteries? I know DieHard is pretty known.

 

^...............search, there's a ton of threads.

 

And I as well.
Not that it really matters, but I have had mine in two or three years now and no issues. Just curious.........................

 

it barely holds a charge. performance dropped like a rock not even 6 months after I installed it.

 

^.....Hmmmmmmmmmm........that's all I got as I have no doubt you've checked the alternator and connections.

 

I can recommend the Bosch Premium Power 35-640B, $90, available only at Pep Boys. In a recent Consumer Reports battery test, in the "cold or temperate climates" category it ranked 4th out of 26 batteries, with a score of 82 out of 100.

 

Why don't you search first and get back to me tons of thread links?

 

Seriously? Yeah, right. In between all the efen diagnostics I have in place and the umpteen hundred mods. I have no idea what I'm talking about. My car farts and I get a read on it. c'mon Mazurfer, I expect better from you.

 

I put a Group 35 Red Top in my truck in 2007 and it has been trouble free. Went dead because I left the rear bed lights on overnight a year ago. The AAA guy tried to tell me it needed to be replaced when he did a test after getting it jump started. I just threw it on the charger and it is still going strong. I run the radio etc. all the time for long periods without the engine running too.

I would be more inclined to think the issue is elsewhere, but a bad one can sneak by even the best manufactuers. I suppose you aren't that impressed with your RX-8 either

 

That's exactly what I meant, maybe you mis-took my post?

 

DieHard Platimum FTW

 

sigh

 

R34 works fine with me, as stated about you can use the top cover as a stand to make the battery the right height.

 

thread resurrection ... just want to reiterate my complete lack of support for this battery.

After multiple tests ... measuring voltage / draw at rest ... full charges, etc I have finally replaced my red top. It was a complete waste of my time and money and I pity the fool that wastes a dime on this battery.

Mine was ordered direct from Optima so I didn't have a local shop to complain to. I admit, I never bothered to complain to Optima directly about it either.

Yesterday I broke down and bought a yellow top from a local Advance Auto Parts and difference is night and fuggin day. I can't remember my red top ever spinning up my flywheel to the RPMs that I'm now getting from the yellow top. I'm talking a huge difference here ... like 300 rpm easy.

It only compounded issues for me... perceived warm start problems, etc.

Spend the extra coin and get a yellow top if you're going to stick with the Optima line.

mazurfer, sorry for getting cranky with you (yeah I know -- its been a year) ... It's amazing how different something reads a year later. appreciate the support!

Shell

 

Yeah optima's are overrated even the yellow tops are not all there hyped up to be, swap it for a Kinetik.

 

Those are some interesting looking batteries. Any idea how their models map back to standard group types? The HC3800 looks like quite the beast!