Optima Battery Installation help
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Utah
Optima Battery Installation help
Okay, I think I have narrowed it down to the Optima's. (Some one on the forum was going out TODAY to purchase their's - and they had intentions of reporting back on which ## they bought - ???)
I have measured, looked, poked and prodded around the battery housing compartments today. The Motorcraft batt sits in a "bag" on the battery tray. (What is this "bag" thing?)
From Auto Zone I was able to pick up a battery clamp that will fit over the Optima(s), and do a good job of holding them solidly in place, as they are much smaller.
The clamp has a J-Hook to attach to the tray -- HOWEVER, there are no holes in the side/bottom of the tray to attach this J-Hook, as in some other batt auto applications.
Have any of you used the J-Hook brackets? Did you just drill a suitable hole in the tray to attach....or?
Thanks for whatever help/ideas you might suggest.
I have measured, looked, poked and prodded around the battery housing compartments today. The Motorcraft batt sits in a "bag" on the battery tray. (What is this "bag" thing?)
From Auto Zone I was able to pick up a battery clamp that will fit over the Optima(s), and do a good job of holding them solidly in place, as they are much smaller.
The clamp has a J-Hook to attach to the tray -- HOWEVER, there are no holes in the side/bottom of the tray to attach this J-Hook, as in some other batt auto applications.
Have any of you used the J-Hook brackets? Did you just drill a suitable hole in the tray to attach....or?
Thanks for whatever help/ideas you might suggest.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 20
From: Mansfield, TX USA
The "bag" is an insulation blanket to protect the battery from heat.
Optima does not sell a battery that fits in a PSD tray. You will need an adapter. Optima will give you this adapter for free, just call them up.
Forget about the battery clamp that you bought, get the adapter from Optima.
Optima does not sell a battery that fits in a PSD tray. You will need an adapter. Optima will give you this adapter for free, just call them up.
Forget about the battery clamp that you bought, get the adapter from Optima.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Texas, just south of NY c
Personally, I would rather have the Motocraft batteries. I don't think that the Optima's have any decided advantage over the Motocraft. There is A Very Good reason that the Ford bat's are as Big as they are and it's called cranking Amps. You'd better off with the Motocraft's in my opinion........s.kuteman
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Utah
skuteman:
I know you referred to only the ca's. However, everyone is hollaring about CCA's, and "boy, you'd better use Motorcraft..." etc.
I looked at the Motorcraft batt's in the truck - currently 750 CCA. At least Optima has 800 CCA's.
What am I missing here?
And, what does the "adapter" LOOK like? Sit on bottom of tray? (can't imagine that) ? top?
I know you referred to only the ca's. However, everyone is hollaring about CCA's, and "boy, you'd better use Motorcraft..." etc.
I looked at the Motorcraft batt's in the truck - currently 750 CCA. At least Optima has 800 CCA's.
What am I missing here?
And, what does the "adapter" LOOK like? Sit on bottom of tray? (can't imagine that) ? top?
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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Hi, I installed the Optima Red Top batterys today I went with the 910 CCA the bigger one and I used the group 65 adapter on the back towards the "firewall" and used the GM adepter on the frount with the bolt hole in it so I can use the stock bolt. I tried bouth Group 65 adapters and found that only one Group 65 and the GM adapter workred the best. My batterys came with the adapters.
The Adapters for group 65 witch is the stock size snaps into the bottom of the Batterys in the small holes on the long sides
Bought at Autozone for 119.00 X2
The Adapters for group 65 witch is the stock size snaps into the bottom of the Batterys in the small holes on the long sides
Bought at Autozone for 119.00 X2
Last edited by Biwanylo; Jan 25, 2004 at 03:45 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Lexington, Ky.
my motorcraft are 850 cca. the super duty.
and i cant wait to get my new insulators, sure will look nice.
and i cant wait to get my new insulators, sure will look nice.
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Junior User
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From: Utah
Biwanylo:
Don't mean to beat a horse to death!!
I am also dealing with Auto Zone (Utah - where are you at?) and I do not see a "910 CCA the bigger one". Would you be a little more specific, Please. My price is also $119 for the 800 CCA's.
I have also gone to the Optima website - and they do not show a 910 CCA.......?
And ALL of my Auto Zones are telling me.."Gee, we don't have the adapters." I can't even find out what the LOOK LIKE.
I have a '96 F250. What are you driving? My batt's are in the FRONT of the engine compartment.
Don't mean to beat a horse to death!!
I am also dealing with Auto Zone (Utah - where are you at?) and I do not see a "910 CCA the bigger one". Would you be a little more specific, Please. My price is also $119 for the 800 CCA's.
I have also gone to the Optima website - and they do not show a 910 CCA.......?
And ALL of my Auto Zones are telling me.."Gee, we don't have the adapters." I can't even find out what the LOOK LIKE.
I have a '96 F250. What are you driving? My batt's are in the FRONT of the engine compartment.
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Senior User
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D's lur Ldy,
I'm sorry for the confushon i just looked and they are 800 cca 980ca. Ther are two diffrent sizes. I just had the wrong #'s in my head. I drive a 97 HD 4X4 PSD and the batterys are up frount by the grill. My adapters came with the batters taped to the top of them. I looked at pep boys and they did not have the adapters taped to the batteys. They come with them you just need to make shure you get them. I think the kids at the part store go what the hells this crap and do'nt tape them on. I know i use to work for Autozone back in 93. There should be three small black adapters in a small bag 2 long ones for group 63 and one for GM. and a small paper to show proper use. Witch I did not follow I used one group 65 on the back of the battery and the GM hold down on the frount. They mount like a stock battery if you do that.
Look around at diffrent Parts House and just have Autozone call Optima.
I'm sorry for the confushon i just looked and they are 800 cca 980ca. Ther are two diffrent sizes. I just had the wrong #'s in my head. I drive a 97 HD 4X4 PSD and the batterys are up frount by the grill. My adapters came with the batters taped to the top of them. I looked at pep boys and they did not have the adapters taped to the batteys. They come with them you just need to make shure you get them. I think the kids at the part store go what the hells this crap and do'nt tape them on. I know i use to work for Autozone back in 93. There should be three small black adapters in a small bag 2 long ones for group 63 and one for GM. and a small paper to show proper use. Witch I did not follow I used one group 65 on the back of the battery and the GM hold down on the frount. They mount like a stock battery if you do that.
Look around at diffrent Parts House and just have Autozone call Optima.
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Utah
Biwanylo:
Hey, guy - THANKS!! Some times you just get SO excited that you've got the thing installed - who CARES after that? (I just thought maybe there WAS a 910 CCA one - WHEW!! that would be nice!!)
I will have to beat someone up at my parts place to get the adapters. THANK YOU FOR THE DESCRIPTION!!
I really do appreciate your response.
(P.S. - Did you put the Optima back in the "bag" also? The heat-sheild.)
Hey, guy - THANKS!! Some times you just get SO excited that you've got the thing installed - who CARES after that? (I just thought maybe there WAS a 910 CCA one - WHEW!! that would be nice!!)
I will have to beat someone up at my parts place to get the adapters. THANK YOU FOR THE DESCRIPTION!!
I really do appreciate your response.
(P.S. - Did you put the Optima back in the "bag" also? The heat-sheild.)
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,067
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From: Fairbanks Alaska
I've been running Optimas for years. I never did get the adapter for either of my trucks. I just drilled out some holes and mounted them down. Haven't had a problem.
Something to note about Optimas
More vibration resistant than coventional batts.
Handle heat better.
Can't be spilled.
Better shelf life.
Can take more complete drain cycles than conventional batts.
And the #1 reason I use only Optimas
They don't need a battery blanket in extreme cold weather. While other batteries lose lots of power the Optimas stay strong.
Something to note about Optimas
More vibration resistant than coventional batts.
Handle heat better.
Can't be spilled.
Better shelf life.
Can take more complete drain cycles than conventional batts.
And the #1 reason I use only Optimas
They don't need a battery blanket in extreme cold weather. While other batteries lose lots of power the Optimas stay strong.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
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From: Mansfield, TX USA
Originally posted by horsecop
Jschira, I got the optimas last year and had to rig up with the hooks. Never have liked that way. Got the number to call for the adapters?
Jschira, I got the optimas last year and had to rig up with the hooks. Never have liked that way. Got the number to call for the adapters?
Toll Free: 888-8OPTIMA (888-867-8462)
Phone: 303-340-7440
Fax: 303-340-7474
From what I have read, all you have to do is tell them what Group size you have and what vehicle you are putting the battery into. I think that SD's need a Group 65. They'll send you the adapters in the mail for free.
At least, that is how it worked last fall for about 1/2 dozen people.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,788
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From: Mansfield, TX USA
Here are some quotes from The Dieselstop:
You can read the whole thread here:
http://forums.ford-trucks.com/ubbthr...fpart=all&vc=1
The Optima catalog does not list a battery for our application because they do not have one that will fit dimensionally in our "group 65" battery tray. I have dual Optimas and love them. They have done great here in the S.Texas heat. I called Optima directly and asked them about the fit in the tray. They sent me wing adaptors that go on the bottom of the battery on each side that allow the factory hold down to be used. Call 1-888-8OPTIMA and ask for a "group 65 hold down adaptor". I did have to do some dremel tool trimming of the driver side box. The Optima is taller in a small area and the posts are closer together. They fit as secure as the OEM and do not leak acid all over the place. We recently received an '03 F350 4x4 CC 6.0L at the fire station and we put Optimas in as a test vehicle for the city. You would not believe how many conventional batteries we eat in a year. I have the 34/78 group in mine and as far as the CCA's I could hear the engine spinning faster than it did with my two good OEM batteries. I got mine at Autozone for $109 ea. That price at Summit sounds like a good deal.
Optima type 65 adapters, which Optima mailed me free [received about a week or so after my call to their customer service ....] are plastic, clip-on brackets that extend the long sides of the Optima red top to match the long-side dimension of the type 65 so that your OEM battery clamp will lock in. Mine worked fine. As I recall, mine have '65' imprinted in the plastic. You do need to tighten down the battery clamps to get that secure fit.
You need to install one on each side! For 2 batteries you need 4 adaptors.
http://forums.ford-trucks.com/ubbthr...fpart=all&vc=1