3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

Optima 51r Batteries

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 8, 2006 | 09:13 AM
  #1  
boosted94's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: c
Exclamation Optima 51r Batteries

I heard they dont make these anymore. Is there a replacement one from Optima or its equivilant that still fits in TurboJeffs battery tray.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2006 | 09:57 AM
  #2  
boosted94's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: c
Will this battery work Autolite Battery: Group 51r, 450 CCA; 530 CA; 70 Mins. RC. Keep in mind that I have a Honda starter button with a 30amp solenoid if that matters.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2006 | 10:12 AM
  #3  
rynberg's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member: 20 Years
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 14,716
Likes: 10
From: San Lorenzo, California
Why would it matter? Any 51R battery will work just fine. My Costco battery (<$50) has worked fine for over 3 years.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2006 | 10:43 AM
  #4  
boosted94's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: c
Im just concerned with the CCA. Whats the lowest you can go.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2006 | 10:46 AM
  #5  
xcelir8's Avatar
Full Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis
my optima crapped out and when I called about the warranty they said that there was a flaw in the battery design and they are being reengineered.

Are any of those replacements deep cycle?
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2006 | 12:37 PM
  #6  
TpCpLaYa's Avatar
T3DoW
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,755
Likes: 5
From: Chicago - NW Burbs
my optima 51r never ahd any problems untill one of the terminals pulled out ever so slightly and started leaking. It was because i didnt have a proper tray and the battery was sliding a lil bit and stressing the terminal. When i called in the warranty they didnt have any 51rs so i had to settle with a 51. I have to rig up some extensions so that that terminals could reach since they were now reversed.

Other than that i havent had ANY problems with the battery that werent user made


I remember hearing that the US military bought out Optimas entire supply for all the vehicles and such overseas
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2006 | 01:15 PM
  #7  
ReadyKW's Avatar
Full Member
Tenured Member 05 Years
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
From: Arroyo Grande, CA
Optima halted production of Group 51 batteries earlier this year due to quality problems. However, any group 51 battery will fit your tray as Rynberg pointed out. If you want a sealed battery, the Westco Miata AGM battery is the same depth as the Group 51 (5"), but is shorter and not as wide. Your tray can be easily modified to hold it tight. It is more than adequate for the RX7, but is not a deep cycle.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2006 | 06:09 PM
  #8  
NVMYRX-7's Avatar
If it's fast I'm There
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 852
Likes: 0
From: Waxhaw, NC
Go To Advance Auto

I have a Turbo Jeff Box with the Autocraft Titanium battery from Advance Auto. Trust me when I say that getting the Optima Yellow is a waste of money. I have one on my Mustang(nitrous heater and amps) and it’s not like it’s going to save you any weight nor is it going to add more cranking amps. The only reason to get a Yellow Top is if you have two or three amps in the car, have a desire to mount the battery on it's side (which no one really does) If you are into performance; you don’t have a huge stereo system in the car. The car calls for at least 500 cold cranking amps and Advance wouldn't warrenty anything less then 450 for the car, because of obvious reasons. Besides that don’t waste your money. Look below at the comparison.

Optima Yellow Top / Autocraft Titanium

Weight - 26lbs / 24lbs(est)
Price - $149.99 / $74.94
Cold Cranking Amp- 500 / 500
Reserve Power - 70 / 85
Warranty - 12Mon Free Replace/ 36Mon Free Replace
24MonPro Rated / 84Mon Pro Rated
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2006 | 06:09 PM
  #9  
Mahjik's Avatar
Mr. Links
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 27,595
Likes: 43
From: Kansas City, MO
Just an FYI for anyone looking for an Optima 51 any time soon:

Unfortunately the 51 models have been discontinued for the time being. We
are currently redesigning the equipment that produces these product lines.
At this time we are unsure as to when or if they will be brought back into
production. We do apologize for any inconvenience..

Please feel free to contact customer service at the number below if you
have any other questions. Thank you for your interest and support of Optima
Batteries.

Khanh
Optima Batteries
Customer Service
1.800.292.4359
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2006 | 10:08 PM
  #10  
Larz's Avatar
Potato Love
Tenured Member: 20 Years
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 4
From: Normal, Illinois
I got the Westco. I auto x and it hasn't slid around at all in the turbojeff tray.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2006 | 10:25 PM
  #11  
the_glass_man's Avatar
Will u do me a kindness?
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 5,030
Likes: 4
From: Parlor City, NY
Optima the most overpriced over hyped piece of crap I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with.
In my case 2 out of three are (were) bad.
Reply
Old Aug 8, 2006 | 11:07 PM
  #12  
moconnor's Avatar
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,678
Likes: 96
From: Bay Area, CA
I'd also recommend the Westco Miata battery. It is light, cheap and relocates nicely to the rear bins. It also fits securely in the TurboJeff battery tray.

Reply
Old Feb 7, 2010 | 12:43 AM
  #13  
dradon03's Avatar
Derwin
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,888
Likes: 0
From: MTL, QC
This is back from the dead but can anyone list the "sealed" or batteries safe for relocation use in 51R sizes?
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2010 | 12:48 AM
  #14  
SLKatzdorn's Avatar
Rotorhead
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Palmyra, PA
The new Optima 51R series battery and are once again available. I think they totally redesigned it because of all the failures.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2010 | 08:31 AM
  #15  
DaleClark's Avatar
RX-7 Bad Ass
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (56)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,622
Likes: 2,724
From: Pensacola, FL
I'm still not a big fan of the Optima batteries, I think they're overpriced for what they are.

But, there's not many sealed batteries out there if you relocate the battery, and a sealed battery is a must in the passenger compartment.

A good alternative is the Miata batteries as stated above. Most of them are sealed since the Miata battery is in the trunk - some have a vent tube that goes outside the car on the Miata to vent any gasses.

Dale
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2010 | 09:44 AM
  #16  
jm93rx7's Avatar
Committee Member #3
Tenured Member: 20 Years
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 1
From: S. Florida
Miata battery. Good to go.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2010 | 10:30 AM
  #17  
dradon03's Avatar
Derwin
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,888
Likes: 0
From: MTL, QC
Well the Miata sized battery is what I am more concerned about because I have not a ridiculous sound system but still a decent sized one so I am afraid it would be a little too small for my taste.

I looked at Braille but haven't found any reviews and their technical data totally confuses me when I try to compare them with their competitors.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2010 | 10:55 AM
  #18  
MOBEONER's Avatar
It's finally reliable
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
iTrader: (18)
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,514
Likes: 10
From: NEW YORK CITY
i have the optima 51r and it cranks just like the stock 750 battery. I never tried the miata battery but i can assure you the optima works.

the miata battery $140.00 with shipping
optima battery $180 at your local store.

its only $40 dollar difference.plus the optima can handle a mild sound system.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2010 | 11:06 AM
  #19  
Mahjik's Avatar
Mr. Links
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 27,595
Likes: 43
From: Kansas City, MO
Originally Posted by dradon03
Well the Miata sized battery is what I am more concerned about because I have not a ridiculous sound system but still a decent sized one so I am afraid it would be a little too small for my taste.

I looked at Braille but haven't found any reviews and their technical data totally confuses me when I try to compare them with their competitors.
With most of the top-end batteries, you'll be looking at about $20-40 difference which is not a lot of money. Braille batteries are great, but they are typically more expensive than Optima for an equal battery. Odyssey is another which are great but typically around the same price as Optima.

Unless you go for something generic from Costco, you'll be spending about the same money for any of the name brands. With that, I've been an Optima fan.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2010 | 11:31 AM
  #20  
dradon03's Avatar
Derwin
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,888
Likes: 0
From: MTL, QC
I have a Costco 51R atm and it was great I just dont think it is sealed which is why I am looking for a new one....

I can't seem to find an Odyssey in the spec that would be right.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2010 | 12:05 PM
  #21  
Mahjik's Avatar
Mr. Links
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 27,595
Likes: 43
From: Kansas City, MO
If you have the money go for Braille. Next step down, Optima.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2010 | 12:52 PM
  #22  
dradon03's Avatar
Derwin
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,888
Likes: 0
From: MTL, QC
If I understand correctly this would be the model which would be considered appropriate spec?

B2618

http://www.braillebattery.com/index....tteries/b2618/

or probably rather a B3121

http://www.braillebattery.com/index....teries/b3121/#
Reply
Old Jun 10, 2011 | 02:19 AM
  #23  
red_dragon's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member: 15 Years
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 628
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area, CA
Originally Posted by dradon03
If I understand correctly this would be the model which would be considered appropriate spec?

B2618

http://www.braillebattery.com/index....tteries/b2618/

or probably rather a B3121

http://www.braillebattery.com/index....teries/b3121/#
Reviving dinosaur thread. I'd also like to know, which Braille is suitable in the TurboJeff tray and useable for a car that's driven about twice a week?
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
FC3S Timmy
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
16
Oct 3, 2015 01:08 AM
FC3S Timmy
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
8
Oct 2, 2015 08:08 AM
baix2
Power FC Forum
1
Sep 28, 2015 09:40 AM
Devon Murray
Introduce yourself
2
Sep 25, 2015 09:41 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:32 AM.