95_993

I noticed a number of folks that have gone with the OPTIMA battery. Are there any drawbacks (other than cost)? Are they that much better? Can I use my std. trickle changer during storage?

TheOtherEric

The main drawback is that they are complete pieces of ****... you'll be lucky to get 2 years from one.

Other than that, they're great.

I believe I'm on my 4th.

Akerlie

The yellow tops are good, the red tops are crap.
I bought a Odyssey battery for the porsche but i use Optima yellow tops in the Jeep.

NC TRACKRAT

I'd say that the No.1 advantage is the virtual elimination of battery acid damage. Lots of posts for OPTIMA, ODYSSEY, BRAILLE, etc.

Van Larson

FWIW, I have used Optima's in a variety of daily driven vehicles for 10+ years. I write the "in use" date on the top. Currently, 2 vehicles (daughter's WRX, my 92 964) have red tops of 8 and 6 years age, respectively--no problems, no defects.

gr1275

I have had the red top in the turbo now for five years. No problems... although I do keep a trickle charger on it as it sits for a month or more at a time. I have had one in the street rod for eight years without a problem.
As for performance, I'm not sure they actually out perform a good lead acid battery. I've had good luck with them over the years and are comfortable with the cost.
Gary

vincer77

I installed a Yellow Top in my car. Not an exact fit, but it does fit. I am hoping for longer life, but I am especially fond of the no leak feature of the battery design.

2Many Cars

I have a red top that is now about 5 years old. I went through 2 others in about 1 year before this one (both were warranty returns). Once you get a good one they work great but be sure you have a proper charger/maintainer that is designed to work on Optimas, not just a run of the mil trickle charger as those can contribute to early failure.

TheBen

isnt there a special bracket (from Rennline) that allows these to fit securely?

vincer77

Looks like they make brackets for "Odyssey" dry-cell batteries - not the Optima.

95_993

What size is a direct fit for 993? They don't list Porsche in their application guide. I think I saw Model 35 somewhere in my search, but wanted to confirm. Considering the Optima vs Odyssey. OPTIMA is $85...might be worth a try.

vincer77

Mine is a 35. It is not a "direct" replacement, but it fits.

gr1275

I'm using a #35 in a 964 along with the OEM tie down. Although it's a touch taller, it's small enough in the other dimensions to leave enough room for a battery cut-off on the negative side.

Gary

shu

I recently installed a 35 red top. Other than a slight mod to the oem bracket, fits perfect

fast_freddy

I had a new Optima in my car when I bought it in late 2004. It was shot within 18 months. Replaced it with an OE "Porsche" battery which lasted a little over two years. Now I have an Odyssey, lets see how that goes.