OEM battery going, replacement?

[GoFaster06]

I think my 06' OEM battery is on it's last leg. 6yrs. & 23k miles. I am aware of the Shaker 500 drain & always turn off radio before turning off car. Alternator is OK. Car sat for 3 days, charged it, then died 2 days later, no driving. Have been looking into an Optima battery for replacement. I go to the track about 10x a year, 35 passes. Just installed an Afco dual pass H/E w/10" spal fans & will be running it in between passes to cool IAT's. I only drive the car during nice weather. Which should I get, Red or Yellow top? Do the yellow top Optima batteries fit without any issues, clearance? Leaning towards the yellow top Part# D34/78. User input would be great. Thanks

 

[pwd72s]

The yellow top is a "deep cycle" battery. I'd really suggest you go with the #35 red top which fits right into our Mustangs. Don't know if the yellow top comes in the smaller size needed for a Mustang. Should be plenty of Amperage to run fans, I'd think.

I'd also suggest using a battery tender if the car is going to sit more than a few days. Keeping your battery charged is easy on alternators while making the alternator work to recharge a low battery shortens it's life.

 

[ZmanM3]

Optma, I have a yellow top but a red top may be the better choice.

 

[AndrewNagle]

The yellow top is a "deep cycle" battery. I'd really suggest you go with the #35 red top which fits right into our Mustangs. Don't know if the yellow top comes in the smaller size needed for a Mustang. Should be plenty of Amperage to run fans, I'd think.

I'd also suggest using a battery tender if the car is going to sit more than a few days. Keeping your battery charged is easy on alternators while making the alternator work to recharge a low battery shortens it's life.

Have the red top and a battery tender, both are working out fine for me

 

[Bingo]

I finally had to change out the original battery in my '05. Put in a Duralast Gold. Surprised the OEM lasted almost 7 years.

 

[retfr8flyr]

I have the Yellow top and run my water pump between rounds to help with cooling. I have never had any problem with it getting weak during a race. I have also never had any problems with it when I drive it regularly. The car sits for long periods in the cold months, as I don't drive it that much. I don't use a battery tender, the garage is part of the house and I don't like leaving anything electrical running unattended but I have a battery charger with a Gel Cell deep cycle setting and hook it up in the winter every 3 weeks. The battery is never very low and it doesn't take very long to bring it back to full charge.

I really like the Yellow top and highly recommend them from my experience. The Yellow top's are a true Gel Cell type battery. The Red top's are really just a regular battery and I don't think they are worth the price.



Earl

 

[rayS197]

Earl, you forgot to mention the battery we saw yesterday @ MIR.

Here is an option for you seeing you run the car. It weighs in @ 8.8lbs with . Pricy though!!!!!!!!

http://store.jpcracing.com/12v-LIGHTWEIGHT-Lithium-Battery_p_1824.html

 

[retfr8flyr]

Yeah Ray, that thing just passed through my mind without leaving a mark. lol


Earl

 

[Greg Hazlett]

$800 for a battery can do that to you when you can buy the Deka ETX 14 for $70 shipped and saves 25 lbs off the front of the car!!!!

 

[pwd72s]

Earl, you forgot to mention the battery we saw yesterday @ MIR.

Here is an option for you seeing you run the car. It weighs in @ 8.8lbs with . Pricy though!!!!!!!!

http://store.jpcracing.com/12v-LIGHTWEIGHT-Lithium-Battery_p_1824.html

Pricey, you say???? That's flat out $uper $pendy!

 

[GoFaster06]

I have the Yellow top and run my water pump between rounds to help with cooling. I have never had any problem with it getting weak during a race. I have also never had any problems with it when I drive it regularly. The car sits for long periods in the cold months, as I don't drive it that much. I don't use a battery tender, the garage is part of the house and I don't like leaving anything electrical running unattended but I have a battery charger with a Gel Cell deep cycle setting and hook it up in the winter every 3 weeks. The battery is never very low and it doesn't take very long to bring it back to full charge.

I really like the Yellow top and highly recommend them from my experience. The Yellow top's are a true Gel Cell type battery. The Red top's are really just a regular battery and I don't think they are worth the price.



Earl

Thanks for the input Earl. Do u have the same model as I stated above? Does it fit in stock location without modification?

 

[Thekid760]

I also have a duralast gold, so issues yet, over 1+ years so far, shaker 500, I dont ever turn it off, and the car frequently sits for 3-5 days between drives.

 

[ZmanM3]

I've actually had my yellow top for almost 5 years now.

 

[retfr8flyr]

Thanks for the input Earl. Do u have the same model as I stated above? Does it fit in stock location without modification?

I don't remember the model number but I have mine mounted in the trunk so I can't help with what fits.


Earl

 

[SeVeReDiStOrTiOn]

Another duralast here haven't had any issues with it. My car is a DD so it doesn't sit very long but I go to drive-in's a lot and she never fails to start after having the radio on for 2-4 hours. And it was only $100 with a core at chinazone so that's hard to beat...3 yr replacement 8 yr limited.

 

[lostsoul]

save yourself money and get the dimensions and hit walmart.. I got one evermax( I think) that was much better then stock and like 50-60 bucks.. has been working great for 2 years

 

[AOnorato]

Optima redtop...great choice.