Optima Battery
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 5
From: Slatington, PA
Not so sure about that. My 01 had originals when I changed them and they were 750 cca's. I ended up going with two Mototrcraft 850 cca's. Starts like a champ now.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 628
Likes: 0
From: Parker, Colorado
Optima's have a high return rate. Clay is correct. They are made in Mexico and I will not buy one. Even though I get them at cost. They are junk. Once they left country the quailty went down by 100%. They closed down the last plant in the states ( Aurora Colorado ) about 1.5 to 2 years ago. Go with Motorcraft or Cosco brands. Cosco was rated number 1 in the 2009 Consumer Guide.
Freshman User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
I bought a set of yellow tops and they were the best for about 1 1/2 and that was it. For the price i paid not worth it at all. I went to my local batterry place mom and pop place got some withh a two year replacement plan lot less and lot more CCA's out of them..Never plan to purchase optimas again....
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,158
Likes: 0
From: Paramount, Ca
I think the diesel engine might need to crank to hard for the battery. It has worked well for my explorer since I got it a few years ago now.
I think I have a spare set somewhere, I'd like to try them in my 7.3 for all of us that are wondering if they are any good for the big heavy engine.
I think I have a spare set somewhere, I'd like to try them in my 7.3 for all of us that are wondering if they are any good for the big heavy engine.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 628
Likes: 0
From: Parker, Colorado
In almost 6 years, I've hardly even seen a Odessy battery come into my store. And I see alot of batteries come in. I will not spend that much for a battery though. I will buy costco or the ones at my work. Happy reading all!
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh,Pa
My Red Top has bine in my 2002 TransAm chassis car for 5 years,my alternater doesn't charge till 2500rpm,and i put it on trickle charge the night before i go racing.I have had no problems with mine.I guess i have bine lucky!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,886
Likes: 180
From: Morgan Hill, CA
I ran the stock batteries from the truck's birth in 10/98 until about 2003. I put Red Tops in and they worked fine in 2008 when I pulled them to put in the Falcon and Dune Buggy. I put Yellow Tops in the truck then and they're still doing fine. One Red Top failed last year after 6 years but the other is still in my 64 falcon convertible (battery in trunk) and it spins the 289 right up.
Odyssey sounds good though. Is it made in the USA?
Odyssey sounds good though. Is it made in the USA?
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,330
Likes: 13
From: Eaton, CO
My Jeep's yellow top won't hold a charge anymore. I said screw it and bought a lead acid battery. I'm holding onto the yellow top to see if I can hit it with a 100amp charge to revive it. It seems like Optima batteries can't sit w/o dying.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,093
Likes: 147
From: San Diego, CA
Since Optima has moved there operations our of the country, to Mexico IIRC, the Yellow tops in my truck will probably be my last. I will probably go with Odyssey next as they have higher CCA from what I have seen. Not cheap batteries, but they are quality.
Odyssey PC2150 series battery
Odyssey PC2150 series battery
Thanks for the heads up Clay, I might have to reconsider when it's time for my next pair too...
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,093
Likes: 147
From: San Diego, CA
IIRC our trucks need at least 1500cca to fire up (electrics, glowplugs, starter, etc.), which is why one bad battery can leave you hanging.
