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Topic: Optima batteries (Read 1326 times) previous topic - next topic

Optima batteries

Anyone know the clearances on the Optima Yellow Top D31A? Not sure whether its measured from the top or bottom (length and width), but if from the top, it may barely fit into the stock battery box. Its only $20 more than the D34/78 so figured I'd check.

Need to find my receipt for my 2 year old Kirkland battery, but its venting acid all over the place.

Also, how much is Costco charging for the yellow tops lately? I know the red's are $100-120 depending on location it seems (from google searches and info from the last 2 years)

edit:
$182 for the ONLY yellow top costco carries, the D34/78. The old battery's value can go towards an Optima, so $120 isn't too bad for the upgrade.
1988 Thunderbird Sport

Get a Red Top

Reply #1 –
The Red Tops have more CCA's last longer, have a better warranty and cost less. no need for a yellow top. my last red top lasted 6 years even in Florida heat. I'm running over 1000 watts rms between my two amps.    It starts strong every time.

Optima batteries

Reply #2 –
They're still only built for normal DD use, no large drains compared to the yellow top. Also have heard of many more reliability problems with the redtops than the yellow. Who needs 900CCA anyways? If you do, and you don't live where its freezing, then you have something wrong with your engine.

The D31A yellow tops have more cranking amps than any of the red top series, 50% more capacity, and only costs $20 more than the D34. Its a tight fit in the factory battery location though.
1988 Thunderbird Sport

Optima batteries

Reply #3 –
Quote
Also have heard of many more reliability problems with the redtops than the yellow.

Heh...I'll back that up...I'm on my fourth in 6 years. Not impressed with the red tops at all. The only reason I still have one is because it's warranted through a local Interstate Batteries dealer (and yes, I've already taken advantage of that). They replaced it, no questions asked. Which makes me think: when this Optima dies, Interstate is definitely the way to go. Their customer service impressed the hell out of me.

Optima batteries

Reply #4 –
Interstate has great batteries. Mine lasted me 5 trouble free years of daily beating.
 

Optima batteries

Reply #5 –
sorry to hear of your bad luck. I have had nothin but good luck with mine.  All my friends have had their yellow tops die within two years and with the warranty gone. they were screwed. I can only talk about my experience. true the yellow top is a deep cycle battery  and on paper everything told me to go yellow when my last red top finally gave out, I'm good going red.