Juha G

Hey folks,

I just got back from a 5 week trip to Europe and the battery in my GT3 is completely wasted (was actually shot already before I left).
So I went to Advance Autoparts close by and instead of getting a direct replacement for the OEM Bosch battery I got a red top Optima (34R). It fits ok other than the fact that it's shorter than the OEM battery and it's off of the bolt pattern so I can't secure it properly.

Now before I start fabricating a custom bracket for it, I read the manual and noticed that Optima offers so called DIN standard adapters to make the battery lenght from 228 mm to 248 mm. INFO HERE -> Optima adapters

Advance Autoparts didn't have these and it was too late to call Optima so I have to call them tomorrow to see if they have these and if they actually work with the 34R.

Does anyone have any experience with these adapters, do they work with the 34 series batteries? I tried searching but couldn't find anything regarding Optimas own adapters...

GT3 Chuck

I don't think Optima has one for the GT3...GMG in southern calif. makes a custom bracket for optima and 996

http://www.gmgracing.com/images/gmgbatterytray2big.jpg

996FLT6

I have one but it's been located at the front bottom trunk(requires drilling holes-you will cringe looking underneath your floor pan. Ordered a battery relocation tray from performance products but I know they also sell the odyssey one where they have the original location and said braket to mount. Mike

NJ-GT

I have an Optima red top battery.

Optima doesn't provide the European adapters to the retailers. You need to call Optima directly and request the European adapters, they will send it to you free in the mail.

With the adapters, the Red Top 35/75 is a perfect fit on all the 996 including the GT3.

Juha G

Update: I just called Optima. They are sending me the adapters free of charge. And they do work with the 34-series batteries!

DupaHead

I wonder if they will work with the 34/78 battery. It looks like the 34R has tabs that stick out on the ends unlike the 34/78 battery...

DupaHead

I just spoke to someone at Optima.... The lady said they don't cary those kinds of adaptors, and just the ones that come with the battery.... I must have talked to someone who doesnt know what they are talking about.

What number should I call????

Juha G

I called 1-888-867-8462 (1-888-8-OPTIMA). Dialed 0 for operator and got to speak with a nice guy who told me they will send me the DIN adapters for the 34R Red Top.

Just tell them that you have purchased a red top and need the DIN H5 adapters.
They don't sell batteries for 911's (due to venting requirements) but you don't have to tell them it's for a 911...

DupaHead

Sweet! Just talked to some guy now... had no problem... will be sent out today....

mxdave74

For future reference.... I highly recommend these guys. Odyssey Battery are the original manufacturers of spiral cell long life batteries before selling to Interstate and starting fresh with the Odyssey name. I've had Optima's last only a bit over 3 years, while my Odyssey battery is soon to be 6 years old. I know GMG, CDOC or someone advertises mount kits for the Odyssey battery.

porschedog

I've got two Odyssey batteries on my boat - they are the best. I'll be ordering one for the 996 shortly, now that I know which adapter to request - thanks.

DupaHead

I got my optima battery adaptor in today, however it appears it won't work for the 34/78 battery as it makes the battery wider not longer. Juha, did you get your adaptors in for the 34R? If so, let me know how that worked out. I'll just sell my battery and start over....

From the pictures, it looks like the 25/75 battery has a different footprint than the 34R, so I'm still unsure about that one....

DupaHead

Hey Guys... These are the adaptors Optima sent me... Are these the right ones???

Juha G

Yep, those are the ones that Optima sent me as well. They do not fit the 34R, unlike I was told by the rep.

BUT, don't sell your battery just yet!

I had a local Porsche shop modify an OEM bracket to fit the 34R today.
It only required drilling an additional hole and shaving off a bit of the bracket. (no modifications to the battery tray were needed). A very easy and fast fix!
I think they charged me 1/2 hour labor for that, which is very fair in my opinion!

I'll try to post a photo and see if I could get the part # for you!

EDIT: Here are the photos and the Porsche part number is: 96461120901 - Battery hold down bracket (I guess it's for a 964!?)

Oak

I made a polyethylene plastic base poped a couple holes and used the stock mounts.