Which model Optima battery?

[Nefarious]

Hi all. I'm a new owner, but the car doesn't arrive until next Friday (so I'll do my big wavy hello post then).
First job to do is replace the battery, so I was going to stick one of those Optima jobbies in there. Can anyone whose got one confirm which model fits, as the quoted width on all their 12v range is 10mm wider than the Halfrauds Type 072 that most people seem to use as a replacement.

Will this fit: http://www.fourleafbatteries.co.uk/optima%C2%AE-redtop-p-7.html?osCsid=4a5dde668f9cee333778852fbc95ca8f 

Cheers

N

[FUBAR]

Cant help you with the type, but normally its the height to the terminals thats the problem, not the width (to a certain degree).

I bought a Halfwits 072 in early summer and it just fits, but someone has posted on here recently that the new 072 batteries are fractionally taller and dont fit

[Nefarious]

Are there any differences between the different models? Mine's a 4.5

[FUBAR]

I doubt it very much. Should be the same for all 3 models (and TBH not everyone has the same make/type of battery in their Cerbs. Just need to find one that will fit, terminals the right way round and enough 'juice' to turn a Cerb over?)

HTH

[900T-R]

The width is 10 mm more than most because of the base sticking out a bit on both sides. If it fits the battery tray, and the height corresponds with what you had, there's a very high probability of it fitting (as long as the + and - terminals are not reversed compared to the old one...).

Of course, you could also trim the base somewhat, but that might have repercussions if you need to return it for warranty.

Edited by 900T-R on Wednesday 19th September 13:17

[ridds]

Wouldn't bother, had one, not very good.

Had a blue top marine spec one and it lasted about 3 years. Never heald a long charge like they should.

Just chucked an 072 in and lasts a good 2-3 weeks without being used. Just find one with High Cold Cranking Amps and capacity.

[900T-R]

Hmmm, got seven years of use with l o o o n g interims out of my humble Redtop - it would start the car with ease even after having left it for months. Can't complain really.

[Steve_T]

ridds said:

Wouldn't bother, had one, not very good.

Had a blue top marine spec one and it lasted about 3 years. Never heald a long charge like they should.

Just chucked an 072 in and lasts a good 2-3 weeks without being used. Just find one with High Cold Cranking Amps and capacity.

Good point this; the Optima batteries may have a high cranking current, but their capacity is low 44 (3.7L) or 50Ah (4.2L), hence the battery will not hold charge as long as a regular type 072. Their light weight is good in a race car, but their lower capacity can be a pain in a road car. There's a Hawker Odyssey PC1500, which also has a high cranking current like the Optima, but that has a more suitable capacity of ~70Ah. Both are very expensive batteries though.

Steve.

[Erich Stahler]

900T-R said:

Hmmm, got seven years of use with l o o o n g interims out of my humble Redtop - it would start the car with ease even after having left it for months. Can't complain really.

Same here, had a Redtop in my Cerb for getting on to two years and always started first time, even after car sitting idle with alarm set for a couple of weeks or so.
Only slight drawback is it's slightly smaller than standard battery so had to get inventive fix fixing clamp to stop it sliding about in its cubby hole.

[FeelTheNoise]

I replied to the 'Halford 072 not fitting' post to confirm it is now too tall. And I ended up buying that very battery you have at the end of that link (Optima red top part no 8022-255). It is nice and small so it is sooo much easier to fit into the battery space and, yes, you will need to put some sort of padding behind the battery to stop it moving around.

We will see how long it lasts, but I'm back to starting first-time and grinning ear-to-ear after a little jaunt this afternoon!

Phil