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i can get a barely used (3-5k miles) red top for $50 from a local. i'd like to know if a red top will benefit me over the OEM battery im already running. im expecting to reduce dims, overall electrical system strain, and voltage drops. will the red top help me prevent these issues? what benefits will i see upgrading to a red top over the OEM batt?

running about 1600wrms with OEM alt, upgraded grounding and big-3

 
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If that's what you're looking for you'd probably be better off with a yellow-top.

Check out the Optima website...they should have stats/graphs showing the difference between OEM, red, yellow

 
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yellow top = stereo systems
red top = ignition systems (performance oriented)
blue top = rediculously large stereo system/boat

as far as reducing system strain and voltage drops, you are going to need a new alternator to do that. The car runs off the alternator while being driven not the battery. Hence the reason why your headlights dim, 80? amp alternator with a 1600wrms amp means you are sucking a ton of current. I would consider a new alternator if that is what you are truely trying to eliminate.