Click here to visit LS1Tech
Click here to visit Performance Trucks
Click here to visit Mod Motor Tech
Click here to visit Modern Hemi
LS1Tech Wiki

LS1TECH  

Go Back   LS1TECH > CHASSIS, SUSPENSION, APPEARANCE > Stereo & Electronics
New! Use your Facebook, Google, AIM & Yahoo accounts to securely log into LS1Tech.com, click logo to login  

Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 10-13-2009, 10:38 PM   #1
TECH Enthusiast
 
Nightrydass's Avatar
 
Trader Rating: 0
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: In your sisters panties
Posts: 531
Send a message via AIM to Nightrydass
Question Optima Batteries Any Good?

This my 3rd battery in 5 yrs. My car has a +/- 800W sound system w/ a 1.2 Farad Cap. The origional battery lasted 3 yrs, the one i just put in last yr (BOSCH) lasted only 1 yr.

If i leave my car sit for a week, the battery normally dies. It is my Cap that is draining my battery, this i know b/c when i disconnect the Cap, the battery stays charged. Hell i have to disconnect the Cap in order for my Trickle Charger to work, as the Cap draws too much for the charger to compinsate for. Incase anyones asks about my setup, one "port" on my Cap is fed driectly from the battery, one "port" from the Cap is grounded to the chasis, and the last "port" on the Cap feeds my amp; like it should.

I need a battery that can handle a sound system. I suspect I'm putting to much stress on the battery and it is failing. When i use the liquid tester, 3 cells were at "recharge", 2 were "fair", and 1 cell didn't even move the needle. I also noticed i needed to add water, which i did, recharged the battery, retested, and got the previous results.

The only other things i have are my SLP fan switch (that is only used while the car is running), and my alarm system which draws practically nothing

How do the Optima batteries hold up? Red top or Yellow?
__________________
Tits or tires; it's going to cost you.
'01 Black SS M6
Quote:
Originally Posted by LS1-450 View Post
Sounds like a Jeopardy topic to me.....
Contestant: "Alex, I'll take A MODERN DAY SOMEONE, for $1,300." Alex Trebek: "It's not everyday someone runs over a curb, knocks a hole in their oil pan, keeps driving the car, asks for advice on the cost of repair, decides not to listen, and then goes with the highest quote." Contestant: "What is a Woman?"
Nightrydass is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2009, 10:47 PM   #2
On The Tree
 
bluetransam95lt1's Avatar
 
Trader Rating: 0
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 108
Default

Im in the same boat. I think Im going to get the yellow top from what I read. They sound like they hold up to anything.
bluetransam95lt1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-13-2009, 10:59 PM   #3
TECH Enthusiast
 
Nightrydass's Avatar
 
Trader Rating: 0
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: In your sisters panties
Posts: 531
Send a message via AIM to Nightrydass
Default

ok, at least im not alone. Anyone else?
__________________
Tits or tires; it's going to cost you.
'01 Black SS M6
Quote:
Originally Posted by LS1-450 View Post
Sounds like a Jeopardy topic to me.....
Contestant: "Alex, I'll take A MODERN DAY SOMEONE, for $1,300." Alex Trebek: "It's not everyday someone runs over a curb, knocks a hole in their oil pan, keeps driving the car, asks for advice on the cost of repair, decides not to listen, and then goes with the highest quote." Contestant: "What is a Woman?"
Nightrydass is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2009, 12:08 AM   #4
Registered User
 
Trader Rating: 0
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 40
Default

I ran a red top in my 94 Silverado for about 2yrs, with 3000watts yankin on it thru a 2farad cap... I then transfered the battery to my 86 Monte SS when I got rid of the truck and it lasted another 2yrs in that car before I sold it with the battery in it with the same 3000watts and 2 Farad cap hangin on it. I like them, altho I have heard storys of them lasting a year sometimes and dying out of nowhere.. Ive never experianced it tho
__________________
2002 T/A Black on Black M6 NHRA Edition Borlamouth catback.
N20zuki is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2009, 12:12 AM   #5
TECH Addict
 
hitmanws6's Avatar
 
Trader Rating: 7
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Orange, CA
Posts: 2,203
Default

recently their quality has been horrible. they last no longer than a standard wet cell battery now.
__________________

353 CI LT1: OEM Ram Air Setup, SLP Airfoil, Ported Intake,TB Coolant Bypass, 160* Thermostat, 209/217 .465/.485 116 LSA ISKY Cam, .550 Lift ISKY Springs, LT4 Knock Sensor, Edelbrock Shorties, GMMG Catback, PCMforLess Tune, UMI Strut Tower Brace, UMI PHB, Rear SLP Bilsteins, Heater hose mod *** SPONSORED BY WS6 RACING***WESTBOUND-PHK
hitmanws6 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2009, 02:20 AM   #6
On The Tree
 
Trader Rating: 0
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 118
Default

I just replaced my AC Delco battery with a Red Top. The positive terminal was so corroded on the Delco that part of the terminal on the battery came off with the screw and I had to get a whole new screw. So far the Red Top has not disappointed me..it cranks up immediately every time. I also have a Stinger Powercell in the rear powering my subs/speakers.

FYI the cheapest place I found for the 75/25 size was Amazon.com, I got mine for $137 with free super saver shipping.
__________________
02 Camaro Z28 M6 - SLP intake, kooks LT's, kooks catted y, borla catback, custom tune, bilstein/strano shocks, baer drilled/slotted rotors front only, baer sport touring pads front and back

my fquick
ncfastls1 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2009, 04:34 AM   #7
TECH Enthusiast
 
TransAm2002's Avatar
 
Trader Rating: 0
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 601
Send a message via AIM to TransAm2002 Send a message via Yahoo to TransAm2002
Default

Red top all the way. It has been in my 02 Trans Am for almost 6 years.
__________________
Brandon ~ 2003 Red Corvette Z06 1.68 60' 11.68 @ 118.59 motor N20-1.50 60' 10.71 @ 128.65
2002 Silver Trans Am Went 10.60 @ 130
TransAm2002 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2009, 05:28 AM   #8
TECH Addict
 
Trader Rating: 33
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,497
Default

Go with a Kinetik audio battery.
94'BLKBRD is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2009, 07:59 AM   #9
TECH Enthusiast
 
Nightrydass's Avatar
 
Trader Rating: 0
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: In your sisters panties
Posts: 531
Send a message via AIM to Nightrydass
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 94'BLKBRD View Post
Go with a Kinetik audio battery.
is it a regular battery or do i have to hook it up inline with a regular car battery? I don't want 2 batteries in my car.
__________________
Tits or tires; it's going to cost you.
'01 Black SS M6
Quote:
Originally Posted by LS1-450 View Post
Sounds like a Jeopardy topic to me.....
Contestant: "Alex, I'll take A MODERN DAY SOMEONE, for $1,300." Alex Trebek: "It's not everyday someone runs over a curb, knocks a hole in their oil pan, keeps driving the car, asks for advice on the cost of repair, decides not to listen, and then goes with the highest quote." Contestant: "What is a Woman?"
Nightrydass is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2009, 08:01 AM   #10
TECH Enthusiast
 
Nightrydass's Avatar
 
Trader Rating: 0
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: In your sisters panties
Posts: 531
Send a message via AIM to Nightrydass
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by N20zuki View Post
I ran a red top in my 94 Silverado for about 2yrs, with 3000watts yankin on it thru a 2farad cap... I then transfered the battery to my 86 Monte SS when I got rid of the truck and it lasted another 2yrs in that car before I sold it with the battery in it with the same 3000watts and 2 Farad cap hangin on it. I like them, altho I have heard storys of them lasting a year sometimes and dying out of nowhere.. Ive never experianced it tho
It is a 800W RMS system. I have an infinity 4-ch amp (144wx4 RMS), plus my 250W (peak) stealth box sub w/ capa-perfect speakers all around.
__________________
Tits or tires; it's going to cost you.
'01 Black SS M6
Quote:
Originally Posted by LS1-450 View Post
Sounds like a Jeopardy topic to me.....
Contestant: "Alex, I'll take A MODERN DAY SOMEONE, for $1,300." Alex Trebek: "It's not everyday someone runs over a curb, knocks a hole in their oil pan, keeps driving the car, asks for advice on the cost of repair, decides not to listen, and then goes with the highest quote." Contestant: "What is a Woman?"
Nightrydass is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2009, 01:14 PM   #11
12 Second Club
 
01 Trans-Am WS6's Avatar
 
Trader Rating: 3
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Saylorsburg, PA
Posts: 568
Send a message via AIM to 01 Trans-Am WS6
Default

I have only heard good things about Optimas
__________________
2001 Trans-Am WS6 M6 -MS3 cam, PRC Dual Springs, Texas-Speed Pushrods, Spec Stage 3 Clutch, BMR SFC's, Pacesetter LongTube Headers -Pacesetter Off-Road Y-Pipe - SLP Loudmouth w/ no resonator -SLP Lid -WS6 Store ShortThrow Shifter 12.56 @ 115MPH - 407RWHP 382Ft.-Lbs
01 Trans-Am WS6 is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2009, 01:27 PM   #12
Launching!
 
js2fst's Avatar
 
Trader Rating: 9
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: K.C.
Posts: 202
Default

Everytime I use one and sits two weeks it's reservess go down. Eventuly frying battery. Oil cell I have 2 bad optimas in garage or do a marine. I had a guy tell me he had a optima in the car. I told him to keep it . I would buy another new battery, because he was acting like he wanted more Money because of it.
js2fst is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2009, 02:01 PM   #13
LS1TECH Sponsor
 
KEE AUDIO's Avatar
 
Trader Rating: 58
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Marietta, GA
Posts: 2,125
Default

Never have any issues with my red top. Works flawlessly. That with the car sitting for weeks on end as well. Fires right up.
__________________

KeeAudio.com
KEE AUDIO is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2009, 03:54 PM   #14
Teching In
 
Trader Rating: 0
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Iowa
Posts: 28
Default

I have 2 red tops. One has been in my mustang for 4 years, it has been started on fire once and still works great The other one is about 3 years old and is currently in its second vehicle. I was running a 600W amp off the second one of them with no problems. Real happy with both.
__________________
96 Red Z28 SOLD

01 SOM WS6
07 Blue R6
65 Redfire Mustang
(04 Ford paint)
347 dynoed in at 426HP at the flywheel
sixtyfive is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-14-2009, 04:07 PM   #15
TECH Addict
 
Trader Rating: 33
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,497
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nightrydass View Post
is it a regular battery or do i have to hook it up inline with a regular car battery? I don't want 2 batteries in my car.
regular battery
94'BLKBRD is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2009, 12:25 AM   #16
TECH Fanatic
1995 Ford Mustang
My Garage
 
nightmarechevy's Avatar
 
Trader Rating: 5
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: San Angelo, Texas
Posts: 1,197
Send a message via AIM to nightmarechevy Send a message via Yahoo to nightmarechevy
Default

Used to have a yellow top on my truck several years ago and could leave lighting, stereo, etc on for hours and it would fire right up. It lasted several years and went through 2 vehicles and finally died with an old alternator. I put a red top in my Z and it lasted only around a month and kicked the bucket from the load from my cap. I ended up taking it back to my buddy a week ago and got a new one. I only drive my car once every month or two so I just hooked up a disconnect switch and connect the battery only when I am about to drive the car so the cap doesn't have any time to drain the battery. I was thinking of hooking up some sort of relay to the amp wire to only connect it when the car is in accessory mode so that the cap isn't pulling amps while the car is sitting. It would have to be a pretty heavy duty relay though.
__________________
98 Z28 - Click for mod list
nightmarechevy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2009, 12:34 AM   #17
12 Second Club
 
nitr0racing21's Avatar
 
Trader Rating: 1
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 827
Default

my redtopcant sit for more then 3 days without going dead
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by GloomyGT View Post
Nitrous is a legitimate form of forced induction. So no, it is most definitely not cheating at all.

Boost vs. Nitrous equates to fun times :beer:
nitr0racing21 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2009, 04:59 PM   #18
Teching In
 
Trader Rating: 1
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NC
Posts: 1
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by nightmarechevy View Post
I was thinking of hooking up some sort of relay to the amp wire to only connect it when the car is in accessory mode so that the cap isn't pulling amps while the car is sitting. It would have to be a pretty heavy duty relay though.
I used this to isolate a primary and secondary battery. Uses an ignition signal to activate. Worked perfect.


http://www.stingerelectronics.com/pr...=12&ParentID=1
00VetteCoupe is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2009, 05:26 PM   #19
Staging Lane
 
Trader Rating: 0
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Big Rock, IL
Posts: 60
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nightrydass View Post
This my 3rd battery in 5 yrs. My car has a +/- 800W sound system w/ a 1.2 Farad Cap. The origional battery lasted 3 yrs, the one i just put in last yr (BOSCH) lasted only 1 yr.
Ive had nothing but bad experiences with bosch car electronics, O2 sensors, relays, and even batteries.

Id go with a yellow top personally.
Ketis is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-15-2009, 06:31 PM   #20
TECH Fanatic
1995 Ford Mustang
My Garage
 
nightmarechevy's Avatar
 
Trader Rating: 5
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: San Angelo, Texas
Posts: 1,197
Send a message via AIM to nightmarechevy Send a message via Yahoo to nightmarechevy
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 00VetteCoupe View Post
I used this to isolate a primary and secondary battery. Uses an ignition signal to activate. Worked perfect.


http://www.stingerelectronics.com/pr...=12&ParentID=1
Hmm, nice. Think I will have to look into those.
__________________
98 Z28 - Click for mod list
nightmarechevy is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
audio, batteries, battery, camaro, car, diehard, expensive, good, ls1, marine, optima, platinum, pm1, red, sears, top, yellow


Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:53 AM.

LS1TECH - Archive - Top

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
SEO by vBSEO 3.2.0
Advertising - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy - JOBS