M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS
DISCUSSION => Electrical => Topic started by: SheldonJace on October 02, 2008, 04:40:52 AM
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Okay so the battery the PO had in my car is too small and with winter approaching I need to go ahead and buy a good battery thats gonna last.
I'm looking at of course the Optima Red top and the Braille Endurance batteries.
Optima:
http://www.autobarn.net/optoppos750c.html
Braille:
http://www.brailleauto.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=74&idproduct=201#details
Price really isn't the biggest issue to me. I just want the best as I hate buyers regret. The optima is a whole 3 lbs lighter haha but it has less reserve capacity and less everything really.
Anyone have some input of batteries they've used?
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No one?
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I used an Optima redtop, and except for having to modify the cabling (since I couldn't find one that put the positive/negative terminals in the stock locations), I like it.
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I used an Optima redtop, and except for having to modify the cabling (since I couldn't find one that put the positive/negative terminals in the stock locations), I like it.
You had to buy one with reverse terminals?
Looking at the specs of the optima and the braille its just hard to choose.
Do you guys think the braille would be designed for longevity being that its "race inspired" or do you think the optima probably would outlast it?
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The problem is that the terminals are not in the same position on the Optima redtops - they are reversed (compared to the OE battery). In other words, with the battery sitting so that the top post terminals are closest to you, the positive is on the left rather than the right. If you turn the battery around so that the terminals are in the correct position for the cables, which you could do, that puts the side terminals on the Optima against the metal edge of the battery compartment in the trunk.
You could leave the plastic covers on those to lessen the chance that you'll start a fire (and make sure the battery is solidly mounted/strapped!), but I also wanted to use the side terminals for my stereo crap.
I was unable to locate a direct-fit replacement battery that had both top posts and side terminals.
Race inspired is great if you have a race car, but what works well on/for the track doesn't always work very well in a daily driver. Honestly, I've never heard of Braille batteries, but that means very little - I'm not a connoisseur of batteries.
EDIT: And if you look at the zoomed image of the Braille, it also has the top posts reversed compared to the OE battery. The only reason I went away from the Interstate I had in the car was because I wanted the extra terminals - the Interstate is actually a pretty good battery in my experience.
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I am very happy with my redtop. The car seems to run better and starts alot better! Mines a top post and i had no fitment issues.
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I have a redtop on my explorer. I went with the Optima because I hooked up my audio to it. I bought it in 2004 and it still outperforms others that I have had. For example, When I got the battery, my birthday was within 2 weeks of that. I threw a party and used my 2 Memphis 15" woofers that are in the trunk, along with the rest of the speakers, as my audio for the party. I had the system on for 8 hours straight without turning it on. I accidentally forgot due to excessive amounts of fluids consumed that were not actually water..........
When everyone left, I turned off the audio, and turned on the truck as if I had never used the damn thing. Of course, after 4 years of banging of thy speakers, I cannot do the same thing anymore on the same battery. BUT, the truck does still turn on as if new. I haven't had any issue with the Optima.
By the way, the redcap is mainly used for engine use. The yellowcap is preffered for audio use. You can't go wrong with gel cell.
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Hmmm. Thanks everybody!
And ak96ss I hear what your saying about whats good for race doesn't necessarily mean good for the street. And thats kinda what I was wondering with the Braille.
I think I'm just gonna save the 40$ and get the Optima Redtop since people usually say only good things about it.
Now I need new plugs, already got the COP conversion with coilpacks.
Can't wait to get her runnin!
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If you like the Red top try the Optima Yellow top.... ALOT better...
dlm
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Its a huge difference between stock and an Optima yellow top :)
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Yea ill definitely be buying an optima redtop. What size battery will fit? Meaning what's the largest that will fit in that trunk space.
Heyy I did some work up in fulton, month a little over a year ago. Your roads suck. Ever come to springfield?
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Dunno what the largest is, but I am running part number 8004-003, a group 34/78 Red Top. With 20/20 hindsight, I should have opted for the Yellow Top, since I don't drive the car on a daily basis anymore. Nonetheless, I'm pleased with it.
If you don't need the side posts, there is a Group 34 Red Top with reverse terminals that will probably fit better.
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Optimas are all the same size. They are too tall on my E36 but ehh, Some plastic covers on the posts take care of that.