Problem with Red Top Opitma. (Not a good day)

by **ZXLNT** » Sat Jan 11, 2003 5:10 pm

Since my stock battery was pretty much shot, and the stereo system was killing it, I decided to get a red top Optima. I had everything I needed, Rockford Battery Terminals and Stinger power connectors and all my wire. So I go to install this thing and the first problem is the battery posts are in opposite positions from stock. So now my stock wiring which I am wanting to leave is allmost too short. Then the factory battery post clamps are too large and wont clamp down on the battery posts. So I make a temp fix for that for tonight.

Next, now my small power wire for my 4x50 amp wont reach over to the Rockford terminal.

Also the airbox for the filter is in the way of the 1 gauge power wire coming off the top post.

Lastly the factory battery hold down bracket wont work.

It was not a good day.

by **Peter** » Wed May 07, 2003 6:52 pm

did u ever get this fixed? im having the same problem. most people are re-wiring to make the wires longer and putting the plates under to have it reach the stock bracket. im thinking of turning it sideways...im not sure though

by **Luc** » Wed May 07, 2003 7:24 pm

Hot dang...1 gauge!!!

You definitely got some jumper cables, but is it really necessary? There are two things you can do to make it fit perfectly: 1) reroute all the power (starter and main fusible link) and ground (under battery tray and to engine block) cables, 2) get the free Optima plate (from them) that will elevate the battery so the tie down can be used.

by **xXsolaraXx** » Wed May 07, 2003 10:36 pm

i got a solution: relocate the battery to the trunk and just reroute and extend the wires there...(my shop did this) its a lightning audio battery made for enclosed areas...i dunno just a thought! L8r moe :evilbat:

by **Peter** » Wed May 07, 2003 11:26 pm

good suggestion, but the rear already sags lower than the front w/ the eibachs, relocating would worsen the situation and decrease trunk space. if i had coil overs and didnt care for trunk space, i'd do it

by **Guest** » Thu May 08, 2003 11:10 am

Luc wrote:Hot dang...1 gauge!!! You definitely got some jumper cables, but is it really necessary? There are two things you can do to make it fit perfectly: 1) reroute all the power (starter and main fusible link) and ground (under battery tray and to engine block) cables, 2) get the free Optima plate (from them) that will elevate the battery so the tie down can be used.

Luc I tried contacting Optima, and no one replied to my inquiry for an optima batter plate. Any suggestions? I'm willing to buy one too.

by **Luc** » Thu May 08, 2003 10:48 pm

Hmm...that's weird, when I called them from back then, they obliged and sent me one. Here is what it looks like, it can be attached on the top (protection) or bottom (elevation). Obviously, it's needed for elevation. You can probably contact the place where you picked up the Optima from and ask them.

by **Slipstream** » Fri May 09, 2003 12:39 am

All you need are some battery cable extenders. Then what you do is turn the battery around so that the poles are in the correct position and stick the clamps on. It's pretty simple. And get a longer power wire for your amp while you're at it. I used a couple pieces of wood to elevate the battery.

by **Guest** » Fri May 09, 2003 12:54 am

Luc wrote:Hmm...that's weird, when I called them from back then, they obliged and sent me one. Here is what it looks like, it can be attached on the top (protection) or bottom (elevation). Obviously, it's needed for elevation. You can probably contact the place where you picked up the Optima from and ask them.

I'm getting mine from costco... BTW that was me the guest who posted up there.

by **808Camry** » Fri May 09, 2003 1:01 am

Doh that was me, I guess I wasn't logged in..

by **SC V6** » Fri May 09, 2003 6:16 am

I have 2 batterys.. a interatate battery that fits in teh front.. and an optima battery for my subs. I have an isolator which makes the alternator run to both the back battery and the front. It works out great

by **Peter** » Fri May 09, 2003 8:25 am

Anonymous wrote:
Luc wrote:Hot dang...1 gauge!!! You definitely got some jumper cables, but is it really necessary? There are two things you can do to make it fit perfectly: 1) reroute all the power (starter and main fusible link) and ground (under battery tray and to engine block) cables, 2) get the free Optima plate (from them) that will elevate the battery so the tie down can be used.

Luc I tried contacting Optima, and no one replied to my inquiry for an optima batter plate. Any suggestions? I'm willing to buy one too.

i just called and they're sending me one right now. (888-867-8462)

by **Luc** » Fri May 09, 2003 9:13 am

Scottv6 wrote:I have an isolator which makes the alternator run to both the back battery and the front.

Does the isolator rob 0.7V from the batteries? Usually, it's just a diode drop, and that could affect your amps' (if unregulated) power output.

by **Luc** » Fri May 09, 2003 9:21 am

Slipstream wrote:All you need are some battery cable extenders. Then what you do is turn the battery around so that the poles are in the correct position and stick the clamps on. It's pretty simple. And get a longer power wire for your amp while you're at it. I used a couple pieces of wood to elevate the battery.

Before I reran the power cables, I added extra length so it would reach the terminals. However, I noticed that there was slight corrosion that occurred, which told me that the connection wasn't good. Once I completely reran the cables, no more corrosion. I had built a platform before I got the Optima plate, though it worked fine, but I was still skeptical since it was made out of 2 layers of 1/2" wood wrapped by speaker cloth, and there is a possibility if it caught some sort of spark, then it can ignite. I suggest you replace it.

by **808Camry** » Fri May 09, 2003 9:32 am

Peter did you have to read any info from a receipt or anything?

Problem with Red Top Opitma. (Not a good day)

Problem with Red Top Opitma. (Not a good day)

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