stock battery vs. Red top??

MpSVX · #1 01-19-2006, 01:58 AM

I wanted to know the if there was an exceptional difference in the red top that would justify spending double the money for one? If you have used a redtop currently of previously your imput would be aprreicated. I just can't see spending $150.00 on one so make my decision easier with some opinions.

thanks guys

Mike

Ricochet · #2 01-19-2006, 06:20 AM

I've had a red and yellow and they made absolutely no difference at all. Sometimes I tried making myself believe the fan blew harder or the car started up quicker, but they didn't. Go buy your girlfriend a nice dinner or something.

svxfiles · #3 01-19-2006, 07:16 AM

The reason I bought mine was so that I could mount it in the trunk to make room under the hood for my supercharger.
It does not require ventilation, so there is very little chance of explosion.

mbtoloczko · #4 01-19-2006, 09:11 AM

Optima batteries are in a class of batteries called "sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries". They are sealed (actually nearly sealed) and require no maintenance. The Optima Red Top model 25 is the battery that Optima recommends for the SVX. Its about 10 lbs less than a standard battery for the SVX. These types of batteries typically provide good engine cranking power for their size. There is a penalty for the lighter weight though... They have a lower reserve capacity than a heavier battery. This particular Optima battery probably has a reserve capacity of around 60 minutes while a standard battery for the SVX would have a reserve capacity of 90-120 minutes. Optima batteries seemed to be way over-priced. The same technology is available in other brands of batteries that sell for less (Hawker Odyssey for example). Several people on the board have had their Optima battery go permanently dead after a relatively short period of time (less than 3 yrs). This may be due to the alternator voltage. SLA batteries are more finicky about the alternator charging voltage than standard car batteries.

Ricochet · #5 01-19-2006, 09:32 AM

My yellow top died in 10 months

rvnmaniac · #6 01-19-2006, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MpSVX

I wanted to know the if there was an exceptional difference in the red top that would justify spending double the money for one? If you have used a redtop currently of previously your imput would be aprreicated. I just can't see spending $150.00 on one so make my decision easier with some opinions.

thanks guys

Mike

I paid $110 at Autozone. Higher cranking power than the OEM, non maintenece battery. If its that much better than the OEM battery that is definitiely opioniated. I'm happy with it. I live in the NE and when i go out to the car on a very cold morning i want to know the battery will not be an issue.......

Ricochet · #7 01-19-2006, 10:07 AM

I see normal cars with normal batteries driving around in very cold weather without issues.. It's too bad you can't do core exchanges with your old battery when buying an optima or it may be worth it.

svxcess · #8 01-19-2006, 10:27 AM

I have had optima red tops in both of my SVX's, exceeding 3 years each, without any problems whatsoever.

I used the Optima battery red34-top terminal only
Optima #8002-0020 (34-980)

This battery is rated at 800CCA (BCI 0°F) and has a reserve capacity BCI:110 minutes.

It works really well if you have done the alternator wiring upgrade. I like the fact that
I can use it without the battery box (just a battery mat underneath). Gives me a lot
more room. Photo with aluminum-coated stock hold down bracket and knurled chrome knobs from a Lamborghini.

Advance Auto Part no. 16080022...$118.88

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dcarrb · #9 01-19-2006, 10:39 AM

I've been driving for over 30 years and have always gotten about four years' reliable service out of the cheapest no-name battery on the shelf, which is about the same anyone would expect from a top-dollar brand.

For the SVX, I splurged and went for a mid-priced no-name.

dcb

AFBeefcake · #10 01-19-2006, 10:55 AM

I got a 990 CCA battery from sears for around $90. Over two years with my stereo and it still works great.

MpSVX · #11 01-19-2006, 11:14 AM

thanks guy's I think I am going to go with the " you get what you pay for" theory.

thanks

Mike

STORMINORMAN · #12 01-19-2006, 12:15 PM

...which can be had @ GI Joes, on sale, for under $90.

More (discount) if you wait for one of their "30% off any REGULARLY priced item" coupons.

I really like mine. Same no leak, six-pack design as the more expensive brand.

CHEERS!

Ricochet · #13 01-19-2006, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by svxcess

It works really well if you have done the alternator wiring upgrade.

Is there a thread on this somewhere? Please explain..

Earthworm · #14 01-19-2006, 01:39 PM

It's the infamous alternator wiring mod. It's all over the place.

svxcess · #15 01-19-2006, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricochet

Is there a thread on this somewhere? Please explain..

The first posts give the test results after doing the mod. Post #5 gives detailed instructions and photos.

Here is the thread:

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...r+test+results

It doesn't take long to do. In fact I did three of them in a row at the Lafayette meet, starting
around 1:30am. (I am in the middle, the tired-looking guy staring at the camera is Zeppelin)

There are also photos in the How-to locker here:
http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/files/How-To/27325.pdf

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