DIY Optima Red Top Install and Model #
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 7,097
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From: Jacksonville, Fl
Rep Power: 374 
DIY Optima Red Top Install and Model #
This is a really straight forward DIY with little complexity for an Optima Red Top
My stock battery went throught a terrible winter this year and a few weeks ago it was barely generating enough juice to turn my car over. I searched around and found that Optima had the best reputation. Optima has a yellow top battery which fits our civics, group 51 size. This battery offered substantial power over stock for running car audio with the car not running, called a deep cycle battery. However, I needed a starter battery with some life and a lot of CCA (cold cranking amps) due to the weather and frequent start and stop driving style. I decided to go with the Optima Red Top battery line. The model number for this battery is 9004-003, at it fits our civics. This specific application offers 980 CCA and 112 minute standby time with over 9000 starts, and side terminals for accessories like an amp. The stock battery size 51 offered 440 CCA on my 01 Civic.
1. Disconnect the (-) battery cable and then the (+) battery cable. Pull these off to the side.
2. Undo the stock battery tie down using a 10mm wrench on both ends.
3. Take the stock battery out. Remove the battery box. Remove the battery platform.
4. Drop the Optima in with the (+) node to your right.
5. Take the stock tie down and bend the tab back flush with the piece. Or you can buy a DC or STR tie down.
6. Bolt the tie down to the frame first then tug tie down the back end of the tie down.
7. Reconnect the (+) cable and then the (-) cable.
8. Run the car for 15 minutes to reset the ECU.
I noticed that the car turned right over with no hesitation. Also, the car seemed to idle much quieter. Headlights also do not dim when thumping the stereo and I do not have a cap on the system. I hope this helps when looking for a new battery.
My stock battery went throught a terrible winter this year and a few weeks ago it was barely generating enough juice to turn my car over. I searched around and found that Optima had the best reputation. Optima has a yellow top battery which fits our civics, group 51 size. This battery offered substantial power over stock for running car audio with the car not running, called a deep cycle battery. However, I needed a starter battery with some life and a lot of CCA (cold cranking amps) due to the weather and frequent start and stop driving style. I decided to go with the Optima Red Top battery line. The model number for this battery is 9004-003, at it fits our civics. This specific application offers 980 CCA and 112 minute standby time with over 9000 starts, and side terminals for accessories like an amp. The stock battery size 51 offered 440 CCA on my 01 Civic.
1. Disconnect the (-) battery cable and then the (+) battery cable. Pull these off to the side.
2. Undo the stock battery tie down using a 10mm wrench on both ends.
3. Take the stock battery out. Remove the battery box. Remove the battery platform.
4. Drop the Optima in with the (+) node to your right.
5. Take the stock tie down and bend the tab back flush with the piece. Or you can buy a DC or STR tie down.
6. Bolt the tie down to the frame first then tug tie down the back end of the tie down.
7. Reconnect the (+) cable and then the (-) cable.
8. Run the car for 15 minutes to reset the ECU.
I noticed that the car turned right over with no hesitation. Also, the car seemed to idle much quieter. Headlights also do not dim when thumping the stereo and I do not have a cap on the system. I hope this helps when looking for a new battery.
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 7,097
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From: Jacksonville, Fl
Rep Power: 374 Summitracing has them for 125 or so. I needed it quick and summit ships the item right away so I got it in 3 days.
Electric Boogaloo...
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From: Want to play a game?
Rep Power: 328 I used the standard sized optima red top (group 74 i think), available at advance auto parts for $104. You use the stock battery box, and tie down, only thing you don't keep is the battery cover. That thing isn't as pretty as the optima anyway. Took 5 minutes to install.
DIY King
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Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, US
Rep Power: 419 When I bought my Optima Red Top (model number in my Profile) I found that www.batteryweb.com had the best online price (shipped). I did some research at the time and found out that this sucker had the most Cold Cranking Amps out there (for the price). It weighs a lot, but the spiral cells are very motion resistent. Pro's and con's I guess...
Anyway, notice how the battery sits lower than stock... It's 1.5" lower. I made a battery holder which snapped onto the Optima Battery like a LEGO block. It has stainless steel pegs coming out of it. It's 1.5" high and is profiled to fit. It's basically a block, but I notched out certain parts using a router and a table with a guide to make it lighter and fit better.
I'll post some pics when I work on it again and make it even lighter. When I bought my Optima the Group 51 battery wasn't out yet. I might have gotten it if it was. It's lighter and is a yellow top (making it work nicely after multiple charges and discharges). The big red top has a high amount of CCA's though. Tough choice. I live in a cold climate though, so the big red top was right for me.
Anyway, notice how the battery sits lower than stock... It's 1.5" lower. I made a battery holder which snapped onto the Optima Battery like a LEGO block. It has stainless steel pegs coming out of it. It's 1.5" high and is profiled to fit. It's basically a block, but I notched out certain parts using a router and a table with a guide to make it lighter and fit better.
I'll post some pics when I work on it again and make it even lighter. When I bought my Optima the Group 51 battery wasn't out yet. I might have gotten it if it was. It's lighter and is a yellow top (making it work nicely after multiple charges and discharges). The big red top has a high amount of CCA's though. Tough choice. I live in a cold climate though, so the big red top was right for me.
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