Well, after about 5 months of owning my 2KSE, my battery seemed to die on me of all days...Christmas! I was keeping an eye on it,(about a few days before it died), because it slowly cranked like it didn't want to start when the outside temperature was like 50 degrees. I checked all the cells, but apparently half of them were quite low on water and I refilled to proper level. Well, this helped for a few days, but it may have been too late. The cells seem to be no good. This is a factory Nissan battery, and I don't want to replace with another Nissan brand. I think they are not well worth the money. My question, though, is that I know Optima batteries are outstanding for our Max's, but I am unsure of what "color" and number type of Optima battery to purchase---red or yellow and what brand number? What do you guys recommend, and those who have Optimas in their car, what type do you have? Thanks for any honest opinions!

 

If you have a system the Yellow is the best way to go. If you have a NOTHING then go with the red.

 

After 7 years, my factory Nissan battery crapped out, I bought a red-top, I have a system (no more than 1200 watts max) and it seems to be working fine.

 

Yeah, I was told the yellow was good for sound systems and other powerful accessories, mainly for reserve purposes. I heard the red was just as good, but has better CCA. I may go for the red. By any chance, does anybody know the "group tag number" of the red top? They have different numbers, and I want to get the correct one.

 

The YellowTOP is a deep cycle battery. Meaning you can discharge it completely and take it all the way back up to full charge without any damage to the battery.

Most batteries once discharged never achieve full charge again. I can attest to the YellowTOP's discharge capabilities. I once ran it down all the way, left my lights on by accident. I was able to charge it all the way back up without any problems. This was 2 years ago and its still running.

The Optima RED is also an outstanding battery for your car, if you don't require the deep cycle function.

 

IF YOU have a system shouldnt u change your alt?
becuase once you start your car the battery really dont have anything to do with the car?
no?
can some one correct me if im wrong?

 

My 6 year old OEM battery died last year and I replaced it with a Sears Silver grade $60 battery. No problems. I don't quite see the lure of the Optimas unless you have money burning a hole in your pocket or a serious stereo system.

BTW, did you try putting distilled water in the battery and bringing it to the "full" mark? This may solve your battery problem for $.99.


Dave

 

Yes, I filled it with distilled water, but apparently, it was too late. I checked the cells to see if any of them charged, and only one of them didn't. So, this meant my battery was shot. I had a '95 Max before I bought this one, and I pounded my aftermarket stereo everytime I got in the car. I went thru three batteries thru the life of the 9 1/2 years I had the '95. The stock battery went fairly quick, but the Sears Die-Hard golds I bought afterwards, worked out wonderfully. I just heard so many good reviews from the Optimas, and that is why I just want to upgrade to one of those, instead of the Die-Hards. Thanks!

 

i just get the beefiest one at Costco (Kirkland brand). I think i paid something like $55 and has lasted me for 3.5 years now in 125F ~ 12F weather. Never had a starting problem in freezing weather. Maintainance free, battery posts seem to stay perfectly clean, no post corrosion.

Unless you have some serious electronics in your Max I don't think you NEED Optima, imho. But then again I'm just a poor starving student, I just settle for functionality.

 

Oh im sure I dont NEED an Optima battery, but I am stupid and I think it looks damn cool in my engine bay.

 

How much are they? I'm guessing the yellows are only a tad more.

 

So get the Red Top Starter Battery. You don't nee the Yellow.

One thing that everyone is forgetting here is that the internal medium within Optimas are a solid gel material which makes them a lot more resistant to heat within the engine bay. Heat also kills batteries by evaporating the chemicals (water) within them. Optimas also use a different plate design which is stronger and can resist vibration. Hence the reason they last so long and you pay for them.

You're just not paying for a pretty blue, red, orange or yellow top. There's actually some real functionality in there.

 

Im about to get a red top, anyone have any good places I can get it cheap?

 

The Group 75/35 size is what you're looking for.

 

The group 34 is the direct replacement size but the posts are set in further from the edge so you have to bend the + terminal to get it to fit.

The 75/35 is a bit smaller and cheaper, but still has plenty of CCA and the posts are close to the edge. I opted for this size because of the post placement. No problems starting the car in cold weather.

 

the group size for 97-99 max are 24f

 

Yeah, I made the the mistake of purchasing the 34/78, and found out the positive cable could not reach! Around where I live, they don't stock the 75/35. I then had to settle for a Die Hard Gold. So, you say a 75/35 fits fine? Maybe, I'll order one someplace over the internet and take the Die Hard back! Thanks!

 

I have a Optima Red top. Great battery and I highly recommend it.

 

you dont need an optima, just get a regular battery with alot of cold cranking amps.

 

I don't know who has the best prices on the net, but here's one site.

http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/