Optima Battery - Cable replacement ?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: Central Oregon
Optima Battery - Cable replacement ?
To change over to the Optima Battery do you have to change the battery cables in a 1999 996 coupe ?
I did a search and nobody answered this question.
I did a search and nobody answered this question.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: Was Orange County, CA now in Charlotte
I just replaced mine last week in my '99 also. No need to replace the cable(s) but they barely reach. Placement of the Optima battery (left to right) is critical for this reason. I just drilled some holes in the OEM tray for the new battery. I ran a drill through the flange holes in the battery also because they're small and not round (I think they were rectangular).
On a side note, the Optima battery didn't feel that much lighter than stock. I think I heard about 15 pounds lighter. I didn't weigh them but it didn't feel that much lighter.
On a side note, the Optima battery didn't feel that much lighter than stock. I think I heard about 15 pounds lighter. I didn't weigh them but it didn't feel that much lighter.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 693
Likes: 121
From: Long Island (New York)
I understand that you don't need a longer cable if you use the "reverse post" group 34 red top (p/n (SC34R- used to be the orange top), which brings the positive terminal closer to the windshield. The reverse post one is harder to find, but any Interstate dealer should be able to get you one. Go to www.interstatebattery.com to do a zip code search.
Let us know how you plan to install it.
Let us know how you plan to install it.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
From: chicago
I used the red top optima with the side and top posts. The wires were connected to the top posts with no problem. I removed the metal battery tray. Then I drilled a small hole into it. The optima has 2 holes in its base where you can insert a screw. I attached the battery to the tray with two screws and then reinstalled the tray with the original screws.
Bobby
Bobby
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 693
Likes: 121
From: Long Island (New York)
Thanks, Bob. I'm thinking of going with the method described by Dieters Motorsports, which involves making a flat plate onto which the Optima battery is bolted. The plate then mounts on the standard battery tray just like the original battery. I'm thinking of substituting ABS plastic for aluminum for the plate to make it easier to work with. If anyone knows where I can buy 1/4" ABS plastic, please post the info.
For the instructions, go to the following:
http://www.dietersmotorsports.com/tech/2002/02-2003.htm
For the instructions, go to the following:
http://www.dietersmotorsports.com/tech/2002/02-2003.htm
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 693
Likes: 121
From: Long Island (New York)
Just spoke with a plastics mf'er. They recommended high density polyethylene over ABS plastic. Supposed to be high strength and resistant to chemicals, etc. Also fairly inexpensive and easy to cut, sand and drill.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
From: chicago
Yeah, i saw similar instructions elsewhere when installing my battery. Didn't have teh time or patience to make a mount but that is definately a more secure way to install the battery. I wouldn't worry about oils or spills from yoru battery because Optimas are sealed gel batteries.
Bobby
Bobby
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Just installed the yellow top Optima without any mounting kit since:
a> terminal cables seem to hold yellow beast firmly in place.
b> plastic cover above battery seems to offer requisite (?) insulation from external elements.
ANy safety issues here?
Sri
--------------------------------------
Alpine Silver/Black 2001 996
ex: Sky Blue/Black 1974 targa
ex: Black/Black 1977 911T
ex: Black/Black 1984 911 Cab
a> terminal cables seem to hold yellow beast firmly in place.
b> plastic cover above battery seems to offer requisite (?) insulation from external elements.
ANy safety issues here?
Sri
--------------------------------------
Alpine Silver/Black 2001 996
ex: Sky Blue/Black 1974 targa
ex: Black/Black 1977 911T
ex: Black/Black 1984 911 Cab
