Hey guys,

I just bought a Optima red-top battery to replace my old one. I'm installing it in the stock location and am looking for installation help. I've searched but I've only come up with people relocating to the bins. I know relocating distributes weight better, etc but I'm looking to install it in the stock location. The only problem I'm having is the posts on the battery terminals are reversed. The negative post is fine but because the positive wire has the "fuse box" on it, it won't easily mount without some kind of modification to the battery or the wiring. I would prefer not to change the wiring, so is there a method of extending the post with a bracket? Or I noticed the side of the battery has bolt holes so maybe I can put the battery on it's side to work? Any suggestions or what have you guys done? Thanks, -Joe

 

I had the same problem. I couldn't figure out how to mount the damn thing. Finally, I gave up and hit up Checker for a longer battery cable. There isn't much else you can do with the Red Tops.

 

That's not true. The Red Tops that they carry in stock have the terminals opposite of what we need. But you can def. get one that has the terminals switched, like how we need it. I have one, and it died, and just recently had a new one ordered (under warranty). It's Model #35, Part #35.

 

Hmmmm I bought it from Costco - maybe they'll take it back but I need one for tomorrow so I wonder if any other places have #35 in stock because this was the last one at the shop

 

Back when I bought mine it was the only one they had. Usually the battery with the switched posts needs to be special ordered. At least this has been my experience with the Optimas.

 

I was to stretch the cables far enough to fit, I think maybe I took a bracket holding the wires to the side off. It doesn't look so great though.

 

pics?

 

Sorry...I thought I made it clear in my post that it was special order when I said "just recently had a new one ordered." My bad. Two quick things about that tho:

1) I've found that the cheapest place to get them is Advance Auto Parts (they're all over the Eastern half of the US, except in southern Florida, where they're called Discount Auto Parts). $109.88 to be exact, w/ a 3 year warranty. Other stores (including Autozone and Sears) sell them for upside of $135, and only offer a 1 - 2 year warranty).

2) Special order just means they don't have it in stock today, but can have it in stock tomarrow morning. So it's not really a "special order." They just only have them sitting in warehouses because it seems we're the only (or one of very few) cars that need the terminals switched as such.

The only disclaimer I wanna put out is, while the Red Top is supposed to be a crucial battery, lasting this much longer and can stay unused for that much longer etc, my battery only lasted me one year. But then again, my driving habits are horrible. I don't drive her much, and when I do, I usually have the sound system blasting (and it's over a thousand watts). Plus, I have a Greddy pulley which slows down the alternator too lol...so that doesn't help.

Long story short, although the battery was the correct one they looked up for a 3rd gen RX7, I still say confirm that this is indeed the right size battery. But I just think my experience is because of my driving habits. Either way, the warranty will get ya a new battery for free, w/ another 3 year warranty on it

~Ramy

 

just buy a 0 to 2 ga battery cable with terminal, they sell them in different lenghts. then just remove the fuse cover and the stock terminal (10mm bolts) and bolt the connector there.

 

ok thanks I may resort to this in the meantime...especially since Costco IS the warehouse and if they don't have it then I'm most likely stuck with the battery lol Thanks guys...

 

Well, this is what I ended-up doing. They have a great deal here at Costco for red-top Optimas...they're $130 CDN for model 35. I just bought a battery cable (6" and 1ga wire) from Canadian Tire (national hardware/etc store). I took the battery connector off the fuse box (on the positive connector)...and I used that screw to attach it to the new cable. Anyhow in the end the installation looks great, works really well and it's totally reversible if I change things around.

 

Costco honors their warranties and accept refunds without any questions. You won't have a problem returning it.

Sounds like a great waste of money if it doesn't even last . I have a Kirkland brand battery (less then $40.00!) and it does just fine. The warranty is 3 year full replacent and a 10% drop each year there after for the next 4 years (4th year 90% replacement cost, 5th year 80% replacement cost, etc) you just can't beat that warranty.

I store my car and when I check on it in 3 month intervals I just take the battery off the shelf put it in and it starts the car just fine. I have a unorthodox underdrive pulley set as well so the alternator is "handicapped" in a sense and I also just take the car for a quick drive (5 minutes tops) evertime I start it and the battery still does just fine. I know that pulling the battery out of the car is different then leaving it in and driving the car on and off, but my point is the regular kirkland brand performs just fine and I think most people buy the optimas just for looks.

 

I got a new quote for ya Jason... that's all fine and dandy...but is it red?

 

That's a good one , and is also the reason for my last sentence...