Are the Optima batteries worth the dough? I have to say they look great but.....they are stupid expensive.

The off road guys seem to have plenty of complaints about 'em.

 

I've never had a problem with Optima batteries. I had a red top in my 69 Buick GS, then it went into a 96 Bronco, then into a 99 Expedition. Lasted 10 years, now I have a deep cycle one in my 06 Vert GT.

 

Yellow top here, has worked well without issues in my car which is not a DD.

 

Scott2,

That looks like a slick trunk mount for the Optima. Tell me about it. Is it an off the shelf kit or custom?

 

Custom, based on a Taylor aluminum battery box.

- 1 gauge positive cable to a distribution point in the passenger wheel well on a 200 AMP fuse.
- 1 gauge ground to to the OEM ground point under the hood.
- 4 gauge positive directly to the alternator on a 150 AMP fuse.

Have never had an issue with the configuration since putting it in 3+ years ago.

I added a disconnect switch last fall.





And am putting in a 200 AMP alternator when I do the 8-Rib SC belt conversion.

 

All of my vehicles get them. Never a problem with any of them.

 

Optima's are pretty reliable. However, before you invest in one you may want to consider a battery charger as well. This will keep the performance of the battery healthy, so you'll be getting more for your money.

 

Agreed! I wired in a cable connector for a "smart" maintainer and it works great with the trunk mounted Optima.