Optima Battery

When I looked up the battery size for the Tacoma, Optima's site states "35." Is this a physical size or can a different size be used without changing out cables etc. Costco has a "34/78" yellow top for $160 or same size red for $120, so I wanted to go with one of those if possible.

 

I have read on other sites that the optima battery will fit with out having to do anything with the cables but you need to addd some type of spacer for the bar that holds the batteryin place. I'm not sure this is 100% the case for your battery you want but most people who have added that type of batt need to modify the bar some how!

 

I fit a dual post Optima. I used a side to top post adapter so I could use the side posts for the stock wiring. The posts are on opposite sides though. You have to make the cables cross over eachother. No big deal. In this pic you can just see the stock wiring on the back side of the battery.

The top posts are for accessories like my sound system.

 

Is there anything that pb doesn't have on his truck?

 

No, but you can EAT off the inside of his engine bay.

 

Very Nice!

 

What did this battery run you?....Also, what is it sitting on....it looks like an aluminum plate of some sort?

 

Thanks guys. Hey PB, how did you attach the battery holder to the truck?

 

I went through 3 optimas this year, as soon as the weather goes into the teens they last a week and there junk. 2 free ones after the first 1 i purchased. They freez, then will not charge even after they are warm. Store tested all 3 before giving me a warante 1. Great batt when the temp is above 40!

 

You must have gotten a bad batch or something. We've had both Yellow & red tops and they've lasted for years without any problems.

 

well last year i had 2 free replacements for both my show cars also, after winter even on the tender i went to start them and the batts were totaly dead.

 

I was wondering if you sanitize your engine bay and which food grade you have gotten after FDA inspecitons, A or B?

 

Are you still using the optima batteries or have you found a suitable replacement?

 

I have used the red tops with no problems. I live in Pa. and it can get cold in the winter. Had one in my ranger for 5 yrs with no problems. I also put one in my vette and no problems with it. The vette sits all winter, come spring I put a change in it and I am good all summer.

 

Its a billet aluminum tray made for optimas. There are usually a few on ebay. I like how it secures the battery at the base. Much cleaner than having a bar on top of the battery. Its not drop in. I had to drill some holes and bolt the tray in, but that's about it. It sits on the same steel support as the stock battery. No drilling through the fender or anything.

My optima did fine in 0 degree weather last week. But the best battery is an Odyssey.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Cool, Thanks! What size / type bolts did you use?

 

I forget. I've got bins of various size bolts. I just chose whatever size worked good.

 

Thanks PB. I have the same large storehouse of different bolts.

 

I had a redtop in my old ranger for 4 years -every winter it gets below O and no trouble. I took it out when I sold the ford and put it in my sons 4Runner...still goin.I also have one in my 64 chevelle which sits in the shop all winter.I just checked it and it's at full charge after sitting for3months.