Big Tom

Before my system goes in this year I want to make sure my electrical can handle it, I have alot of 1/0 cable, looking into getting my alternator redone, and also I want to pick up a new battery. So I went around and got these prices


Optima Redtop (3yr replacement warrenty, 10yr total)
34/78 800CCA $158.96
35/75 720CCA $139.96


Excide Orbital (1.5yr replacement, 3yr total)
750CCA $179.99


I know Cosco sells Yellowtops but I havn't gotten a chance to go down and check what they have. But from what I've read on here they usually go around the $200 mark.

So my system will have 3 amps total and running up too 1300 RMS, is never on when my car is off, and this battery will be used for a starting battery. So personally I'm thinking it's between the Excide and the big redtop, but I wanted more peoples input before I make the purchase.

Sassmaster

iTrader: (2)

IMHO, get the orbital. it's a deep cycle, and can put out lots of power.

JohnnyToronto

iTrader: (2)

^ I agree get the excide orbital.
The red top is a better starter battery for cold winters and such, but it is not a deep cycle like the yellow top.

Tim Baillie.

Do a search on here, it's been answered to death pretty much and it's like everything else........................opinions.........

loudtdi

iTrader: (1)

I think they are all good choices....

Does Big Tom need a deep cycle if his system will never be playing with the car not running? No he does not.

The red tops are cheaper and have a better warranty.....easy decision in my opinion....but then it is only my opinion.

Cheers

Big Tom

Thats kindof what I'm thinking. Do I really need the bigger deep cycle or would the redtop suffice? I've never bought a battery link this before, so all I'm looking for is oppinions.


And for the record I did check out the search on this site and read up pretty much every post made about optima's and Excide, plus I have checked out thier websites and info etc prior to making this post. So even though yeah like you say Tim the topic has been somewhat beat to death I'm till looking for peoples oppinions given my situation.

Haunz

iTrader: (3)

The redtop may keep a slightly higher average voltage with the car running... but a deeper cycle will add a level of stability under heavy draw.....

(this is relative to power draw and alt output)


If you call around you might be able to find a dealer who will let you try a couple diff batts in your car with a DMM to see what works best.... ????

JohnVroom

Tell you what, on a cold day like today I think Cold Cranking Amps, warranty, and cold weather performance are important as heck

Big Tom

Well I went into Costco just to see the price on their Red/Yellow top batteries and found out they have both on sale til the 23rd. So I picked up the YellowTop for I think it was originally $217 then $46 off so the total of about $180 or so after taxes.

I got the D34/78, it's a bit bigger then my stock battery but I don't see much of a problem getting it in.

I'm assuming before I put it into my car it wouldn't be a bad idea charging it up first with a trickle charger?

GrizZz

Nope, It's ready to install now. Couldn't hurt if you have an automatic charger, but it'll charge back up in the first half hour of your engine running.