Anybody install an Optima AGM battery?

[S4'ed]

My battery is going on 5 years old...thinking of a proactive replacement.....and found an Optima Red Top on sale for $125, no tax, free shipping.

[A4 Centaur]

Been waiting on a response to this question for quite some time now.

I would imagine it would work if you could get it to code. Red Top Optima batteries are darn good.

Shame to put in an heavy battery.

[S4'ed]

I don't think coding is an issue. It is not the battery that gets coded...it is the power management control module ("Battery Regulation" controller 61), which is just looking for a different battery serial number to reset the battery age to zero (new).

Anybody know the dimensions of the OEM battery? Determining if an Optima will physically fit is really the question here....of course as long as the CCA and reserve capacity are in the ballpark of the original battery ratings.

[infinkc]

I don't think coding is an issue. It is not the battery that gets coded...it is the power management control module ("Battery Regulation" controller 61), which is just looking for a different battery serial number to reset the battery age to zero (new).

Anybody know the dimensions of the OEM battery? Determining if an Optima will physically fit is really the question here....of course as long as the CCA and reserve capacity are in the ballpark of the original battery ratings.

The Optima will fit no problem, the factory battery is huge. Its just a matter how to secure the optima in the factory bracket.

[A4 Centaur]

^ Thread revival!

Anyone try making, building or buying a bracket which fits the B8 or B8.5 platform yet?

Looks like this Redtop with the base might work:

https://www.optimabatteries.com/en-u...rting-battery/

And weighs 31 lbs. which is less than the Yellowtop which weighs 37 Lbs.

So, the lack of responses regarding the question of an Optima Battery replacement had me doing some research and staring at pictures of the battery bracket and posts etc.

It looks like the dimensions are as follows:

Optima 8020-164 35 REDTOP/ Interstate MEGA-TRON PLUS 94R/H7 790 CCA

Length: 9.38, 12.44

Width 6.75, 6.94

Height 7.69, 7.50

Weight 31lbs, 42.9lbs


Looks like the clamp base on the Optima will work just fine. So I'll take a look around for a good price. Had an Optima in my VW TDi and was a darn good a long lasting battery. Losing a little weight is not a bad thing either.

[audistealth]

Sub'd. Please post if/when you have proof it works.

[A4 Centaur]

^ Will do. It looks like this will happen next week.

I think 10lbs isn't that big of a deal, but I guess every little bit counts.

Looking at that monstrosity of a battery just makes me want to make it smaller.

Reminds me of an F250 Diesel battery.

[scottycs]

I had one in a BMW that was only driven a few times a week. Nothing but problems.

[14S4GWM]

I had a redtop and two cells went bad, went to take it back for warranty and was told red tops have the most returns and to stick to yellow.

[A4 Centaur]

^ Thanks for the input. Will certainly check into that issue when I get to a price point and return policy that is appropriate.

Sorry to hear you both had issues with the Red Top.