yellow or red top battery?
 

I went to Autozone last night and picked up a red top, but it wasn't the one with reverse posts like the 8 needs. So I returned it tonight and got the D35 yellow top because the reverse post red is special order. But, it has lower cranking power and costs about $40 more, plus doesn't have the $25 rebate like the red does right now. Should I return it again and get the reverse red ordered? What's the advantages of the yellow? I don't really understand deep cycling, I don't have a sub or amps installed. Are there any other benefits to a yellow other than running more "stuff"? My main concern is something that starts the car easier, and also something that will last longer (batteries normally die about 18 months in Phoenix).

Get a group 35 battery (has the correct post layout), either the Red Top or Sears Diehard Platinum.

The Yellow Top is a "deep cycle" battery which is good if you have aftermarket electronics and tend to leave them on with the ignition off.

The Red Top has a higher cold cranking amperage rating (better starting) and is best if you don't leave electronics on.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ULT-9020-164/

edit: you can see from the linked Summit model that the Positive (Red) terminal is in the proper orientation (aft inboard).

See also TSB 01-019/05 dtd 29 June 2005

^^^ he speaketh the truth.

It all comes down to what your needs are; for me that was the Yellow Top.

As long as you have 550 CCA you are fine. If no, get the red.

yellow and red make orange.

qft

shut up Laythor!
You know as well as anyone that only Turbo'd 8's can use the Orange Battery.
NA cars will overcharge their flux capacitors and then all hell breaks loose.

Don't hate just because you missed your chance Jedi!

And we all know that Optima made only one orange top battery but it became self aware at 0:31 hours on june 18th, 1999 and will soon take over the world.

:scared:

My gawd, it has begun!

Both Yellow and Red has more than 550 CCA

but I would say ... dont get Optima batteries from Autozone. Cuz Autozone charge 190 for red top and 210 for yellow top, even with the redtop rebate it still not worth it.

Btw, I dont think Optima battery worth their price anymore, they used to have 3 yr free replacement + 72 months prorate for their batteries. but I guess The economy kills their warranty too. Now you will only get 3 years free replacement warranty.

If I only get 3 yr free replacement warranty, I would rather get Duralast Gold from Autozone, 90 bux + tax, same 3 years free replacement then 60 months prorate. The only downside is the Duralast gold has 640 CCA, but its more than enough for our cars to start.

You can "take your chances" and buy it from Amazon. Link to Red top is here Its the cheapest plus free shipping. BUT !!!!! You will not get warranty from Amazon or Optima. So if its DoA, you're fuxked. but if its good, u got yourself a pretty "good" battery for around 140 bux.

This is where I got mine, great prices and FREE shipping
http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/

The only downside to online ordering is then where do you dispose of your old battery?

The one parts store where I live gives you 5 dollars just for used batteries. I also have a red top, but mine's a 34 since it's not up front.

I don't know about where you live, but the auto store near my house will take any battery any time and give you the core cash value

i would go with the red.. or an OEM

again, it all depends on what you are trying to get out of the car. There is no one right way.

I'm running a yellow top myself. No crazy audio system or anything either. I bought it just because the shop I went to didn't have anything else that would fit my 8.

I've heard that Optima isn't really what they were back in the day, in that quality has gone down a bit. But honestly, I haven't notice anything bad about my yellow top. Still fires up in less then 2secs, even after 3 weeks of non operation.

ouch, not a good idea to let the car sit for that long without being run. the engine could seize up. Should start and run it bout every 3 days

The previous owner of my 8 basically had it sitting in her garage for the past 2 years. It wasn't seized of course, but could that have caused lots of other damage? It's an '04 w/ 36k.

Yea it def could have. was it a DD before she parked it?

I'm not sure, I bought it from an RV dealership - she traded it in.

wtf ?

seize up ? ...

:icon_bs:

engine won't seize up from sitting